For Audi owners in Canada, understanding the details of the water pump class action settlement is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview and the latest updates on the settlement reached between Volkswagen, Audi, and Canadian vehicle owners regarding allegations of defective primary engine water pumps. If you own or have owned an affected Audi vehicle in Canada, this information is for you.
Understanding the Audi Canada Water Pump Settlement
This nationwide settlement in Canada addresses claims that certain Volkswagen and Audi vehicles were equipped with defective primary engine water pumps. The lawsuit alleged that these pumps, critical components of the engine’s cooling system, were prone to failure. To resolve these claims and provide relief to affected consumers, Volkswagen and Audi Canada agreed to a settlement that includes important benefits for eligible owners and lessees. The settlement has been officially approved by the Saskatchewan Court, paving the way for compensation and extended warranty coverage.
Key Benefits for Audi Canada Owners
The settlement offers two primary forms of relief for Audi Canada owners who experienced issues with their water pumps:
Reimbursement for Past Repairs
Eligible Audi owners who previously paid for repairs to their primary engine water pump are entitled to claim reimbursement for those expenses. To be eligible for reimbursement, repairs must have occurred within specific time and mileage limits depending on the vehicle model year:
- 2008-2014 Model Years: Repairs within 10 years or 160,000 kilometers, whichever came first.
- 2014-2021 Model Years: Repairs within 8 years or 125,000 kilometers, whichever came first.
The deadline to submit claims for past repair reimbursement was June 3, 2024, and this claim period is now closed. New claims for reimbursement are not currently being accepted.
Extended Warranty Coverage
The settlement also provides an extended warranty on the primary engine water pump for eligible Audi vehicles. This extended warranty offers peace of mind to owners by covering potential future repairs or replacements of the water pump. Importantly, Audi Canada owners do not need to submit a claim to benefit from the Extended Warranty. If your vehicle is eligible and requires a water pump repair or replacement under the extended warranty terms, you can simply bring your Audi to an authorized Audi dealership in Canada.
Important Updates and Current Status
Here’s a timeline of key updates in the Audi Canada water pump class action settlement:
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March 2025 Update: The deadline for disputing claim rejections has passed. Currently, Class Counsel and Volkswagen are reviewing all disputes. The next crucial phase is the distribution of settlement compensation to approved claimants, scheduled to be completed before the end of June 2025. Keep an eye out for updates regarding the distribution process.
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January 2025 Update: All rejection notices for claims were issued by January 22, 2025. If you received a rejection notice and believe it to be incorrect, you had the right to dispute the decision within thirty (30) days of receiving the notice. Class Counsel and VW are currently working to resolve these disputed claims. Approval letters will be sent out with the distribution payments to those whose claims were approved.
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December 2024 Update: The online portal for submitting documentation to address claim deficiencies is now closed. During the Canada Post strike, the deadline for submitting deficiency documents was temporarily suspended. With the strike concluded, mailed responses to deficiency notices were accepted up to January 7, 2025.
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October 2024 Update: Second and final deficiency notices were issued to claimants whose submissions lacked required documentation. The deadline to respond to these final notices was November 21, 2024. Failure to respond by this deadline resulted in claim denial.
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August 2024 Update: Initial deficiency notices were sent to claimants with incomplete documentation. The deadline to respond to the first deficiency notices was September 7, 2024.
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June 2024 Update: The claim submission period for past repair reimbursement officially closed on June 3, 2024.
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February 2024 Update: Approval Notices were distributed to potential class members via email and mail, along with a press release to inform the wider public about the settlement and claim process.
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December 1, 2023: The Saskatchewan Court officially approved the nationwide settlement, marking a significant step forward in resolving the claims.
Eligibility and Claim Requirements for Past Repairs (Claim Period Closed)
To be eligible for past repair reimbursement (claim period now closed), owners of eligible Audi vehicles needed to demonstrate:
- Proof of Ownership: Documentation confirming ownership of the eligible vehicle.
- Proof of Repair Expense: Receipts or invoices detailing the cost of the water pump repair.
- Proof of Adherence to Vehicle Maintenance Schedule: Records showing that the vehicle’s maintenance schedule was followed.
Eligible vehicles included certain Volkswagen and Audi models within the model year and mileage ranges mentioned earlier.
Contact Information for Further Questions
If you have any remaining questions about the Audi Canada water pump class action settlement, you can contact the Claims Administrator directly at 1-866-642-0774. They can provide further clarification and assistance regarding the settlement process.
Conclusion
The Audi Canada water pump class action settlement represents a significant step towards providing compensation and support to Canadian Audi owners affected by alleged water pump defects. While the claim period for past repairs has closed, the distribution phase is underway, and eligible owners can anticipate receiving their compensation soon. The extended warranty continues to offer valuable protection for potential future water pump issues. Stay informed about any further updates from the Claims Administrator as the distribution process progresses.
