Volkswagen "Clean Diesel" Claims
If you own a Volkswagen or Audi diesel, you need to understand your rights and make sure that they are protected. At this time, it is believed that the affected vehicles are:
- Volkswagen Jetta (model years 2009-2015)
- Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen (model years 2009-2015)
- Volkswagen Beetle (model years 2012-2015)
- Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (model years 2012-2015)
- Audi A3 (model years 2010-2015)
- Volkswagen Golf (model years 2010-2015)
- Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen (model year 2015)
- Volkswagen Passat (model years 2012-2015)
The scope of the predicament appears to be limited to Volkswagens and Audis with 4 cylinder diesel engines.
The problem arises from a deliberate effort by Volkswagen to manipulate the results of testing, so that the vehicles appear to have very low emissions. In reality, however, the emissions of these vehicles are only as low as advertised when undergoing this testing. Under "real world" driving conditions, the vehicles' emissions levels are several times higher and, therefore, fail to comply with the requirements of the Clean Air Act.
Exactly what must be done and what Volkswagen intends to do to correct this problem is unknown. It is certain, however, that consumers have been sold automobiles that were much different than as represented to them. The affected vehicles will have to be modified to comply with the requirements of the Clean Air Act. Doing so will significantly decrease fuel efficiency, torque, and horsepower - some of the key selling points for these cars.
Existing production of these cars has been halted and those on dealers' lots have been removed from inventory. It is likely that the needed modifications to comply with federal and state laws will have a substantial effect on the resale value of these vehicles, as well as their performance and anticipated future fuel costs, due to decreased fuel efficiency.