Audi, Volkswagen Sport Utility Vehicles Called Back for Engine Failure

In order to have a functioning vehicle, it helps if the engine works. 

Volkswagen is recalling some 75,000 sport utility vehicles because of a defect that the German auto manufacturer says could cause the SUVs’ engines to fail. VW recently told federal regulators that production “deviations” are to blame.

“Deviations in the mechanical production process of the connecting rods may have caused an increased particle occurrence in the engine oil circuit, which may lead to extensive wear and play and result in damage to the connecting rod bearings," the company said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"A connecting rod bearing with continuously rising bearing play leads to excessive engine noise,” VW continued. “If the excessive engine noise and engine warning light is ignored and the vehicle continues to be driven, this condition may result in engine failure, potentially causing a loss of motive power while driving, and in rare cases a loss of engine oil which may pose a risk of a vehicle fire.”

The recall covers certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback SUVs, as well as 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles.

VW said it plans to notify owners of recalled cars by early December. It will ask owners to bring their vehicles to local dealers for inspection and engine replacement, if necessary. The company will foot the bill.

Volkswagen Safety Issues

This is one of several safety issues for Volkswagen, not to mention anyone who drives, rides in or is anywhere near its vehicles on the road.

The company recently called back some 225,000 vehicles over defective tire pressure monitoring systems. It told federal regulators that the systems may not detect air losses in all four tires at the same time. Months earlier, VW called back another 100,000 electric cars at risk of fire.

Volkswagen is not alone. The world’s major auto manufacturers recall millions of vehicles combined every single year, citing serious defects that pose real safety risks. They typically announce the recalls long after the cars have left factory floors and dealership lots and have been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

There is some good news for VW and other car owners in California, however. You have some valuable rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.

Formally known as the Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or flat-out refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.