As you may have heard by now, Volkswagen recently admitted that a ‘defeat device’ designed to cheat emission testing systems was installed on over 11 million VW cars equipped with the EA 189 engine worldwide.
The software that is installed on the EA 189 engine can detect when a car is undergoing EPA emissions testing and turn on the vehicle’s full emissions controls to ensure the vehicle passes the test. When the vehicle is operating under normal driving conditions, the software is turned off resulting in the emission of nitrous oxide at levels 10 to 40 times greater than what is permitted by law.
LaFontaine Volkswagen in Dearborn has been getting quite a few calls and emails from concerned customers regarding this issue, and we wanted to make sure we let you know what to do if you own or lease one of these vehicles.
What Volkswagen Models are Affected?
The cars that are affected by this all use the 2.0L turbo-diesel 4 cylinder engine, including the:
- VW Jetta (Model Years 2009 – 2015)
- VW Jetta Sportwagen (Model Years 2009-2014)
- VW Golf (Model Years 2010-2015)
- VW Golf Sportwagen (Model Year 2015)
- VW Beetle and VW Beetle Convertible (Model Years 2012 – 2015)
- VW Passat (Model Years 2012-2015)
There are other vehicles in the Volkswagen lineup that use different diesel engines, however those engines are not affected by this. To our knowledge, only the vehicles listed above are affected.
Is There a Recall For These Vehicles?
I spoke with Tom Koslowski, Service Manager at LaFontaine Volkswagen, to get the scoop on what customers should do if they own one of these vehicles equipped with the Volkswagen EA 189 engine.
Tom passed along to me the official word that he received directly from our Volkswagen representative that as of right now, there is no active recall on these vehicles.
Volkswagen is committed to fixing this issue as soon as possible. We want to assure customers and owners of these models that their automobiles are safe to drive, and we are working to develop a remedy that meets emissions standards and satisfies our loyal and valued customers. Owners of these vehicles do not need to take any action at this time.
Once Volkswagen has a solution in place for these vehicles, owners will be contacted directly by Volkswagen (not the dealership) on what steps to take.
If you have any questions regarding your vehicle, Tom said he is more than happy to answer any lingering questions you might have.
You can reach him directly at 313-996-6018 or via email.
Can These Vehicles Still Be Purchased?
No they cannot. Volkswagen has issued a stop sale order on all new and pre-owned Volkswagen’s equipped with the EA 189 engine.
Is My Vehicle Safe to Drive?
Yes, these vehicles are safe to drive. The topic under investigation is not safety related, but specific to the emissions output of the vehicle. When a repair is available consumers will be notified. Consumers do not need to do anything at this time.
How Long Until a Repair is Available?
Volkswagen is working to develop a remedy and will notify the consumer when it is available. A specific time-frame is not yet available.
Official Statement from Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen AG
Wolfsburg, September 20, 2015
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board (EPA and CARB) revealed their findings that while testing diesel cars of the Volkswagen Group they have detected manipulations that violate American environmental standards.
The Board of Management at Volkswagen AG takes these findings very seriously. I personally am deeply sorry that we have broken the trust of our customers and the public. We will cooperate fully with the responsible agencies, with transparency and urgency, to clearly, openly, and completely establish all of the facts of this case. Volkswagen has ordered an external investigation of this matter.
We do not and will not tolerate violations of any kind of our internal rules or of the law.
The trust of our customers and the public is and continues to be our most important asset. We at Volkswagen will do everything that must be done in order to re-establish the trust that so many people have placed in us, and we will do everything necessary in order to reverse the damage this has caused. This matter has first priority for me, personally, and for our entire Board of Management.
VW CEO Martin Winterkorn Resigns After Emissions Scandal
September 23, 2015
Volkswagen Chief Executive Officer Martin Winterkorn is stepping down from the helm of the automaker following the company’s admission that it cheated on U.S. emissions tests.
Source: Automotive News | Jalopnik | Volkswagen
