A proposed class action has been filed alleging that a defect in the wiring harness in certain Volkswagen models is causing problems with numerous vehicle functions.
The lawsuit claims this defect is present in 2019-2022 Volkswagen Atlas, Golf, Jetta, Tiguan, and Taos vehicles. The wiring harness allegedly fails, resulting in the vehicles erratically applying the emergency brakes on their own, opening or closing windows on their own, and displaying error messages and emitting warning noises. As the complaint further asserts, class vehicle owners have stated, “It literally feels like the car is possessed,” and the defect results in a “disorienting and panic-inducing 360-degree assault on the senses.” In turn, VW has allegedly not issued a safety recall regarding the defect and failed to adequately repair it under warranty.
One named Plaintiff, Mike Sherrod, claims he experienced the defect in various ways in his 2021 VW Atlas; for instance, while driving, the windows began opening and closing on their own, the vehicle displayed error messages, and the vehicle applied the emergency breaks on its own. He alleges a Volkswagen dealer advised him the defect was a known issue, and the door wire harness needed to be replaced, but the dealer did not have any available parts.
The other named Plaintiff, Michael Fulbright, alleges that as a result of the defect in his 2021 VW Atlas, it suddenly lost power while his wife was driving on the highway at about 70 miles per hour, and then again while she was turning onto a major road from a parking lot, perpendicular to oncoming traffic.
The plaintiffs assert claims including breach of warranty, fraudulent concealment, unjust enrichment, and violation of state consumer laws.
The lawsuit seeks remedies including damages and replacement or repair of the class vehicles.
The case is Mike Sherrod, et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., case number 2:22-cv-01537-CCC-JSA, in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
