Class Actions Filed Against Volkswagen, Nissan in Quebec
Two separate class action lawsuits targeting Volkswagen and Nissan were filed with the Quebec Superior Court in recent days.
The first one was filed on July 28 by Martin Gervais on behalf of all Quebec residents who purchased or leased a Volkswagen ID.4. The lawsuit alleges that the windshield tends to crack prematurely, often in the lower section.
- Also: Court Approves Nissan Settlement in Leaked Data Class Action
- Also: Class Action Filed Against Hyundai Over Peeling Paint
Gervais' own 2024 ID.4 suffered a 10- to 15-cm crack on the driver's side after logging approximately 16,500 km in 10 months on the road. The crack extended to the passenger side when it entered the heated service area at the Volkswagen Lauzon Blainville dealership for an inspection. Online forums and Facebook groups including "VW ID.4 - Québec" are reporting similar stories.
After a request was made to Volkswagen Canada, the dealership informed their customer that the repair would not be covered by the warranty and that it would cost $1,758.80 to replace the windshield. Mr. Gervais also sent a formal notice before filing a class action, which claims that Volkswagen is aware of the problem and is not informing potential customers.
The class action seeks a reimbursement of costs incurred or estimated to repair the windshield, as well as an amount equal to the difference between the price paid for the vehicle and its reduced value. Punitive damages related to the manufacturer's failures are also sought.
Montreal-based Lambert Avocats is the law firm handling the case.
Meanwhile at Nissan…
Another class action lawsuit was also filed on July 28, this one by Lise Durocher on behalf of all individuals in Quebec who purchased or leased a white Nissan vehicle. It alleges delamination issues (paint peeling off in patches) on Nissan vehicles, particularly white ones.
This is a problem that affects other brands such as Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Kia, as we’ve previously covered.
The paint on Durocher's 2017 Nissan Micra began to peel off on the rear liftgate in April 2024, after just under seven years of wear and 45,000 km on the road. It continued in other areas around the car in the following months. With the manufacturer’s initial paint warranty having expired, it would cost $1,000-$1,200 to have the work done at a body shop, which she considers too expensive.
Durocher also thinks it is unreasonable that the paint on her Micra should show such significant deterioration, compared to the vast majority of vehicles of the same age that were built by Nissan or other manufacturers, especially since she has always maintained her vehicle properly.
The class action seeks a reimbursement of costs incurred or estimated to repair the paint, as well as an amount equal to the difference between the price paid for the vehicle and its reduced value. Punitive damages related to the manufacturer's failures are also sought.
Lambert Avocats once again is in charge of the case.
