Settlement for Defective Timing Chains and Engine Failure

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Author
Scott McCracken
Tagged
#engine #lawsuit #settlement
Gold timing chain in a VW engine

Timing chains are the conductor of your engine. Through a series of guides and tensioners, the chain links the crankshaft to the camshaft and is responsible for keeping the valves of the cylinder head in sync with the pistons of the combustion chamber.

If the timing chain becomes loose, either by stretching or a failed tensioner, there are serious problems ahead.

What’s Happening in VW’s EA888 Engine

VW owners have reported timing chain issues as early as 20,000 miles on the odometer. Why so early?

Volkswagen's own warranty and maintenance schedules say you shouldn't have to worry about timing chain maintenance for 120,000 miles. That’s one of the main reasons chains have replaced belts in high-displacement engines.

The most likely cause is a timing chain tensioner failure. Tensioners make sure the chain is tightly wound to the pulleys and gears. If the tensioner fails and the chain becomes loose, the timing of the engine is thrown off.

Symptoms of a loose timing chain

Whether the timing chain itself has stretched, or a tensioner isn’t doing its job, the result is the same. Here's some tell-tale signs of a timing chain problem.

  • You might might hear the engine rattle during startup or idling. This is likely the loose timing chain vibrating inside the motor.
  • If the chain is loose, you could have trouble starting the engine or it might misfire while driving. That’s because the timing between the valves and pistons are out of sync, and the combustion part of you internal combustion engine is busted.
  • Sensors in the crankshaft and camshaft should pickup on timing issues like this and illuminate the check engine light. However they’d be better off displaying an “SOS” and sending up a white flag.
  • If you find metal shavings in the oil it might indicate that the links and rollers in the chain are worn out from age of improper lubrication from dirty oil.

If a loose timing chain isn’t addressed immediately it could break, and cause catastrophic damage to the engine.

TSBs and Accusations of Improper Maintenance

As the problems piled up, VW started sending out Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) to its network of dealerships around 2010. The TSBs outlined how to respond to customer complaints about the timing chain.

Many owners were met with accusations of improper oil and filter maintenance. Dirty oil doesn’t lubricate as well and can cause excessive wear on the timing chain. If the owner couldn’t produce perfect oil maintenance records with receipts, they were likely denied warranty service on the timing chain.

A series of lawsuits

Fed up and facing massive repair bills, the first timing chain lawsuit was filed in May of 2016. It placed blame on the tensioner system and said VW should help pay for repairs.

Another class-action lawsuit soon followed by 24 plaintiffs in 17 states claiming the timing chains "jump a tooth" in the camshaft. The lawsuits were eventually combined in a New Jersey court, despite VW’s motion to dismiss the cases.

The VW timing chain lawsuit settlement

As the court fees piled up, Volkswagen agreed to settle 7 class-action lawsuits in one combined action in May of 2018. As part of the settlement, the following Volkswagen vehicles were given an extended "new vehicle limited warranty” to cover future repairs or replacements of the timing chains and tensioners.

Extended warranty offered to certain owners

ModelYears
Beetle2012-2014
Beetle Convertible2012-2014
CC2009-2012
Eos2009-2012
GTI2008-2012
Jetta2008-2010
2012-2014
Jetta SportWagen2009
Passat2008-2010
Passat Wagon2008-2010
Tiguan2009-2013

Owners and lessees of the vehicles are automatically awarded the extended warranty unless they opted out of the class-action by December 3rd, 2018.

Note: You can find out which Audi vehicles are involved in the settlement as well.

Reimbursements for timing chains and tensioners

The deadline for filing a reimbursement claim has now passed. More information is available on TimingChainLitigation.com.

If you've already repaired or replaced the timing chain system, you may be eligible for a reimbursement if the service was done within 10 years or 100,000 miles of when the vehicle first entered service.

If the work was done at an authorized VW dealership, 100% of the cost will be refunded. Otherwise, a refund between $1,100 and $1,500 will be awarded depending on what needed fixing.

Two conditions of the settlement:

  1. VW says they will not be responsible for any problems associated with timing chains or tensioners repaired by an independent service center, unless the parts were ordered from an official dealer and fail within 1 year or 12,000 miles.
  2. There will be no reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs of any repairs or replacements to the timing chains, tensioners or engines if the work was performed more than 30 days after the settlement notice date by anyone other than an authorized Audi or VW dealership.

