Lawsuit Investigation: Could the Audi Oil Consumption Problem Stem from a Piston Defect?
Last Updated on March 15, 2024
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 15, 2024 – Audi Oil Consumption Lawsuit Settlement Website Is Live
- The official Audi oil burning settlement website is live and can be found at PistonSettlement.com.
To submit a claim, class members must mail in the claim form enclosed in the notice they received in the mail. To download the PDF claim form, head to this page.
The deadline for filing a claim is April 15, 2024.
Read ClassAction.org’s write-up about the deal here. - October 26, 2023 – Audi Oil Consumption Lawsuits Settled; Deal Includes Warranty Extensions, Repair Reimbursements
- A collection of consolidated class action cases filed over alleged Audi oil consumption problems plaguing 2012-2017 models with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has settled with a deal that includes warranty extensions and reimbursements for past repairs.
Read ClassAction.org’s write-up about the Audi oil burning settlement here. - August 1, 2021 – Investigation Closed, Lawsuit Filed
- Thank you to everyone who helped contribute to this investigation! At this point, attorneys working with ClassAction.org no longer need to hear from Audi drivers who experienced oil consumption problems with their vehicles. This is because at least one proposed class action lawsuit has been filed over an alleged piston defect and looks to represent individuals who purchased or leased a 2012-2017 Audi equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
For updates on this and other cases, sign up for our newsletter today. You can also check out our open list of investigations here and find out why you generally don’t have to do anything to “join” a class action lawsuit. This page will also be updated with any significant developments as the case progresses.
The information below was posted when the investigation began and remains for reference only.
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Anyone who owns or leases certain 2010–2017 Audi vehicles with a 2.0-liter turbo engine and experienced excessive oil consumption or other problems that may be related to the pistons.
- What’s Going On?
- Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a defect is causing the cars’ pistons and piston heads to break off into pieces and cause a number of problems requiring costly repairs. If a defect is suspected, the attorneys may be able to get a class action lawsuit on file.
- What Problems Could Be Connected to the Piston Issue?
- Excessive oil consumption, sudden loss of power while driving, engine knocking and illumination of the check engine light.
- How Could a Class Action Help?
- A class action lawsuit, if filed and successful, could help drivers get back the money they spent on repairs and force Audi to recall the vehicles, extend drivers’ warranties or otherwise offer a fix for the problem.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org would like to speak to drivers of certain Audi vehicles equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo engine who have experienced excessive oil consumption, sudden loss of power or other issues that may be related to the pistons and their components.
The attorneys are looking into whether a defect is to blame for these problems and, if so, whether a class action lawsuit can be filed. As part of their investigation, they would like to speak to owners and lessees of 2010-2017 models of the following vehicles:
- Audi TT
- Audi A3
- Audi A4
- Audi A5
- Audi A6
- Audi Q3
- Audi Q5
The information you provide could be helpful in getting a class action lawsuit started.
What Could Be the Problem with the Pistons?
Attorneys are investigating whether the 2.0-liter turbo engines in the Audi vehicles listed above contain a design or manufacturing defect that causes the pistons and piston heads near the piston rings to crack, splinter or break off into pieces within the engine cylinder.
This can result in:
- Excessive oil consumption
- Engine knocking
- Illumination of the check engine light, possibly for cylinder misfire
Should the pistons unexpectedly fail, drivers may also experience a sudden loss of engine power while operating their vehicles. This can pose a safety risk as it may become difficult for drivers to brake, accelerate or control the steering wheel. Drivers are believed to have experienced problems with the pistons well before they should, with some seeing engine failure before the 75,000-mile mark.
Driver Complaints: Audi Vehicles Burning Too Much Oil
A number of Audi drivers have posted complaints online that their vehicles are burning more oil than they should, an issue attorneys suspect could be related to a defect in the pistons. A sample of these complaints can be found below [sic throughout, emphasis ours]:
I bought a 2012 Audi Q5 in in 2015…For the first 20,000 miles of owning this car, it was all I had hoped for. Then, the check engine and oil light game started. At first, adding oil meant that it would it go another 1500-2000 miles without issue. Then, around 75k, it went to 500 to 750 miles. Once it hit 95k, it dropped to every 400 to 600 miles that it needed oil. I am at 100k and desperately want to dump this lemon. Unfortunately, I have another 16 payments on this garbage car. I've spoken with a local mechanic about it and he says the fix is replacing the pistons etc, basically, a $9k job to fix it.”
— Pete B., 2012 Audi Q5 driver, CarComplaints.com
Almost every 2000 miles, I have to top off the engine oil. The light for low engine lights up that often. I had it checked for leaks by two different places ( one was dealer) and nothing found. Dealer says this is normal. No one I know with other vehicles or any of my previous vehicles have exhibited such excessive oil consumption.”
— anitam7890, 2014 Audi Q5, CarComplaints.com
Audi A4 2012 excessive oil consumption. Dealer did the oil consumption test and piston and rings need to be replaced. Already spent over $1K on new breather crankshaft repairs etc. Did anyone get AoA to pay for new piston and rings? Its a $6K repair that I am unwilling to pay because it should not be doing this crap for such an expensive car.”
— HHM, 2012 Audi A4 driver, AudiWorld.com
Well, it's been 300 miles, and I figured I was in the clear, but as I look behind me at traffic lights, I still see smoke pouring out of my tailpipe, and noticed the MMI is telling me I've dropped 3/4 quart…brought into audi, and it did fail the oil consumption testing, so they are replacing rings/pistons, etc...What sucks was that the check engine light came on, and it was diagnosed as a worn out waste gate linkage, which means turbo replacement....$2300!!! OUCH, for a car I've had for 20 days, and 15 have been spent in a shop.”
— l8knight1980, Audi A4 driver, AudiForums.com
How Could a Class Action Help?
A class action lawsuit could help drivers get back some of the money they’ve spent on repairs and force Audi to extend drivers’ warranties or issue recalls over the reported oil consumption issue.
Wasn’t There Already a Settlement for This?
In 2014, Audi agreed to settle claims that a defect caused some of its cars to burn excessive amounts of oil. The settlement only covered certain 2009, 2010 and 2011 models, however, and attorneys believe the oil consumption issue could extend to vehicles manufactured as recently as 2017.
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