Volkswagen Emissions Scandal. Our firm is investigating potential class action lawsuits on behalf of Volkswagen customers who purchased vehicles installed with cheating emissions software. In September 2015, Volkswagen admitted that it installed software meant to deceive regulators into thinking four-cylinder diesel vehicles met emissions standards when, in reality, the vehicles produced high levels of harmful pollutants. The scandal affects 11 million vehicles worldwide and may cost over $7 billion to address.
If you or someone you know owns a Volkswagen vehicle affected by the emissions scandal, please contact Parker Waichman today.
Volkswagen Admits that Cars have Cheating Software
In September 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Volkswagen installed “defeat device” software on certain vehicles. The technology was designed to make emissions controls work when the cars were being inspected but turned off when on the road. Regulators said that the vehicles emitted nitrogen oxides at up to 40 times the limit while on the road, but appeared to meet standards during laboratory testing. Volkswagen admitted to installing the emissions-masking software and faces many class action lawsuits filed around the country, Courthouse News Service reports.
The defeat device software uses a sophisticated algorithm to sense when the vehicle is being inspected; only at this time will full emissions-control mode kick in. During normal driving, the emissions controls are turned off to make cars feel more lively and responsive. Affected models include:
2009 – 2014 Model Years:
- VW diesel Jettas
- Beetles
- Audi A3s
- Golfs
2015 – 2014 Model Years
- Passat
In May 2014, the EPA and California regulators began questioning the way in which Volkswagen had been constructed. Researchers with the International Council for Clean Transportation and West Virginia University found a discrepancy between VW laboratory results and road tests. Volkswagen conducted tests to “identify the technical reasons for the high on-road emissions”; however, it was not until September 2015 that Volkswagen admitted to installing the defeat device.
Volkswagen marketed “CleanDiesel” VW vehicles as being environmentally friendly. Now, Clean Air Act violations may result in statutory damages of up to $37,500 per vehicle.
CNS reports that class action lawsuits have been filed in California, Illinois, Alabama, and Florida. VW is accused of fraud by concealment, breach of contract, strict product liability, breach of warranty, and other allegations. Plaintiffs allege that they paid thousands more for vehicles that were supposedly better for the environmental, but that they ended up buying cars that released high levels of pollutants.
Need Legal Help Regarding Volkswagen Emissions Scandal?
If you or someone you know purchased a Volkswagen vehicle installed with cheating software, you may have valuable legal rights. Our firm offers free, no-obligation legal consultations. For more information, fill out our online form or call us at 1(800)YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529). (1-800-968-7529).
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