Volkswagen / Audi Diesel Emissions "Dieselgate" Class Action
Case Overview
Beginning in 2009, Volkswagen AG and its subsidiary Audi AG equipped approximately 580,000 diesel vehicles sold in the United States with illegal "defeat device" software that could detect when the car was being tested for emissions compliance and temporarily reduce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) output. Under real-world driving conditions, however, these vehicles emitted pollutants at levels up to 40 times above the legal limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency. The scandal — quickly dubbed "Dieselgate" by the press — broke publicly in September 2015 after independent researchers at West Virginia University and the EPA uncovered the discrepancy, triggering a massive global recall, congressional hearings, and criminal investigations on both sides of the Atlantic.
The resulting class action consolidated in the Northern District of California produced a landmark $14.7 billion settlement — the largest ever in an automotive consumer fraud case at the time. The settlement provided affected owners and lessees with buyback offers, lease terminations, or cash compensation packages, along with funds for environmental remediation. Volkswagen also pleaded guilty to criminal charges and paid an additional $4.3 billion in criminal and civil penalties to the U.S. government. Several executives faced criminal prosecution, and Volkswagen's then-CEO Martin Winterkorn was indicted by a U.S. grand jury in 2018.
Who May Qualify
U.S. owners or lessees of model-year 2009–2015 Volkswagen or Audi diesel vehicles equipped with a 2.0-liter or 3.0-liter TDI engine were eligible for buyback, compensation, or emissions modification options under the settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Volkswagen Dieselgate owners get money back?
Yes. Under the $14.7 billion settlement, eligible owners of 2.0-liter TDI vehicles could choose a full buyback at the pre-scandal market value plus additional compensation, or keep their vehicle and receive a cash payment along with a future emissions fix. Lessees were also entitled to early lease termination and compensation.
Which VW and Audi models were affected by the diesel emissions scandal?
Affected vehicles included Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Beetle, Passat, and Golf Sportwagen with 2.0-liter TDI engines (model years 2009–2015), as well as Audi A3 TDI models. A separate settlement covered 3.0-liter TDI engines found in certain VW Touareg, Audi A6, A7, A8, Q5, and Porsche Cayenne models.
Is the Volkswagen Dieselgate settlement still open?
No. The claims deadlines have passed and the settlement program has been fully administered. Affected owners who did not submit claims by the applicable deadlines are generally no longer eligible to receive compensation under the class action settlement.