Audi Alternator Class Action Settlement
Owners of the vehicles in the class action complaint are claiming that the alternators, also known as belt starter generators, in several Audi models are defective. The settlement of this litigation is pending the judge's final approval.
The potential class vehicles are:
2019-2023 Audi A8
2019-2023 Audi A7
2019-2023 Audi A6
2019-2023 Audi Q8
2020-2023 Audi Q7
2020-2023 Audi RSQ8
2020-2023 Audi S6
2020-2023 Audi S7
2020-2023 Audi S8
2020-2023 Audi allroad
2021-2023 Audi RS6
2021-2023 Audi RS7
A putative class action lawsuit claims that in August 2021, electrical issues with his 2019 Audi A6 led to multiple warning lights.
After replacing the alternator and charging the 48-volt battery, the plaintiff got a letter from Audi in early 2023 informing them that the alternator was covered by an additional seven-year arranty. Next, the plaintiff launched a class action lawsuit seeking more than $5 million.
Like with other car class actions, VW/Audi chose to settle in order to halt the costly legal battle. VW/Audi disputes the accusations and informed the judge there is nothing wrong with the vehicles.
In accordance with the class action complaint concerning Audi belt starter generator failure, the carmaker ought to reimburse customers for automobiles that have electrical system defects and buy back the vehicles.
Audi Alternator Lawsuit Settlement
Prior to the lawsuit and settlement, Audi had issued technical service bulletins and extended warranties regarding the alternators and batteries.
Audi Warranty Extension / Reimbursements
If the Audi is not under the bumper to bumper warranty, owners will be stuck paying a percentage for 12-volt and 48-volt battery replacements as only partial reimbursements are available.
Audi will extend the warranty to cover the cost of repair or replacement by a dealer of a failed belt starter generator for a period of 10 years from the in-service date of the vehicle.
This applies to the cost to recharge a 12-volt or 48-volt battery or a percentage of the cost to replace the 12-volt or 48-volt battery after the original four-year warranty expires. Note a replacement of the battery is only partially covered which sticks an owner with paying a percentage based on the age of the vehicle.
All issues must be due to failure of the belt starter generator.
The Audi alternator extended warranty will not apply if the belt starter generator failure was caused by abuse, a collision, modifications to the components or damage from outside sources.
If a customer paid to have their car towed to a dealer or repair facility because the alternator failed, they might also qualify.
If work was completed by a dealership other than Audi, reimbursement amounts can be reduced.
Customers of Audi are required to submit documents proving their costs.
The class action plaintiffs are represented by Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith LLP, and Ahdoot & Wolfson, PC.