What the Volkswagen emissions scandal was and why it matters to you

Between 2009 and 2015, Volkswagen installed software in millions of diesel vehicles that made the cars pass emissions tests while actually polluting far more on the road. The company admitted to this in September 2015, and the discovery led to lawsuits, recalls, and settlements that affected car owners, the environment, and public trust in the auto industry. If you owned or leased one of these vehicles, you may have had legal options or received compensation.

The scandal involved diesel vehicles sold under the Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche brands. The software, sometimes called a "defeat device," detected when a car was being tested and switched to a cleaner mode. Once on the road, the vehicles emitted nitrogen oxides at levels up to 40 times higher than the legal limit. Volkswagen paid billions in fines and settlements, and owners of affected cars received buyback offers, repairs, or cash payments depending on their location and the model they owned.

Key Takeaways

  • Volkswagen installed software in diesel vehicles from 2009 to 2015 that cheated on emissions tests, and the company settled lawsuits by offering buybacks, repairs, or cash payments to affected owners.
  • The vehicles involved were primarily diesel models sold under Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche brands, with different settlement options depending on the model year and owner location.
  • Most settlement important date have passed, but some owners may still have options if they did not participate in earlier settlements or if their vehicle was not covered.
  • You can find out whether your vehicle was affected by checking the EPA's list or contacting a Volkswagen dealer with your vehicle identification number (VIN).

Which Volkswagen models were affected

The scandal primarily involved 2.0-liter diesel engines in Volkswagen Jettas, Golfs, Passats, and Beetles, along with Audi A3 models and Porsche Cayenne models. Later, Volkswagen also admitted to using defeat devices in some 3.0-liter diesel engines in larger vehicles like the Touareg and Audi Q5. Model years ranged from 2009 to 2015, though some 2016 models were also affected.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a list of affected vehicles on its website. To check whether your car was part of the scandal, you can look up your vehicle identification number (VIN) — a 17-character code found on your registration, insurance card, or the driver's side dashboard. Volkswagen dealers can also tell you whether your specific vehicle was involved.

Settlement options that were offered to owners

Volkswagen's main settlement in the United States, approved in 2016, gave owners three primary options: a buyback (where Volkswagen repurchased the vehicle), a repair (where the company modified the engine software and hardware), or a cash payment (where owners kept their cars and received money). The value of each option varied by model, model year, and mileage at the time of the claim.

Owners who chose the buyback received the vehicle's fair market value as of September 2015, plus reimbursement for registration and sales taxes. Those who chose repair had their vehicles fixed at no cost, though the repairs sometimes reduced fuel economy slightly. Some owners received cash payments ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on their vehicle and circumstances.

A separate settlement also addressed owners who had already sold or traded in their affected vehicles before the scandal became public. These owners could file claims for compensation if they met certain conditions, though most of these important date have now passed.

What happened to vehicles that were repaired

Vehicles that underwent the emissions repair received both software updates and hardware modifications. The software changes adjusted how the engine operated, and in some cases Volkswagen added or upgraded equipment like diesel particulate filters. After repair, these vehicles were supposed to meet emissions standards while running on the road, though some owners reported that fuel economy and performance changed slightly.

If you kept a repaired vehicle, you retained ownership and could continue driving it. The repairs were performed at Volkswagen dealerships at no cost to the owner. Some owners reported that their cars felt less responsive after the repair, though this varied by model and individual experience.

Settlement important date and what to do if you missed them

The original settlement important date for most Volkswagen owners passed years ago — the main important date for filing claims was in 2018. However, the situation varies depending on which settlement program applied to your vehicle and your circumstances. Some owners who did not participate in the original settlement may still have had later opportunities, particularly if they owned vehicles that were covered by additional settlements or if they had already sold their cars.

If you believe you owned an affected vehicle and did not receive compensation or a repair, you can contact Volkswagen directly or consult the settlement administrator's website to check whether your claim was processed. You may also want to speak with a lawyer who handles consumer protection cases, as some owners pursued individual lawsuits or class-action suits separate from the main settlement.

How the scandal affected emissions standards and regulation

The Volkswagen scandal prompted stricter testing procedures across the auto industry. The EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) increased oversight of emissions testing and began conducting more real-world driving tests rather than relying solely on laboratory conditions. Automakers now face more rigorous audits and penalties for violations.

The scandal also accelerated the shift toward electric vehicles in the industry. Volkswagen itself committed to investing heavily in electric vehicle development as part of its settlement and public relations recovery. For consumers, the scandal underscored the importance of independent testing and transparency in how cars are evaluated for environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Volkswagen was part of the emissions scandal?

Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the EPA's website or contact a Volkswagen dealer with your VIN. The EPA maintains a searchable database of all affected vehicles. If your car was involved, you should have received notification from Volkswagen or the settlement administrator between 2015 and 2016.

Can I still get compensation if I sold my affected vehicle years ago?

Most important date for owners who sold their vehicles have passed, but it depends on when you sold it and which settlement applied. Some owners had extended important date. Contact the settlement administrator or a consumer protection attorney to learn whether your situation still has options available.

What if I repaired my vehicle and now want a buyback instead?

The original settlement important date for switching between options have passed for most owners. However, if you believe you were not given accurate information about your choices or if your circumstances changed significantly, an attorney who handles consumer cases may be able to review your situation.

Did Volkswagen have to pay any fines beyond the owner settlements?

Yes. Volkswagen paid billions in fines to the EPA, the Department of Justice, and state environmental agencies. The company also faced criminal charges against executives and paid penalties for violating the Clean Air Act. These fines were separate from the money returned to vehicle owners.

Are there any ongoing lawsuits related to the emissions scandal?

Most major class-action settlements have been resolved, but individual owners or groups have pursued additional claims in some cases. If you believe you have a claim that was not covered by the main settlement, consulting with an attorney who specializes in consumer protection or environmental law can help you understand your options.