The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recalled nearly 482,000 diesel passenger cars in the United States on September 18, 2015. This recall covers Volkswagen and Audi vehicles sold since 2008. The recall covers the following models of Volkswagen and Audi vehicles:
- 2009-2015 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2009-2015 Volkswagen Beetle
- 2009-2015 Volkswagen Golf
- 2014-2015 Volkswagen Passat
- 2009-2015 Audi A3
It was found that these vehicles only activate their full emission control systems when they detected that they were undergoing official emissions testing. However, during normal driving conditions, the controls would automatically switch off, causing the vehicles to emit significantly greater amounts of pollutants, a violation of U.S. clean air laws.
How You Have Been Harmed
Many consumers decided to purchase these vehicles because they believed they were helping the environment. These vehicles were advertised to consumers as fuel efficient vehicles that would emit low levels of pollutants. One such example is that Volkswagen championed the fact that “this ain’t your daddy’s diesel, stinky, smoky, and sluggish.” Anything linked to those marketed features are now suspicious and, now has affected the resale and/or trade-in value of those vehicles.
The EPA states that the recalled Audi and Volkswagen cars emit as much as 40 times the national standard of nitrogen oxide (NOx). Diesel engines, by their very nature, emit more NOx than gasoline engines. NOx has been causally linked to lung illnesses, including asthma.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationSadly, Volkswagen has yet to reveal what steps they will take to repair the cars. Volkswagen will probably have to reprogram the onboard computers in order to repair the full emissions control systems during all driving conditions. Although this will hopefully repair the problem, automotive writer Bill Visnic has confirmed that reprogramming the engine to lower NOx emissions to acceptable levels will reduce engine power and torque. “This means that on-the-road performance will be compromised. The reprogramming could mean that the diesel engines’ outstanding fuel economy, the primary reason most people buy a diesel, will also be reduced.”
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
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