Although Audi agreed to settle the case, the judge said the automaker raised important defenses, including:
All cars use oil and any actual oil consumption issues have been disclosed in the vehicles’ owner’s manuals.
The engine warning light comes on in advance to warn the oil is running low, so plaintiffs would have a tough time showing the alleged defect is a safety issue.
Oil consumption is a maintenance issue, therefore plaintiffs cannot establish an actionable defect exists.