What is at issue in this litigation?
Volkswagen admitted to installing a “cheat” device on certain models of its vehicles, while promoting them as “clean diesel” alternatives to hybrid and electric vehicles. The defeat device enables the vehicles to detect the special parameters of an emissions drive cycle, which prompts the vehicle’s computer to turn on emissions controls, thereby making the vehicle fully compliant with EPA rules during testing.
The software also senses steering, throttle, and other variables unique to real-time driving, which cues the computer to turn off emissions controls, allowing the vehicle to release extremely high levels of nitrogen-oxide emissions. These toxic emissions are up to 40 times higher than federal limits allow.
2.0 Liter Vehicles
In October 2016, Judge Charles Breyer of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California officially approved the settlement agreement involving claims related to a Volkswagen (VW) emissions cheat scandal. The settlement will total nearly $15 billion, believed to be the largest automobile settlement in history. The settlement will resolve claims between VW and owners of about half-a-million diesel-powered model-year 2009-2015 VW and Audi vehicles with 2.0-liter diesel engines.
The deadline to submit a claim for this settlement agreement is September 1, 2018. For more details:
- Read the Reminder Notice from the Court
- Read the Reminder Notice from Volkswagen
3.0 Liter Vehicles
In January 2017, settlement agreements were filed by the consumer plaintiffs and the Federal Trade Commission in the Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation that will provide owners and lessees of Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche 3.0-liter diesel vehicles substantial cash compensation in addition to buybacks, trade-ins, government-approved emissions modifications or compliant repairs, depending on the generation of vehicle.
Consumers’ options and compensation will depend on whether their vehicles are classified as Generation One or Generation Two. The engine designs for each generation are different, with different prospects for emissions compliance. The cash payments in addition to these options are only available to those who participate in the class action settlement, which covers approximately 75,000 3.0-liter TDI vehicles.
The Volkswagen 3.0 Liter Diesel Emissions Class Action Settlement Notice provides more details.
Making a Claim
Consumers eligible for the 2.0L or 3.0L Volkswagen settlements may be entitled to additional compensation from Bosch (the manufacturer of the defeat device). Consumers filing claims in the VW settlement are automatically included in the Bosch settlement. Consumers that did not file claims in the VW settlements may submit claims in the Bosch settlement through December 31, 2019. For more information on the Bosch settlement, visit the official Bosch Settlement website.
To file a new claim or check on an existing claim in the VW emissions settlement, visit the VW Group of America website.
