Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Scandal: The Basics

Volkswagen recently ran into big trouble for allegedly cheating on its diesel emissions tests. The German automobile company has spent years promoting its “Clean Diesel” program as the most environmentally friendly.

Though the Volkswagen diesel program was meant to be an alternative to hybrid and electric vehicles, Volkswagen admitted its promise of clean diesel was a big ruse.

Volkswagen Emissions Test Background

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed a restriction on diesel emissions, and cars with diesel emissions engines are required to go through testing to ensure that they meet expectations.

Volkswagen installed emissions software in its diesel cars designed to purposefully circumvent EPA guidelines. These “defeat devices” are programmed to automatically detect the steering, throttle, and other inputs that are used during testing.

When the device determines that the car is in testing mode, it shows acceptable diesel emissions that comply with EPA standards. However, when the car is returned to standard driving mode, it permits heavier emissions of nitrogen-oxide (NOx). This is a smog-forming pollutant, and it is linked to lung cancer. These kinds of emissions are up to 40 times higher than the federal limit.

Volkswagen admits to having installed this deceptive emissions software on at least a half-million diesel cars in the United States. Though the EPA rules are a federal standard, these harmful toxins are emitted by over 10.5 million of these Volkswagen diesel cars worldwide.

Which Diesel Cars are Affected?

The following Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche diesel models have been reported by the EPA for emissions violations.

• 2009-2015 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI
• 2010-2015 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TDI
• 2010-2015 Audi A3 w.0L TDI
• 2012-2015 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0L TDI
• 2012-2015 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L TDI
• 2014 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0L V-6 TDI
• 2015 Porsche Cayenne Diesel 3.0L V-6
• 2016 Audi A6 3.0L V-6 TDI
• 2016 Audi A7 3.0L V-6 TDI
• 2016 Audi A8L 3.0L V-6 TDI
• 2016 Audi Q5 3.0L V-6 TDI

Because of this emissions scandal, Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche dealers are not allowed to sell any new diesels.

News of the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal broke on Sept. 18, and the company’s stock price took a nose dive. One-third of the company’s market cap has been cut.

Volkswagen reportedly set aside approximately $7 billion to cover costs, but the EPA can technically fine up to $18 billion, at $37,500 per affected car, although that is seen as unlikely.

Volkswagen, desperately trying to save face, is compensating its customers. This involves everything from cash rewards – such as prepaid Visa gift cards and cash rebates towards new cars – to free roadside assistance.

Despite Volkswagen’s best attempts to recover from the scandal, many dissatisfied customers are choosing to file Volkswagen lawsuits. Lawsuits will most likely be consolidate in a multidistrict litigation, or MDL, sometime next year.

If you or someone you know has purchased a Volkswagen vehicle claiming to follow “clean emissions” standards, your car may be part of the Volkswagen emissions scandal. You may be able to file an individual Volkswagen emissions lawsuit, or join a class action lawsuit.

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!