Volkswagen Emissions Class Action Lawsuit
No doubt you’ve seen the recent line of catchy commercials produced by Volkswagen touting the speed of their TDI technology. Technology that cost Volkswagen millions of dollars, with the intent to convince prospective buyers that their diesel technology rivals that of other hybrid vehicles. With the purported clean emission technology came a premium price for consumers. For many, owning a low emission vehicle was worth the price. Following the recent Volkswagen emissions scandal, Volkswagen owners willing to pay that price may now be faced with the harsh reality that these clean technology vehicles actually operate at 10 to 40 times the allowable legal pollution limit.
So How Did Volkswagen Do It?
According to the EPA Volkswagen intentionally violated emissions rules in a number of diesel models manufactured between 2009 and 2015, by designing a “defeat device,” a device designed with the specific intent to cheat pollution tests. The defeat device software allowed the engines in the affected diesel Volkswagen modes to switch to a cleaner mode during emissions testing. After an emissions test, the defeat device software would revert the engine to standard emission mode, emitting as much as 40 times the legal limit of pollutants.
Affected VW Models
The Strom Law firm legal team is investigating the potential fraud by Volkswagen to consumers who purchased their diesels cars.
If you own one of the vehicles listed below, contact our legal team now.
- Jetta (2009-2015)
- Beetle (2009-2015)
- Audi A3 (2009-2015)
- Golf (2009-2015)
- Passat (2014-2015)
Although Volkswagen has not yet confirmed how it intends to resolve the problem, experts contend that obvious solutions include a software fix and/or retrofitting an entire SCR system. With a simple software fix, impacted owners can potentially expect lower horsepower, decreased efficiency, and diminished resale value. In the event of retrofitting, owners lose potential interior volume. Regardless of the solution, existing owners likely face diminished resale value. In addition to possible Volkswagen Emissions Lawsuits, Volkswagen faces fines in excess of $18 billion as well as criminal prosecution.
Volkswagen Emission Violations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contends that Volkswagen’s “defeat device” violated the Federal Clean Air Act.
The class action lawsuit filed against Volkswagen claims the company committed fraud and breach of contract. The lawsuit cites the “diminished value” of the nearly 500,000 recalled diesel vehicles, which generally sell for a premium price over their gasoline models. The lawsuit claims that the cars may have degraded horse power and fuel efficiency after the diesel models are fixed.
The EPA issued an official “notice of violation” to Volkswagen, and the automaker reported that they are working closely with the EPA to correct this serious environmental crime. However, Volkswagen will not otherwise comment on potential pending Federal environmental criminal charges, lawsuits, or other legal action against the company.
Call Today for a Free Volkswagen Lawsuit Consultation
Consumers impacted by the Volkswagen diesel recall, may have paid a higher premium for a vehicle that does not perform as promised. If you own, or lease, a diesel Volkswagen impacted by the emissions scandal, your vehicle could have degraded horse power and fuel efficiency after the emission software is corrected. Call for a free consultation to discuss whether you may qualify for compensation (803) 252-4800.
