Volkswagen recently admitted that it had installed “defeat devices” on 11 million VW and Audi diesel-powered cars worldwide that enabled these vehicles to cheat on emissions testing. The company announced plans to recall 500,000 Volkswagen and Audi “clean diesel” cars sold in the U.S.

Volkswagen’s “TDI Clean Diesel” engines were marketed to drivers as a high performance alternative to other less drivable eco-friendly vehicles. Many drivers purchased Volkswagen or Audi “clean diesel” cars because they found them more fun to drive than alternatives like the Toyota Prius or Nissan Leaf, but with greater fuel efficiency than other gasoline-powered engines.

However, in 2013, researchers discovered that Volkswagen and Audi vehicles with TDI engine emitted about 40 times more pollution than allowed by federal law. After trying to stonewall an EPA investigation into the problem, Volkswagen finally admitted that it had engaged to what amounts to a massive, multiyear, multibillion dollar fraud to hide emissions problems with its “clean diesel” vehicles from drivers and regulators.

“TDI Clean Diesel” Vehicles Recalled By Volkswagen

Volkswagen announced that it would recall the following diesel-powered vehicles as part of the “Dieselgate” emissions scandal:

• Volkswagen Jetta TDI, 2009-2015
• Volkswagen Jetta Sportswagen TDI, 2009-2014
• Volkswagen Passat TDI, 2012-2015
• Volkswagen Golf TDI, 2010-2015
• Volkswagen Beetle TDI, 2012-2015
• Volkswagen Beetle Convertible TDI, 2012-2015
• Audi A3 TDI, 2010-2015

However, Volkswagen’s decision to recall these “TDI Clean Diesel” vehicles may mean additional headaches for consumers. Any fix that the company proposes to correct the emissions issue will likely mean a drastic drop in the performance of these Audi and Volkswagen vehicles. Consumers who wish to sell their cars—or even those who need to take them in for state inspection—may be left holding the bill for Volkswagen’s egregious deception.

Additional VW Vehicles Involved in Dieselgate Scandal

In September 2015, the EPA announced that several more VW Group models were involved in the Volkswagen emissions cheating scandal. These models included several light duty diesel powered vehicles manufactured by the company that had also been equipped with a “defeat device”, including:

• Volkswagen Touareg TDI, 2009-2016
• Audi A6 Quattro, 2014-2016
• Audi A7 Quattro, 2014-2016
• Audi A8 Quattro, 2014-2016
• Audi A8L Quattro, 2014-2016
• Audi Q5 Quattro, 2014-2016
• Audi Q7, 2009-2016
• Porsche Cayenne, 2013-2015

According to a warning letter issued by the EPA, tests had revealed that the addition models emitted levels of nitrogen oxide that were up to nine times the federal maximum. The new list of vehicles were equipped with 3.0 liter engines, rather than the TDI engines involved in the earlier recall.

Lawsuits Filed Against Volkswagen Over Emissions Recall

Dozens of product liability and class action lawsuits have already been filed against Volkswagen over the emissions scandal. Many consumers who purchased VW, Audi, or Porsche vehicles involved in the diesel emissions scandal feel that they feel like they were cheated by Volkswagen by the company’s false claims about the performance, drivability, and eco-friendliness of its diesel vehicles.

Drivers who purchased or leased a Volkswagen, Audi, or Porsche diesel-powered vehicle may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the automaker. The law firm of Heygood, Orr & Pearson is representing clients across the U.S. who purchased diesel vehicles from VW. Our attorneys plan to be heavily involved in the litigation over the Volkswagen emissions cheating scandal and will work on behalf of our clients in order to ensure that they recover the damages to which they are entitled for the company’s deliberate acts of fraud.

For a free legal consultation about your case and to find out whether you qualify to take legal action against Volkswagen, contact the lawyers at Heygood, Orr & Pearson by calling toll-free at 1-877-446-9001, or by filling out the free case evaluation form located at the top of this page.