Volkswagen Class Action Lawsuit

On Behalf of | Oct 5, 2015 | Firm News

Volkswagen outfitted its vehicles with illegal emissions-cheating software in a scandal that affects millions of cars manufactured between 2009 and 2015. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently told Volkswagen that these vehicles are not federally compliant and what may be the largest ever vehicle recall by a single car manufacturer is underway. It affects the following vehicles:

  • VW Jetta TDI (Model Years 2009 – 2015)
  • VW Jetta SportWagen TDI (Model Years 2009-2014)
  • VW Golf TDI (Model Years 2010-2015)
  • VW Golf SportWagen TDI (Model Year 2015)
  • VW Beetle TDI (Model Years 2012-2015)
  • VW Beetle Convertible TDI (Model Years 2012-2015)
  • VW Passat TDI (Model Years 2012-2015)
  • Audi A3 (Model Years 2010-2015)

Volkswagen fraudulently and deceitfully outfitted these vehicles with software that detects when the car is being tested for emissions controls and otherwise disables full emission controls under normal driving conditions, causing the vehicles to emit up to 40 times more nitrogen oxide (NOx) than the federal standard. The software turns off the emissions controls during actual road use, resulting in better fuel economy and performance, but producing significantly greater pollutants in violation of U.S. clean air laws. Volkswagen then misrepresented through its national marketing campaign, the environmental benefits of its TDI Clean Diesel engines in its effort to promote and sell its vehicles at a higher price. An estimated 500,000 vehicles were sold in the United States and 11 million were sold worldwide that are equipped with Volkswagen’s deceitful software. Individuals and businesses who purchased these vehicles did not receive the benefit of their bargain, nor did they receive vehicles that meet ordinary and reasonable consumer expectations. Instead, they received vehicles that are of a lesser standard, grade, and quality than represented. These individuals paid more for these vehicles either through a higher purchase price or higher lease payments than they would have had Volkswagen disclosed the emissions-cheating software. As an owner and lessees of these vehicles you will also continue to incur additional sums of money to operate your vehicle. Additionally, the resale value of your vehicle may be affected. Volkswagen has admitted cheating in diesel emissions tests in the United States and Europe. On September 21, 2015, the chief executive of Volkswagen’s U.S. operations, Michael Horn, stated: “Let’s be clear about this: Our company was dishonest with the EPA and the California Air Resources Board and with all of you.” He continued, “In my German words, we have totally screwed up.” We agree. Paoli Law Firm has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of owners and lessees who are affected by this recall and who have damages as a result of Volkswagen’s deceptive and fraudulent practices. If you own one of these vehicles contact Paoli Law Firm for a free evaluation to review your rights and potential claims for damages.