Closed
Audi Gateway Control Module (GCM) Settlement
The claim window closed on June 14, 2023. The court granted final approval on June 20, 2023, and reimbursements were paid in late 2023.
Case record
- Case
- Gioffe, et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., et al.
- Case no.
- 1:22-cv-00193-NLH-AMD
- Court
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Camden
- Defendant
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Administrator
- Angeion Group
The case
What this settlement was about
This class action alleged that certain model year 2018–2022 Audi vehicles, including the Q5 and SQ5 family, A6, A7, S6, S7, A6 Allroad, RS 6 Avant, and RS 7, had a defect that allowed water or other liquid to leak into the Gateway Control Module (GCM). The GCM coordinates communication between the car's electronic control units, and a wet module could cause warning lights, electrical faults, or even the vehicle shutting down.
The case grew out of the same problem addressed by Audi Recall 90S9, issued in January 2022 for Q5-family vehicles. Volkswagen Group of America denied that the vehicles were defective but agreed to reimburse owners' documented repair costs, with attorneys' fees and service awards paid separately so they did not reduce class benefits.
There was no fixed fund: VWGoA paid every valid claim in full. Repairs done at an authorized Audi dealer were reimbursed at 100% of documented costs; repairs elsewhere were capped at $1,450 and required showing that an Audi dealer had first declined to fix the problem for free. The settlement website featured a VIN lookup tool so owners could check whether their exact vehicle was covered.
The class
Who was covered
All persons or entities who purchased or leased a covered vehicle in the United States or Puerto Rico: model year 2018–2021 Audi Q5/SQ5, 2021 Q5/SQ5 Sportback, certain 2022 Q5/SQ5/Sportback, certain 2021–2022 RS 6 Avant and RS 7, and certain 2019–2022 A6 and A7 vehicles, identifiable by VIN.
- What class members could receive100% of documented out-of-pocket costs for GCM repairs performed at an authorized Audi dealer before March 21, 2023, or up to $1,450 for repairs done elsewhere if an Audi dealer had first declined to repair the vehicle free of charge.
- Proof requirementClaims required supporting documentation.
- Claim deadlinePassed on Jun 14, 2023. New claims are no longer accepted.
Docket timeline
How the settlement unfolded
- January 18, 2022Recall 90S9 issued
Audi recalled Q5-family vehicles because liquid could leak onto the Gateway Control Module.
- January 2022Class action filed
Owners in Connecticut, Florida, and Illinois sued Volkswagen Group of America in the District of New Jersey.
- October 24, 2022Preliminary approval
The court preliminarily approved the reimbursement settlement.
- June 14, 2023Claim deadline
Claim forms and repair documentation had to be postmarked by this date.
- June 20, 2023Final approval
The final approval order was entered after the fairness hearing the same day.
- Late 2023Reimbursements paid
Valid claims were paid within 100 days of receipt or of the settlement's effective date, whichever was later.
Questions people still ask
Frequently asked questions
Can I still file an Audi GCM settlement claim?
No. Claim forms had to be postmarked by June 14, 2023, and the settlement received final approval on June 20, 2023. The claims process is closed.
How much did the Audi GCM settlement reimburse?
Owners who paid out of pocket for GCM repairs at an authorized Audi dealer were reimbursed 100% of documented costs. Repairs done elsewhere were capped at $1,450 and required showing an Audi dealer had first declined to fix the problem for free.
What is a Gateway Control Module?
The GCM is an electronic module that coordinates communication between a vehicle's electronic control units. In the affected Audi models, water could leak onto the module, causing warning lights, electrical faults, or the vehicle shutting down.
Which Audi models were covered?
Model year 2018–2021 Q5/SQ5, 2021 Q5/SQ5 Sportback, certain 2022 Q5-family vehicles, certain 2021–2022 RS 6 Avant and RS 7, and certain 2019–2022 A6 and A7 vehicles. The settlement site offered a VIN lookup tool to confirm coverage.
Is my Audi still covered by the recall?
Recall 90S9 remedies remain available through Audi dealers regardless of this settlement, recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stays open. Check your VIN on the NHTSA recall site or with an Audi dealer.
Sources for this record
Official site gcmsettlement.com has been retired. Record preserved by TapClaim.
