Guide to the Volkswagen Emissions Recall

Volkswagen is accused of—and has admitted to—circumventing the emissions control system in about 482,000 vehicles sold in the United States since 2008 with the 2.0-liter diesel engine. As many as 11 million vehicles worldwide may be affected.

In mid-September, the EPA issued a notice of violation to Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, and Volkswagen Group of America (collectively VW) for failure to comply with Clean Air Act regulations. The agency determined that certain Volkswagen and Audi models have been emitting more pollutants than legally acceptable, leaving in their wake potential environmental and health implications.

Since the announcement, investigators have worked to learn how the illegal strategy came about, while the EPA has sought to close loopholes and ferret out any other potential cheaters.

On the corporate side, executives have been terminated and shuffled, stock values have plummeted, and hands were wrung—but few details have emerged about the tactical decision to willingly cheat the government, customers, and the environment.

Meanwhile, consumers have been left with many unanswered questions. This fast-moving situation promises new drama and eventual recalls. For now, here’s what we know so far.

Impacted Models

• Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta SportWagen (2009-2015)

• Volkswagen Beetle, Beetle Convertible (2012-2015)

• Audi A3 (2010-2015)

• Volkswagen Golf (2010-2015)

• Volkswagen Passat (2012-2015)

• Volkswagen Golf SportWagen (2015)

What is the Concern About Volkswagen Emissions?

Federal clean-air standards are configured to become increasingly stringent over time, with clear steps when new, tighter requirements must be achieved for legal new-car sales.

The rules are in place to improve air quality for both long-term environmental and health benefits. Although the cited Volkswagen models can meet the standards in a laboratory test, thanks to a sophisticated software algorithm that distinguishes testing from real-world driving, these vehicles were found to emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) at up to 40 times the standard when driven normally.

NOx contributes to ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter. According to the EPA, “Exposure to these pollutants has been linked with a range of serious health effects, including increased asthma attacks and other respiratory illnesses that can be serious enough to send people to the hospital. Exposure to ozone and particulate matter have also been associated with premature death due to respiratory-related or cardiovascular-related effects. Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory disease are particularly at risk for health effects of these pollutants.”

How Will This Affect Current Owners?

For now, the cars are safe and legal to drive. No action is needed by today’s drivers.

There will be a recall to bring the existing models up to regulations. The fixes will likely be software updates for the newest models. Pre-2015 cars are expected to need additional components installed—which may mean it takes longer to develop and deploy the solution.

Can I Still Buy a New Volkswagen Diesel?

Yes, but not a model with the 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. The Touareg TDI, with a 3.0-liter diesel engine, is still available. Audi still offers the A6, A7, A8 L, Q5, and Q7 with the 3.0L engine.

The EPA has not approved vehicles equipped with the 2.0-liter engine for the 2016 model year. Existing 2015 models at dealerships are subject to a stop-sale, meaning, they are not available for purchase.

Can I Make VW Buy Back My Car?

Not likely. We anticipate that Volkswagen will fix the affected vehicles, bringing them into compliance with regulations. However, it is possible that to do so may bring compromises in fuel economy, performance, and/or reliability. There already are multiple class-action lawsuits against Volkswagen that will try to gain monetary compensation for “diminution of value” (aka depreciation) of owners’ cars.

When Will There be a Recall?

This process is leading up to a recall to bring the affected cars into conformity with emissions regulations. When issued, the recall will come from Volkswagen, and the repairs will be performed at no cost to owners.
The EPA will validate the fixes to ensure they work, with an eye to potential compromises. Consumer Reports has three VW diesels in our test fleet, and once the recalls are performed, we will re-evaluate their fuel efficiency and performance.

It is expected that a software fix can readily bring 2015 models into line. However, VW might need some time to determine a proper solution for older models, which have different diesel-emissions systems.

A company spokesman told us, “We are working with the relevant authorities to identify a remedy.” In other words, stay tuned.