Faulty Gear Display Poses Serious Safety Hazard for Drivers and Pedestrians
Volkswagen and Audi have issued a major recall affecting more than 60,000 electric vehicles due to a defect that increases the risk of rollaway incidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recalled vehicles may fail to properly display the “N” (neutral) gear position on the instrument panel, leading to potential driver confusion. If the electronic parking brake is not engaged, the vehicle could unexpectedly roll away, creating a serious crash hazard.
The recall includes specific models from both brands, including the 2022-23 Audi Q4 e-Tron and Q4 Sportback e-Tron, as well as the 2021-23 Volkswagen ID.4. These vehicles, all fully electric, are designed with electronic gear shift systems that rely on digital displays to inform drivers of their transmission position. However, the defect prevents the “N” gear from being displayed correctly, making it difficult for drivers to determine whether the vehicle is securely parked.
Volkswagen has advised dealerships to immediately schedule repairs for affected customers and update the brake control unit software free of charge. Owners will be officially notified by April 25, 2025, and are urged to confirm their parking brake indicator light is illuminated before leaving their vehicle. This additional precaution can help prevent unintended rollaways.
This recall follows another recent issue involving nearly 30,000 Volkswagen and Audi vehicles recalled for a faulty rearview camera display. Those affected models included the 2024-25 Audi Q3, 2023 Volkswagen Arteon, and 2022-24 Volkswagen Tiguan. These repeated recalls raise concerns about software reliability in modern vehicles, particularly as automakers transition to fully digital control systems.
How This Defect Puts Drivers and Pedestrians at Risk
The risk of rollaway incidents in vehicles is a serious safety concern. When drivers park and exit their vehicles, they rely on their transmission and parking brake systems to keep the car securely in place. If a vehicle unexpectedly rolls away, it can lead to collisions with nearby objects, other vehicles, or pedestrians.
A rolling vehicle poses a significant threat in high-traffic areas such as parking lots, driveways, and city streets. Pedestrians, especially children and elderly individuals, may not have the ability to react quickly to a moving vehicle, increasing the risk of severe injuries. Additionally, drivers who park on inclined surfaces may find their vehicle rolling downhill if the parking brake is not engaged, potentially causing catastrophic damage.
Owners of these recalled Audi and Volkswagen electric vehicles may unknowingly place themselves and others in harm’s way simply by assuming their vehicle is parked securely. The failure to properly display the “N” gear can result in drivers leaving their cars in an unsafe position, believing it is in neutral when, in reality, it remains in drive or reverse.
Legal Options for Victims Injured Due to This Defect
Individuals who suffer injuries or property damage due to this gear display defect may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit against Volkswagen and Audi. Product liability laws hold manufacturers accountable for producing vehicles with dangerous defects that pose risks to consumers. In cases where a rollaway incident results in an accident, injured parties may be able to seek compensation for their losses.
Victims who wish to file a claim must demonstrate that the defect directly contributed to the incident. Evidence such as surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, accident reports, and vehicle diagnostic data can help establish liability. If Volkswagen and Audi were aware of the defect and failed to act sooner, affected individuals may also have grounds for punitive damages, which are awarded to penalize companies for negligence.
Filing a Lawsuit for a Defective Vehicle
The legal process for filing a claim against an automaker typically begins with gathering documentation. Injured parties must obtain medical records, repair bills, and any other evidence related to the accident. They then file a formal legal complaint outlining how the defect caused harm.
Once a lawsuit is filed, both sides conduct an investigation into the accident, often involving expert testimony and forensic analysis of the vehicle. Manufacturers may attempt to deny liability, arguing that driver error contributed to the accident. This is why legal representation is crucial—attorneys familiar with product liability cases can counter these claims and prove that the vehicle’s defect played a direct role in causing harm.
Many cases are settled before reaching trial, with automakers agreeing to compensate victims for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, if a fair settlement is not reached, the case may proceed to court, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.
Why Victims Need an Attorney for Their Claim
Handling a product liability claim without legal representation can be difficult, especially when facing large corporations with extensive legal resources. Manufacturers and their insurers often try to minimize payouts by shifting blame onto the driver or downplaying the severity of the defect.
An attorney can level the playing field by thoroughly investigating the defect, gathering expert testimony, and negotiating for a fair settlement. Without legal representation, victims risk accepting low settlement offers that do not cover the full extent of their injuries and damages.
Compensation Available in a Product Liability Lawsuit
Victims of rollaway incidents caused by the Volkswagen and Audi recall may be entitled to various forms of compensation. These can include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries, as well as future lost earnings if the victim is unable to return to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of a damaged vehicle or other personal property affected by the incident.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where negligence played a significant role, courts may award additional damages to punish the manufacturer for failing to address the defect in a timely manner.
If you or a loved one were injured due to a defective Volkswagen or Audi vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. The national product injury law firm Parker Waichman LLP is committed to holding negligent manufacturers accountable and helping victims recover damages.
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