Lawsuit Investigation: VW, Audi Automatic Emergency Brake Problems
Last Updated on January 19, 2024
Investigation Complete
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have finished their investigation into this matter.
Check back for any potential updates and take a look at our open investigations here. The information on this page is for reference only.
Case Update
- January 19, 2024 – Volkswagen, Audi AEB Lawsuit Settlement Approved by Judge
- A federal judge has preliminarily approved a nationwide settlement to resolve several proposed class action lawsuits, including the two noted on this page, filed over alleged defects with the front-assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system found in certain Volkswagen and Audi vehicle models.
The deal provides eligible drivers with warranty extensions and reimbursement for certain covered repairs or replacements.
Read ClassAction.org’s write-up about the settlement here. - November 7, 2023 – Second VW, Audi Automatic Emergency Braking Lawsuit Voluntarily Dismissed
- The second of two proposed class actions detailed on this page was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice by the plaintiffs on November 1, 2023.
The case, filed on July 30, 2020 in New Jersey federal court, was one of at least two proposed class actions filed over alleged problems with the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in certain Volkswagen and Audi vehicle models.
The parties’ two-page voluntary dismissal notice states that they “stipulate and agree to dismiss this action without prejudice” and that, as a result, “no parties or claims remain in this case.” No reason is apparent as to why the lawsuit was dismissed by the plaintiffs.
United States District Judge Julien Xavier Neals signed off on the dismissal the following day, November 2. - May 2, 2023 – Volkswagen, Audi E-Brake Lawsuit Updates: One Dismissed, One Ongoing
- One of the two lawsuits mentioned in the update below has been dismissed, while the other case continues to move along, court records show.
A proposed class action filed in California on April 8, 2020 was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice by the plaintiffs on April 18, 2023. The stipulation of dismissal does not state a reason as to why the plaintiffs tossed their lawsuit.
However, another lawsuit, filed in New Jersey on July 30, 2020, continues to progress through the legal process, according to court documents.
ClassAction.org will update this page as the remaining case against Volkswagen and Audi over the alleged automatic emergency braking problems proceeds in court. - October 19, 2020 – Lawsuits Filed, 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 people who had issues with their vehicle’s automatic emergency braking (AEB) system. Two lawsuits have been filed over the AEB systems in VW and Audi vehicles and continue to move forward. Any updates to the cases will be posted to this page, so check back for updates or sign up for our newsletter for the latest. (Keep in mind, there’s generally nothing you need to do to “join” a class action lawsuit.) Our open list of investigations can be found here.
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Anyone who owns or leases a Volkswagen (VW) or Audi vehicle and has had issues with the front-assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system.
- What’s Going On?
- Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a defect is causing problems with the automatic emergency braking system in certain VW and Audi vehicles. If a defect is suspected, they may be able to get a class action lawsuit on file.
- What Problems Have Been Reported?
- It has been reported that the vehicles will suddenly slow down or stop even without the risk of a collision or, conversely, will fail to stop when they should.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org would like to speak to anyone who owns a Volkswagen (VW) or Audi vehicle and had problems with the car’s front-assist automatic emergency braking (AEB) system.
They’re looking into complaints that the system isn’t functioning like it’s supposed to and are working to determine whether a class action lawsuit is possible. To move forward with their investigation, however, they need to hear directly from VW and Audi drivers to learn more about the reported automatic emergency braking problems.
What Issues Have Been Reported with the Automatic Braking System?
It has been reported that the AEB system engages and slows or stops the vehicle even when there are no obstacles in the road that could cause a collision. Additionally, drivers say that the system does not activate the brakes when the driver is at risk for a crash, including when a pedestrian enters the road or a vehicle in front of the driver stops abruptly.
What’s Said to Be Causing Problems with the Automatic Brakes?
Attorneys are investigating whether miscommunication between the sensors, brakes and transmission is causing the AEB system to malfunction. Specifically, they’re looking into whether a defect, including poor calibration of vehicle software, is causing this miscommunication.
What Are Drivers Saying About the Brakes in VW and Audi Vehicles?
Several complaints about the automatic braking issue have been posted online. A sample of these complaints can be found below [sic throughout]:
While moving forward on an empty, flat, 2-lane, suburban road at approximately 35mph, the brakes suddenly activated, bring my vehicle to a near stop, with a loud, grinding sound. Terrifying. There were no objects or vehicles on the road, no glaring sunlight or other problems that could have caused this.”
— 2018 Audi Q5 driver, NHTSA.com
I was backing into a spot - no obstructions behind or to the side - except on the PAX side, there are metal guard rails for a pedestrian walkway. I think those might have triggered the sensors - because the car freaked so hard that the tires squeaked on the sleek surface, and gave me a good jolt. It was so abrupt that I *thought* I hit the guardrails. Got out and checked - not even close to making contact - a good five feet away or more."
— 2019 Tiguan driver, Forums.VWVortex.com
The automatic emergency braking (aeb) 'feature' in my 2017 VW Passat engaged this morning at aprox 10:30am…when accelerating onto an empty street…Based on the time of day, there's no way sunlight could be a factor as I was headed west and it was well before noon. The car passengers and I were all very startled by the dashboard lighting up and the brakes automatically engaging so suddenly and severely, with no road obstructions.”
— 2017 VW Passat driver, CarProblemZoo.com
How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help?
A class action could force Audi and VW to issue a recall, provide a fix for any braking issue and offer compensation to those who own the affected vehicles.
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