Volkswagen Agrees to Compensate Drivers in Emissions Fraud Lawsuits

What Happened

Kreindler launched a global investigation into allegations that Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, and Volkswagen Group of America (collectively referred to as Volkswagen) secretly programmed proprietary software in their “Clean Diesel” cars from 2009 through 2015 to knowingly violate emissions standards.

In October 2016, Volkswagen agreed to pay drivers up to $10 billion in compensation and another $4.7 billion into remedial programs approved by the EPA to offset the excess emissions of its diesels.

Since 1950, we have recovered billions of dollars for our clients through trial and settlement proceedings.

The Volkswagen lawsuit affected people who owned or leased any of the following vehicle models:

People damaged by Volkswagen’s fraudulent actions:

In the Media

The New York Times published a story adapted from Jack Ewing’s “Faster, Higher, Farther: The Volkswagen Scandal” that details Volkswagen’s efforts to cover up their campaign to trick pollution regulators affecting millions of consumers. 

There are also some practical consequences you may experience. Your diesel Volkswagen or Audi is likely worth far less today than it was prior to September 18, 2015. Car dealers and insurance companies refer to this as diminished value. This is particularly upsetting since you likely paid a premium for the vehicle because it was sold as “clean diesel.”

You may experience an inability to re-register your vehicle until recall repairs are completed.

Finally, you may be now part of an unprecedented volume of customers trying to schedule repairs that will, incredibly, result in a car that gets worse gas mileage and slower performance. That said, the engine formerly hailed as “clean diesel” will no longer pollute the Earth at the same rate it has been polluting.