Audi Q4 e-tron 40 model (Image courtesy of Volkswagen Group)
SEOUL, Sept. 12 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s consumer dispute panel has ruled that Volkswagen Group Korea must provide free inspections and replacements for defective air-conditioning systems in certain Audi Q4 e-tron 40 models, citing structural flaws that caused repeated failures.
The Korea Consumer Agency’s dispute settlement committee said on Thursday that its review found the air-conditioning units in vehicles produced between March and June 2022 were unable to withstand the high operating pressure of the R744 refrigerant. The weakness led to leaks in connecting parts, degrading cooling performance.
The panel concluded that the flaw was structural, rejecting Volkswagen’s earlier approach of replacing only select faulty parts and extending warranties by two years or 50,000 kilometers. It ordered the company to replace compressors, refrigerant lines and related components with upgraded parts at no cost to owners.
Consumers had complained of recurring failures even after multiple repairs. Regulators also faulted Volkswagen for refusing to attend hearings, submit documentation or cooperate with on-site inspections during the investigation. “To restore customer trust, Volkswagen must demonstrate a more proactive attitude toward resolving disputes,” a committee official said.
The ruling applies to 2,004 units of the Audi Q4 e-tron 40 and its Sportback variant sold in Korea. Both consumers and the automaker have 15 days to accept the settlement; if they do, it carries the legal weight of a court judgment.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
