A class-action suit has been filed against Audi.

The suit wants the West German auto maker to compensate owners of 250,000 cars recalled for a transmission defect. Audi sold the cars with full warranties for several years despite learning of the defect, the suit charges. The suit in Cook County, Ill., Circuit Court, says Audi “has shown a total lack of ethical business practice” and should be required to compensate for the losses incurred by owners, including repair costs and diminished resale value. Audi is installing an improved shift lock device and has begun a $1,000 trade-in allowance on the $23,000 sedan.