Volkswagen Recall

Volkswagen has announced a recall of around 500,000 diesel cars after the Environmental Protection Agency accused the carmaker of cheating to pass emissions testing. The Volkswagen recall affects certain diesel Volkswagen and Audi vehicles with the model years 2009-2015. Volkswagen lawsuits have now been filed on behalf of plaintiffs who may have been financially harmed by Volkswagen's alleged actions.

The Volkswagen recall was announced September 18, 2015, after the US government ordered the carmaker to recall certain cars, alleging the company installed software in those vehicles to allow them to pass emissions tests.

Under the Clean Air Act, there are limits to how much pollution vehicles are allowed to emit. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Volkswagen allegedly used software to determine when the cars were being tested. That software then used emissions control systems to make it seem that the vehicles' emissions were within regulated limits. When the cars were on the road in normal driving situations, however, the emissions controls were off and the cars were reportedly emitting pollution up to 40 times that allowed by the Clean Air Act.

Volkswagen has reportedly admitted to the use of the software to pass emissions testing.

The New York Times (9/18/15) reports that pollution controls limit the amount of nitrogen oxide released from the car, but can affect performance including torque and acceleration.

As a result of the government's investigation into Volkswagen's actions, Volkswagen has recalled around 480,000 diesel Volkswagen Jetta, Beetle, Golf, Passats and Audi A3 cars. All cars except the Passat are model years 2009-2015. The Passat is model year 2014-2015. Vehicle owners would likely receive recall notices alerting them to the recall and informing them of where to have their cars repaired at no cost. Additionally, the company could reportedly face up to $18 billion in fines and criminal charges.

In the wake of the recall, Volkswagen's CEO resigned his position.

A Volkswagen class action lawsuit has now been filed on behalf of Volkswagen owners who are affected by the recall. Owners say they bought the vehicles for their clean emissions and good gas mileage but may be forced to sell the vehicles for significantly less than they paid. They also say their lives are affected by the hassle of dealing with having their vehicle repaired.

The lawsuit, case number 2:15-cv-00405, accuses Volkswagen of being greedy and using deceptive practices. According to CNN (9/23/15), up to 34 federal lawsuits have been filed against Volkswagen. More lawsuits could be filed. Plaintiffs could seek compensation for expenses and loss of value to the vehicle, punitive damages and damages for emotional distress. Diesel car owners may have paid up to $7,000 more to buy the diesel vehicles.

Class action lawsuits have also reportedly been filed in Canada and the UK. The Canadian lawsuit alleges Volkswagen wrongfully fixed admissions tests and misled consumers into buying certain Volkswagen vehicles. The lawsuit reportedly seeks $1 billion for damages linked to the diminished value of the vehicles, mental distress, frustration, and expenses linked to repairs, as well as punitive damages.

Volkswagon Recall Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered similar damages or injuries, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to an automobile defect lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Last updated on Mar-30-17