Audi Start-Stop Technology Lawsuit Investigation

The attorneys are investigating whether a defect is causing the automatic start-stop to malfunction, and if so, whether a class action lawsuit can be filed on behalf of owners and lessees.

Automatic Start-Stop Technology: What’s the Problem?

Automatic start-stop technology was designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by allowing a vehicle’s engine to shut off when the car comes to a stop, such as at a stoplight or in traffic. The feature allows for the engine to seamlessly turn back on once the driver releases the brake pedal.

During this time, the driver cannot move the steering wheel or accelerate his or her vehicle. When the engine finally turns back on, drivers have reported that the vehicle jolts forward rather than picking up speed gradually.

Audi Drivers Complain of Start-Stop Not Working Properly

Some Audi drivers have complained both formally and informally about problems they’ve experienced with their automatic start-stop technology, including sudden or delayed acceleration. The following is an example of complaints posted online and submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [sic throughout]:

When coming to a rolling or almost complete stop, auto start/stop will kick in, then if I go to turn/accelerate there is a up to 3 or 4 second lag between pressing on the accelerator and ANY throttle response. It is scary at times when pulling onto a street and the car will not respond after a few seconds. I can put pedal to the metal and nothing happens.”
— 2019 Audi Q8 Owner, KSpider_13, AudiWorld.com

Auto stop/start system lags, causing steering wheel to lock up, preventing a turn through an intersection, or into a shopping area! This occurred as I was attempting a turn, from a complete stop, into a strip shopping center, in the Baltimore area.”
— 2020 Audi Q3 Owner, NHTSA.com

2019 Audi A7 has throttle lag and at times severe throttle lag causing a multi second delay that put me in in the path of oncoming traffic with a near hit. At the time of this incident, the throttle lag had never been that severe but has resulted in a vehicle that I have no confidence in with respect to performance. Details: I was slowing down (1mph) and as the lane next to me cleared, I attempted to change lanes but there was like a 3 second delay. I'd thought the car had stalled and then it lunged into the adjacent lane and I almost was hit.”
— 2019 Audi A7 Owner, NHTSA.com

How a Lawsuit Could Help

A class action lawsuit could help Audi drivers get back any money they’ve spent trying to fix the problem with their car’s automatic start-stop feature. It could also force the manufacturer to order a recall and make a fix available for all affected vehicles.

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