Lawsuit Investigation into Audi Q7 “Squealing” Brake Problem
Last Updated on March 2, 2022
Investigation Complete
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have finished their investigation into this matter.
Check back for any potential updates. The information on this page is for reference only.
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Case Update
- March 1, 2022 – Settlement Website Is Live
- The official settlement website for the deal described below can be found here. The site provides downloadable claim forms, answers to frequently asked questions and contact information for the settlement administrator.
To find out how you can file a claim, please refer to question 7 on the FAQs page.
According to the site, the deadline for mailing reimbursement claims is July 1, 2022. - November 4, 2021 – Settlement Preliminarily Approved, Notices to Be Sent
- Judge John W. Holcomb has granted preliminary approval to the settlement detailed below. According to the order, those covered by the deal are expected to be mailed class notices, which will include instructions on how to submit a claim and find more information on the settlement, no later than December 3, 2021. A settlement website is also expected to be established.
A hearing on final approval is set for March 25, 2022. - June 15, 2021 – Settlement Proposed, Awaits Preliminary Approval
- A settlement has been reached to resolve a proposed class action lawsuit that alleged certain Audi Q7 vehicles were designed with defective braking systems. Submitted to the court on May 25 for preliminary approval, the deal aims to cover anyone who purchased or leased a 2017 or 2018 Audi Q7 that was imported and distributed by Volkswagen Group of America for sale or lease in the U.S. or Puerto Rico. The proposed settlement offers a warranty extension to cover the repair of squealing front brakes and reimbursement for those who already incurred the cost of such a repair.
If the deal is approved, a dedicated settlement website will be launched to provide Audi drivers with additional information on the agreement, instructions on how and when to submit a claim for reimbursement, and contact information for the company administering the settlement. Class action notices are expected to be mailed within 115 days of preliminary approval and will include a claim form, a copy of which will also be available for download on the settlement website, court documents state.
Check back here for updates or sign up for ClassAction.org’s free newsletter for the latest in class action news. - April 13, 2020 – Investigation Closed
- Thank you to everyone who helped contribute to this investigation. At this point, attorneys working with ClassAction.org no longer need to hear from those affected by the squealing brake problem. For an open list of investigations, please visit this page. The information below exists for reference only.
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Anyone who owns or leases a 2015-2017 Audi Q7 and had problems with squealing brakes.
- What’s Going On?
- Attorneys are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed. But first, they need to hear from drivers who had this problem.
- How Could a Class Action Help?
- A class action lawsuit could help drivers get money back for repairs and potentially force the automaker to alert drivers and lessees to the problem and offer a fix.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed over the reported “squealing” brake problem in 2015-2017 Audi Q7s.
Read on to learn more and to find out what you can do if you had this problem.
What’s Going On?
Drivers have reported that the brakes on certain Audi Q7 vehicles make a loud squealing or squeaking noise when the cars reverse. It’s believed that the squealing noise occurs when the brakes are cold and fades out when they gradually warm.
Drivers suspect that the issue stems from the carbon ceramic makeup of the brakes in that they take longer to heat up. Dealers and the manufacturer have found no fix for the problem, drivers say, even though Audi has reportedly told drivers that the squeaking brakes are a widespread problem.
How a Class Action Lawsuit Can Help
If a class action can be filed, those with the affected Audi vehicles may be able to get back the money they spent with dealers and repair shops attempting to fix their brakes. Furthermore, the court could order Audi to disclose the reported problem to drivers and come up with a fix for it.
What Problems Have Drivers Reported About the Brakes?
Drivers have complained of squeaking, squealing and other noises, particularly when the brakes are cold. The following are some examples of complaints posted online by Audi Q7 drivers [sic throughout]:
Have been having the same issue with my 2017 Q7. Every time backing out of the driveway the breaks squeal like I don't have any pads on. Taken to the dealership 4 different times and been told its normal but they will clean off the rotors for me. After an hour long discussion with Audi USA the other day, no solution was offered other than to ‘wait it out’ and ‘not everything is perfect’. After spending over $80K on a car thats just over a year old, I shouldn't have to, nor want to, slam on my brakes from 40mph-0mph to try and avoid the embarrassing squeak.”
— AUDIWORLD.COM, Isai1993
BRAND NEW 2017 Q7 BRAKE NOISE AT 6500 MILES AND THEY CAN'T FIX IT. There are videos reviews and complaints all over the web on this same issue. All Audi USA states is they are working on a fix. How long does that go on for until they step up and fix the issue. They won't fix it because it will cost them too much. Every time I go to dealer service I get the same (it's normal). It is not normal to have a constant squeal from pads. Very disappointed that the brand would do this to their loyal customers. My emails and case numbers from Audi USA are long and continue to give me the runaround.”
— CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM, Jon, Manhasset, NY
Bought my Q7 new May 2016. I have been living with the brake squeal for the last 10k miles. It happens in reverse. Took to dealer multiple times only to be told they won’t even work on it Bc there’s a ‘bulletin’ out on it and can’t do anything. This is my 3rd Audi and have another on order. Slowing losing confidence as something like brake squeal is an issue this hard and long to address. It’s a real head turner when my Q7 slows in reverse.”
— Audizine.com, jkyaudi, Potomac, MD
Last year convinced my wife to switch from Lexus to Audi and she got the Q7. The squealing problem began over a year ago. Brought it to the dealer who said ‘Audi was aware of the problem and working on a solution’ … Given that I had raised it over a year ago and was told then that Audi was aware of the problem, not sure why it has not been solved (or whether it will be solved) nor why Audi has not reached out from customer service perspective…Audi's response, or more accurately, lack thereof is what is most annoying."
— Audizine.com, jhoneyman, Weston, MA
What You Can Do
Before attorneys can even consider filing a lawsuit, they need to hear from Audi drivers who had their brakes squeal, squeak or otherwise make noise.
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