Volkswagen Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Defective Headlamps in VW, Audi Cars

Volkswagen is facing another class action lawsuit, this time over a claim that its high intensity gas discharge (HID) headlamps flicker and suddenly shut off while the car is being driven.

“The headlamps appear to function normally when first turned on, but will sporadically shut off while the vehicle is being driven…Drivers thus temporarily lose illumination from one or both headlamps at recurring and unpredictable intervals, exposing them and those they share the road with to significant and unreasonable danger,” claims the class action lawsuit. The lawsuit goes on to accuse Volkswagen of knowing about the headlamp failures for years and, rather than warn vehicle owners of the safety hazard, choosing to conceal the problem and blame the issues on prematurely burned-out bulbs. “[Volkswagen] continues to cover up and conceal the true nature of the problem, even though it is secretly replacing the defective HID headlamps and their associated parts for a few lucky class members who complain loudly enough.”

The potential class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of all California residents who purchased or leased a 2004-2009 Volkswagen or Audi equipped with HID headlamps, including but not limited to the following years and models:

2004-2006 Volkswagen Touraeg

2008-2009 Audi TT

2006-2009 Audi A3

2005-2007 Audi A4

2007-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet

2007 Audi Q7

If the class action lawsuit is certified, it will require Volkswagen to notify class members of the “secret HID headlamp cleaning, replacement and reimbursement program,” as well as reimburse class members for the costs of HID headlamp cleanings and/or replacements, problem diagnosis, and any consequential damages.