Volkswagen is currently under fire for cheating emissions tests. The manufacturer admitted to equipping its diesel-engine vehicles with a “defeat device” – software that allowed its vehicles to meet air quality standards for purposes of passing emissions tests while actually releasing harmful pollutants on the road well above the permitted levels. Approximately 11 million vehicles worldwide, and 500,000 in the United States alone, were manufactured with this cheating software. These vehicles include the Jetta, Beetle, Passat, and A3, among other models manufactured from 2009 to 2015. As Volkswagen marketed these vehicles as eco-friendly and environmentally-safe, car owners are outraged after learning their “Buggies” are not as green as they believed—or paid for.
California law provides certain remedies against Volkswagen for consumers in relation to this recent scandal. Primarily, California’s Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law entitles consumers to restitution of the seller’s profits, or the difference in value of the car purchased with that promised, where the seller has engaged in practices that are unethical or harmful to consumers, as well as false or misleading advertising. In the present circumstance, consumers were promised, and paid for, vehicles that complied with emission standards, but were “cheated” when they received noncompliant vehicles. Consumers may also be entitled to have Volkswagen fix these “defeat devices” and repair their vehicles to comply with the national emission standards. Further, the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act prohibits manufacturers from using deceptive and unfair practices to sell goods to consumers. Purchasers may be entitled to actual damages, restitution, and punitive damages against Volkswagen under this Act.
It is possible that consumers may also assert lemon law claims against Volkswagen since the state and federal emission warranties that were provided with the vehicle are ineffective. It is yet to be known how, when or whether VW is going to remedy their fraud. Volkswagen TDI consumers have been harmed by Volkswagen’s conduct. Not only have these consumers paid more for what these cars are worth, but they are now stuck with vehicles that have significantly diminished in value.
The Volkswagen emissions scandal affects the following vehicles:
2009-2015 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
2009-2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI
2012-2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI
2012-2015 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible TDI
2010-2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI
2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TDI
2009-2015 Audi A3 2.0L TDI
If you have purchased or leased a Volkswagen diesel-engine vehicle in the past few years, you are likely a victim of Volkswagen’s illegal conduct. Get the peace-of-mind and the money you deserve with a free consultation by calling the Lemon Law Experts today. With millions of dollars recovered for our clients and a superb success rate, our attorneys are ready to assist you with your legal needs. Call our Lemon Law Experts today at 1-877-885-5366 or submit an online form for a free and confidential evaluation. The Lemon Law Experts of Consumer Law Experts are here to fight for you.