More details on the timing chain reimbursements. Still with me, good?

As part of the settlement, VW will reimburse you for expenses related to engine damage. However, an authorized dealer will need to make the determination if the timing chain was actually to blame. Who wants to place bets on if they'll make that process difficult?

Reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses will be based on the following parameters.

Reimbursement table for out-of-pocket engine repairs due to timing chain

The same parameters apply if an independent service center performed the engine work, but a maximum amount of $6,500 will be awarded.

More details on the engine repair reimbursements.

Lawsuits Regarding This Problem

Lawsuits about this problem have already been filed in court. Many times these are class-action suits that look to cover a group of owners in a particular area. Click on the lawsuit for more information and to see if you're eligible to receive any potential settlements.

  • Settlement

    Stockalper, et al., vs. Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, et al.

    1. Settlement

      A VW timing chain class-action lawsuit may be nearing the end as the automaker has agreed to settle the multidistrict litigation that comprises seven class-action lawsuits.

    2. Case Filed

      An Audi timing chain lawsuit alleges Audi and Volkswagen vehicles have defects that cause the timing chains to suddenly fail without warning, causing the engines to fail.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2008-2010 Beetle
    • 2012 Beetle
    • 2009-2013 CC
    • 2008 -2012 EOS
    • 2008-2012 Golf
    • 2008-2012 GTI
    • 2008-2012 Jetta
    • 2008-2012 Passat
    • 2008-2011 R32
    • 2008-2010 Rabbit
    • 2009-2012 Routan
    • 2008-2012 Tiguan
    • 2008-2013 Touareg
    • 2011 Touareg Hybrid
    Location
    New Jersey
  • Settlement

    David Zimand, et al v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Audi of America, Inc.

    1. Settlement

      A VW timing chain class-action lawsuit may be nearing the end as the automaker has agreed to settle the multidistrict litigation that comprises seven class-action lawsuits.

    2. Case Filed

      A Volkswagen timing chain tensioner lawsuit alleges numerous VW and Audi vehicles have defects in the timing chain tensioning systems that cause complete engine failure.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2008-2010 Beetle
    • 2012 Beetle
    • 2009-2013 CC
    • 2008-2012 EOS
    • 2008-2012 Golf
    • 2008-2012 GTI
    • 2008-2012 Jetta
    • 2008-2012 Passat
    • 2008-2011 R32
    • 2008-2010 Rabbit
    • 2009-2012 Routan
    • 2008-2012 Tiguan
    • 2008-2013 Touareg
    • 2011 Touareg Hybrid
    Location
    New Jersey

Generations Where This Problem Has Been Reported

This problem has popped up in the following Volkswagen generations.

Most years within a generation share the same parts and manufacturing process. You can also expect them to share the same problems. So while it may not be a problem in every year yet, it's worth looking out for.

Further Reading

A timeline of stories related to this problem. We try to boil these stories down to the most important bits so you can quickly see where things stand. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts for your vehicle over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. There’s an important deadline coming up for VW owners who previously paid for repairs to their timing chain system or damage to their engine from a timing chain failure, and want the automaker to pick up the tab.

    A recently approved timing chain settlement benefits thousands of owners by providing them with an extended “new vehicle limited warranty” for any future repairs, plus conditional reimbursements for any previous repairs.

    The extended warranty is applied automatically if you own or lease one of the affected vehicles and didn’t opt out of the class-action.

    Owners who want to be eligible for reimbursements must file a claim by January 25th, 2019. More information is available at TimingChainLitigation.com.

    How to Submit a Claim

    1. Use the VIN lookup tool to check your eligibility
    2. Gather the documents requested by the Claim Administrator
    3. Submit your claim before 11:59 PST on January 25th, 2019
    keep reading article "Upcoming Deadline for Timing Chain Reimbursements"
  2. Owners and lessees of certain 2008-2014 VW and Audi vehicles may soon be eligible to receive benefits for their engine’s defective timing chain.

    On November 19, 2018 a judge will rule on a proposed settlement that would either reimburse owners for previous repairs or fund future work on the timing chain tensioner system.

