Volkswagen is embroiled in an international scandal involving more than 11 million vehicles for falsifying pollution test results. Not only were these vehicles marketed as clean diesel, they were also touted for their fuel economy. Instead, Volkswagen created software to deceive inspectors during emissions testing, allowing them to spew emissions when the vehicles were on the road.
If you own one of these affected vehicles, you may be entitled to compensation through a possible Volkswagen emissions lawsuit. The Fort Worth product liability attorneys at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn are currently investigating claims of fraudulent behavior on behalf of consumers who were deceived by Volkswagen. Contact us today for a free consultation. We can help you get justice.
Call (877) 920-9009 or complete a Free Case Review form today.
Volkswagen Clean Diesel Vehicles
In late September 2015, Volkswagen admitted to fitting its clean diesel cars with defeat device software to cheat on emissions tests in the United States. The device can sense when the vehicle is under testing conditions so that it can limit the amount of nitrogen oxide released into the air in accordance with federal regulations. However, under regular road conditions, the software no longer activates, allowing the vehicles to emit harmful emissions up to 40 times the legal limit.
The below vehicle models with 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel engines have been fitted with the defeat device software:
- 2009-2015 Audi A3
- 2014-2015 VW Passat
- 2009-2015 VW Jetta, Beetle and Golf
Volkswagen admitted in Nov. 2015 that all 2009-2016 Volkswagen models with a 3-liter diesel engine contain the software. Some SUV models equipped with the device include:
- 2009-2016 VW Touareg
- 2009-2016 Porsche Cayenne
- 2009-2016 Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, A8, A8L and Q5
If you own one of these vehicle models, contact the attorneys at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn immediately. Filing a Volkswagen emissions lawsuit may be an option for you.
Additional Information about the VW Emissions Scandal
The Volkswagen emissions scandal includes an estimated 500,000 vehicles sold in the United States. The automaker has been ordered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fix each affected vehicle. Worldwide, there are approximately 11 million vehicles equipped with the device.
Volkswagen has knowingly sold these rigged vehicles for seven years, and only admitted to its deceitful practices in September 2015 at the prodding of the EPA. The West Virginia University Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines & Emissions first noticed discrepancies in the level of emissions emitted during testing and roadside environments in 2014. It shared this information with the EPA, who originally left it up to Volkswagen to investigate and fix the problem. However, despite one voluntary recall in late 2014, nothing was changed.
The Volkswagen vehicles have been heavily marketed as clean diesel vehicles that offer environmentally friendly features, fuel efficiency and powerful performance. Because the vehicles do not meet strict environmental standards, the automaker could face statutory damages of up to $37,500 a vehicle.
Volkswagen has stopped selling the affected vehicles and will not release its 2016 line of diesel vehicles. A recall has not yet been issued to fix the affected cars, but the company has stated that it should have a solution to the problem in January 2016.
VW Emissions Scandal and Consumers
Many consumers believed they were buying a vehicle that had a high level of performance that was also friendlier to the environment. The emissions scandal has proven this to be a fraudulent claim made by Volkswagen.
Many feel cheated by the automaker and fear that the value of their vehicles may be depreciated because of the scandal. If Volkswagen replaces the cheating software with the correct software, fuel economy and horsepower could also be lost.
Several class action lawsuits have already been filed alleging unjust enrichment, warranty violation, breach of contract or negligent misrepresentation.
Car owners are encouraged to hold onto their vehicles until it is better known how Volkswagen will rectify the problem. Until then, you may be eligible to join a Volkswagen emissions lawsuit to get justice.
Schedule Your Free VW Emissions Consultation Today
Our firm offers experienced attorneys who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience. We offer free consultations and will evaluate your case to determine if you are eligible to join a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen.
Our team is dedicated to getting justice for our clients and will work to get you the compensation you deserve. We have years of experience obtaining favorable results for our clients.
Call (877) 920-9009 to set up your free legal consultation.