VW Diesel Emissions Scandal Widens

The Volkswagen emissions scandal widens as the EPA alleges the car manufacturer also used the emission-cheating software in other larger diesel engine car models. While VW has denied this claim, they decided to halt the U.S. sales of seven additional vehicle models from Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche.

The cars pulled from the U.S. market include ones that had a 1.4-, 1.6- and 2.0-liter diesel engines along with a 1.4-liter gasoline engine equipped with fuel-saving technology. The Volkswagen models involved are:  Audi A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7; Volkswagen Touareg; and Porsche Cayenne.

The recall comes after VW admitted they undervalued the carbon dioxide emissions for 800,000 vehicles. 

In addition to pulling VW cars from the U.S. market, Volkswagen has also faced pressure to speed up their investigation. According to the European Union’s executive commission, VW has placed public trust at stake. The commission will determine if VW should be required to pay fines for the alleged emissions scandal.

What is the VW Emissions Scandal?

Volkswagen faced allegations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that certain models contained emission-cheating software called a “defeat device” on 11 million vehicles worldwide.

VW admitted that many of their small diesel engine cars were equipped with the software that would reduce emission levels when the vehicles were being tested but at all other times would emit levels at 40 percent higher than allowed under the Clean Air Act.

According to a statement released by Volkswagen, Type EA 189 engines contain a “noticeable deviation between bench test results and actual road use.”

The previous VW CEO and various other employees stepped down or were fired due to the emissions scandal. VW stock values have dropped and dozens of lawsuits have already been filed against the German car manufacturer.

In addition to facing federal fines, VW will also be required to fix all vehicles installed with the defeat device.

When news of the VW emissions scandal broke in September, VW CEO Martin Winterkorn stated “I personally am deeply sorry that we have broken the trust of our customers and the public.”

Diesel Emissions Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

Recently filed Volkswagen lawsuits claim that drivers were misled into believing that the premium price of so-called “clean diesel” vehicles was worth paying because the cars were better for the environment. VW car owners who claim they were financially harmed due to the deceptive actions of Volkswagen have filed emissions lawsuits.

In general, those filing Volkswagen emissions lawsuits claim that they would never have purchased a vehicle if they knew it contained emission-cheating software. In addition, some plaintiffs claim that when Volkswagen fixes the defeat device, gas mileage and efficiency will be altered and potentially damaged.

UPDATE: On June 28, 2016, Volkswagen reached proposed settlements with both the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission following the VW emissions scandal. VW’s deal with the DOJ includes up to $14.7 billion along with vehicle buyback provisions as well as funding for pollution control programs. In addition to the DOJ settlement, Volkswagen will also spend up to $10 billion in a buyback and lease termination settlement with the FTC that is expected to include about 475,000 vehicles.
UPDATE 2: The Volkswagen, Audi diesel emissions class action settlement is now open!Click here to file a claim!