Quebec Class-Action Targets Volkswagen Over ID.4 Windshield Cracks

A class-action lawsuit has been filed in Quebec against Volkswagen Canada, alleging that the windshields of its ID.4 electric SUVs are prone to spontaneous cracking. The suit claims that Volkswagen is not honoring warranty repairs for affected vehicles, which raises serious concerns about consumer rights and vehicle safety.

The legal action, initiated by the Montreal law firm Lambert Avocats, seeks certification in the Cour supérieure du Québec. It argues that the ID.4s suffer from a “hidden defect” that compromises the vehicle’s quality, appearance, and structural integrity. The lawsuit highlights that the glass in these vehicles deteriorates prematurely and should be repaired at no cost under both Volkswagen’s warranty and Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act.

The lead plaintiff, Martin Gervais, purchased his ID.4 in April 2024 for nearly $63,000 before taxes, which included an extended warranty of six years or 120,000 kilometres. Initially confident in the vehicle’s quality, Gervais’s experience changed dramatically when he parked his new SUV in an underground garage last February. After just nine months of ownership, he heard a cracking noise from the windshield while the heater and defroster were running.

After witnessing the crack elongate from 10 to 15 centimetres, Gervais reported the issue to his dealership. However, despite the vehicle being under warranty, Volkswagen Canada denied the repair, citing the need for a costly repair of $1,758.80 due to alleged impact damage. Gervais has since reached out to Volkswagen multiple times, including sending a formal notice last spring, but has received no response.

The situation has prompted Gervais to take a stand by pursuing a class-action lawsuit. He created a Facebook group titled “VW ID.4 action collective (recours) – pare-brise,” which now has nearly 315 members. A survey within the group revealed that half of the respondents—owners of the 2023 or 2024 model year ID.4s—reported similar issues with cracking windshields. Others noted problems such as distortions that blur vision and severe melting of the glass due to heating system failures.

The average cost of repairs reported by members in the survey ranges from $1,550 to $2,200, further highlighting the financial burden on consumers. Many owners expressed frustration over Volkswagen’s refusal to cover the repairs under warranty, leading to increased costs and potential insurance claims that could raise premiums.

If the class-action is certified, Lambert Avocats plans to seek compensation for all ID.4 owners and lessees in Quebec. This would include reimbursement for repair costs and any fees related to excessive wear and tear for those who have returned their vehicles. The legal team also intends to pursue punitive damages, arguing that Volkswagen has shown negligence in addressing consumer rights and safety concerns.

Windshields are critical for vehicle safety, and the lawsuit emphasizes that they must be robust enough to withstand temperature changes and minor impacts. As of now, there has been no safety recall issued by Transport Canada for ID.4 windshields, although the model has been subject to 15 recalls over the past three years for various issues.

The current class-action lawsuit is not Volkswagen’s only legal challenge regarding faulty glass. Lambert Avocats is also pursuing another class-action suit concerning leaking sunroofs in multiple Volkswagen and Audi models from 2015 to 2023. This ongoing legal scrutiny underscores the mounting pressure on Volkswagen to address quality concerns and uphold consumer rights.

As this situation unfolds, affected owners in Quebec are encouraged to reach out to Lambert Avocats to share their experiences and potentially join the legal action. The implications of this lawsuit could have far-reaching effects on how automotive defects are handled in Canada, particularly in terms of consumer protection and manufacturer accountability.