Volkswagen Oil Consumption Defect Class Action Lawsuit, February 2026 Case Updates, Settlement News, And How To File Your Claim

Volkswagen faces multiple consolidated class action lawsuits alleging its EA888 2.0-liter TSI engines burn excessive oil, forcing owners to constantly top off between oil changes and risking sudden engine failure. As of February 2026, cases targeting 2022-2023 Tiguan models and vehicles across multiple brands remain active in New Jersey federal court—but no settlement currently exists, and affected owners need to act now to protect their rights.

What Is The Volkswagen Oil Consumption Defect Class Action Lawsuit?

The Volkswagen oil consumption defect class action lawsuit is a consolidated legal action filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey alleging Volkswagen knowingly sold vehicles with defective EA888 engines that consume abnormally high amounts of oil.

Multiple lawsuits have been consolidated, including:

• Zeiders et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Case No. 2:24-cv-11197 (filed December 16, 2024)
• Lauren Reece, et al. v. Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, et al., Case No. 2:26-cv-00745 (filed February 2026)

On February 11, 2025, Honorable Judge Brian R. Martinotti ordered all oil consumption cases consolidated. Benjamin F. Johns of Shub Johns & Holbrook was appointed interim co-lead counsel. Plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint on March 13, 2025.

According to court documents, the defect stems from faulty piston rings lacking proper tension and malfunctioning positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) systems. This allows oil to seep into the combustion chamber where it burns off, causing carbon buildup that further damages engine seals and the plastic oil pan cover.

Which Volkswagen And Audi Models Are Affected?

The lawsuits identify these models equipped with EA888 2.0-liter TSI engines:

• 2022-2023 Volkswagen Tiguan (primary focus)
• Multiple Volkswagen and Audi vehicles with EA888 engines (exact model list pending in consolidated complaint)

Volkswagen’s own Technical Service Bulletin 2017813/19, issued in September 2024, acknowledges the issue and allows up to 0.5 quarts of oil consumption per 600 miles—but affected vehicles allegedly exceed even this standard.

For context, previous oil consumption cases resulted in settlements. The Kaiser Caught Sharing Your Medical Data With Google And Microsoft, Massive $47.5M Settlement Revealed On Kaiser Class Action Lawsuit, Here’s How Much You Could Get shows how class actions can provide meaningful compensation to affected consumers.

Who Filed The Lawsuit And Why?

Lead plaintiffs include Stacy Zeiders (North Carolina), Calvin Westlund (Maryland), Lauren Reece, Margaret Ponder, Diana Ferrara, and Loretta Moutra.

Plaintiffs allege:

• Volkswagen has known about the defect since 2008
• The company refused to perform warranty repairs
• Dealerships only added oil as a “band-aid solution” instead of fixing the root cause
• Consumers paid inflated prices for defective vehicles

Zeiders reported spending over $360 on additional oil purchases. Her oil warning light appeared after just 2,500 miles on her new 2023 Tiguan.

Is There A Settlement Or Refund Available?

As of February 2026, there is NO active settlement.

The case remains in litigation. Volkswagen filed a motion to dismiss in June 2025, arguing plaintiffs failed to prove “excessive” oil consumption under VW’s stated standards and that design defects aren’t covered under warranty.

The court has not yet ruled on Volkswagen’s motion. Settlement negotiations have not been publicly announced.

For reference, similar Walgreens $100 Million Class Action Settlement, How To Apply And Claim Your Share took years before payments were distributed to eligible class members.

How To Check If You’re Eligible And What To Do Next

You may be eligible if you:

1. Purchased or leased a 2022-2023 Volkswagen Tiguan in the United States
2. Own a Volkswagen or Audi vehicle with an EA888 2.0-liter TSI engine experiencing oil consumption issues
3. Paid out-of-pocket for oil purchases, engine repairs, or oil consumption tests

Action steps:

• Document everything: Save all repair invoices, oil purchase receipts, and dealership communications
• Check your VIN: Verify your vehicle has an EA888 engine
• Contact class counsel: Reach out to Shub Johns & Holbrook LLP or other appointed law firms handling the consolidated case
• Don’t wait: Statutes of limitations vary by state—typically 2-4 years from discovery of the defect

Frequently Asked Questions

What Exactly Is The Volkswagen Oil Consumption Defect?

The defect involves faulty piston rings and PCV systems in EA888 engines that allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber and burn off. This causes excessive oil consumption, carbon buildup, engine damage, and potential safety risks.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

Primarily 2022-2023 Volkswagen Tiguan models. The consolidated complaint may expand to include other Volkswagen and Audi vehicles equipped with EA888 2.0-liter TSI engines.

Is There A Deadline To File A Claim?

No settlement claim form exists yet. However, state statutes of limitations apply—typically 2-4 years from when you discovered the defect or paid for repairs.

How Much Will I Receive?

Settlement amounts are unknown. The case remains in litigation. Previous Audi oil consumption settlements provided warranty extensions, repair reimbursements up to $12,000, and partial refunds based on vehicle age.

Where Can I Find Official Case Information?

Monitor court dockets at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Case No. 2:24-cv-11197). Visit Shub Johns & Holbrook’s website for updates or contact them directly.

Last Updated: February 6, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Volkswagen oil consumption defect class action lawsuit. It is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Volkswagen denies all allegations.

Protect your rights. If your Tiguan or Volkswagen is guzzling oil, document everything and contact class counsel today.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah