Volkswagen Faces a California Emissions Fix Plan Deadline

California officials want to know how Volkswagen plans to fix “clean diesel” vehicles that were installed with emissions-cheating software allegedly used to evade federal regulations.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) provided Volkswagen with a deadline of Nov. 20 for the company to provide an action plan of how VW diesel vehicles will be fixed in order to comply with emissions laws.

Volkswagen Chief Executive Matthias Mueller stated that the car manufacturing company would begin fixing all vehicles installed with the “defeat device” starting in January 2016. However, the statement wasn’t clear if this timeline applies to the 482,000 vehicles sold in the United States, as Volkswagen has to meet stricter standards as established by the EPA.

If Volkswagen fails to meet the CARB deadline, it is unclear what penalties they will face. However, the EPA has stated that VW could face federal fines of up to $18 billion. 

Volkswagen Emissions Scandal Impact

Since Volkswagen’s admission that they installed the defeat device on 11 million vehicles sold worldwide that would reduce emissions only when being tested, the company has faced public scrutiny.

The previous VW CEO and various other employees stepped down or were fired due to the emissions scandal. VW shares have dropped 30 percent and dozens of lawsuits have already been filed against the company.

In addition to the fines and decrease in stock value, VW will also have to pay the actual cost of fixing vehicles installed with the defect device.

A recently filed Volkswagen class action lawsuit claims that the car company should also reimburse customers for the premium price they paid for the clean diesel vehicles thinking that they were better for the environment.

VW Affected Vehicles

Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a “defeat device” trick emissions testing by emitting pollution below regulations guidelines but during normal driving, the cars emit 40 times more toxic fumes than permitted under the Clean Air Act.

The Volkswagen emissions fraud affects diesel-fueled Type EA 189 engines. In a statement from Volkswagen, these engines contain a “noticeable deviation between bench test results and actual road use.”

Affected VW diesel engine vehicles include the following models:

• 2012 – 2015 VW Beetle
• 2013 – 2015 VW Beetle Convertible
• 2009 – 2015 VW Jetta
• 2009 – 2014 VW Jetta SportWagen TDI
• 2010 – 2015 VW Golf
• 2015  VW Golf SportWagen TDI
• 2012 – 2015 VW Passat
• 2010 – 2015 Audi A3

Volkswagen Emissions Scam Lawsuits

Dozens of lawsuits have already been filed against car manufacturer VW and more are expected. Plaintiffs allege that they were deceived into paying a higher price for a vehicle that was marketed as environmentally-friendly. According to a recently filed VW class action lawsuit,  car owners paid thousands more for a “clean diesel” vehicle compared to a base VW model.

In general, plaintiffs claim that they would not have purchased a VW vehicle had they known it was installed with the “defeat device.” Some further allege that when Volkswagen fixes the emissions-cheating software, the efficiency and gas mileage rate 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!