    This decision has been a long time coming. Even snails are embarrassed by how slowly this case has crept along.

    keep reading article "It’s the Final Countdown for VW’s Timing Chain Class-Action Settlement"
  3. It appears Volkswagen is close to settling 7 lawsuits regarding defective timing chains and the threat of engine damage.

    The proposed settlement includes all consumers who purchased or leased certain 2008-2014 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles that will be determined by the vehicle identification numbers (VINs).

    According to the terms, reimbursement amounts will be determined based on the age of the vehicle, how many miles are on the odometer and if the timing chain tensioner, timing chain or engine was replaced."

    Reimbursement amounts are highly favoriable to owners who get work done at an authorized VW dealership. Our advice – if something goes wrong with your timing chain or tensioner and you're covered under this settlement, skip your local mechanic and go to an authorized dealer.

    keep reading article "VW Owners to Receive Reimbursements for Busted Timing Chains and Tensioners"
  4. Despite VW's best efforts, a timing chain lawsuit will continue in a New Jersey court after the judge denied the automaker's motion to dismiss

    . The case is a combination of two other lawsuits in the state, both of which allege VW is concealing known timing chain defects that lead to premature engine failure.

    You know that stack of papers they have you sign when you buy a car? Volkswagen's argument for dismissing the case was a hidden clause that says all problems must be taken into arbitration and not in front of jury. Which, let's be honest, is a shady thing to throw into a purchase contract. Luckily the judge ruled those agreements are between the consumer and the dealership, not the automaker.

    While a few of the lawsuit claims were thrown own, this is overall good news for consumers who have dealt with (or are worried about) timing chain failure.

    keep reading article "NJ Timing Chain Lawsuit Will Continue After VW Was Denied a Motion to Dismiss"
  5. Owners of Volkswagen and Audi vehicles have filed a lawsuit claiming there's a defect in the timing chain tensioner system that allows the chain to "jump a tooth" in the camshaft.

    Once that happens, the engine could be destroyed. Want to repair it? You'll destroy your bank account too.

    The lawsuit focuses on 2008-2013 Audi and VW models equipped with 2-liter TSI or 2-liter TFSI EA888 engines. The plaintiffs say the problems happen well before 120,000 miles (the recommended time to repair them) and can cost upwards of $11,000 to fix.

    "The plaintiffs claim Audi and VW not only refused to acknowledge the alleged timing chain problems, but also refused to compensate certain owners for engine repairs. The lawsuit also alleges Audi and Volkswagen didn't offer loaner or replacement vehicles even though the vehicles were useless to owners."

    This isn't the first lawsuit to accuse VW of concealing timing chain defects.

    keep reading article "Lawsuit Says Engines Fail After the Timing Chains 'Jump a Tooth' in the Camshaft"
  6. A lawsuit filed in New Jersey says Volkswagen's timing chain tensioner has serious defects and can lead to premature engine failure.

    According to the plaintiff, in VW's warranty and maintenance schedules the tensioning system is expected to last 120,000 miles without the need for maintenance.

    "The VW and Audi A3 vehicles are equipped with EA888 2.0L TSI engines with engine codes CCTA or CBFA. The remaining Audi vehicles are equipped with EA888 2.0L TFSI engines designated with engine codes CAEB, CAEA, or CDNC. The plaintiff says all the engines with these five codes are versions of the EA888 engine and all use the same timing chain tensioning system."

    When the tensioning system fails, the results can be catastrophic and lead to out-of-pocket expenses that will make your bank account cry.

    This is a big lawsuit, covering many VW and Audi models from the 2008 model year on.

    keep reading article "VW Timing Chain Tensioner Lawsuit Says Defects Cause Engine Failure"

OK, Now What?

Maybe you've experienced this problem. Maybe you're concerned you will soon. Whatever the reason, here's a handful of things you can do to make sure it gets the attention it deserves.

  1. File Your Complaint

    CarComplaints.com is a free site dedicated to uncovering problem trends and informing owners about potential issues with their cars. Major class action law firms use this data when researching cases.

    Add a Complaint
  2. Notify CAS

    The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) is a pro-consumer organization that researches auto safety issues & often compels the US government to do the right thing through lobbying & lawsuits.

    Notify The CAS
  3. Report a Safety Concern

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the US agency with the authority to conduct vehicle defect investigations & force recalls. Their focus is on safety-related issues.

    Report to NHTSA