VW TDI Dieselgate Settlement: Affected Vehicles, Buyback & Compensation

Background: How VW Cheated and What Was Settled

Volkswagen Group installed software in the engine control unit that detected the cadence of an EPA emissions test (steering input zero, specific drive cycle) and switched the EGR and NOx-aftertreatment systems into a low-NOx tuning that the vehicle could not maintain in the real world. Real-world NOx emissions were measured at up to 40 times the federal limit. The consent decrees with the EPA, CARB, and the DOJ required Volkswagen to repurchase or perform an emissions modification on every affected vehicle and to pay restitution. Owners of 2.0L vehicles received between $5,100 and $10,000 in restitution; 3.0L owners received higher amounts depending on Gen 1 or Gen 2 hardware.

VW / Audi / Porsche TDI Affected Vehicles

Data sourced from NHTSA recall database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), manufacturer technical service bulletins, and publicly filed class-action documents. Always verify with your VIN before purchase or repair.

How to Check Your VIN for Open Recalls

Recalls are tied to specific VINs, not just model years. Run yours through these free tools before you buy, sell, or schedule a repair:

1. NHTSA VIN Lookup - nhtsa.gov/recalls. Enter your 17-character VIN; shows every open federal safety recall.
2. Manufacturer site - Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia, Stellantis, Nissan, Tesla, and VW all run their own recall portals. These sometimes list service campaigns, TSBs, and customer support programs that NHTSA does not.
3. Dealer service department - Open recall work is free for the life of the vehicle. No appointment fee, no parts fee.

Use our free VIN decoder to pull build info, or run a free AI diagnosis if you already have symptoms.

Class Actions & Legal References

In re Volkswagen "Clean Diesel" Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2672 (N.D. Cal.) consolidated hundreds of class and government actions. The 2.0L consent decree (October 2016) and the 3.0L consent decree (May 2017) provided buyback, lease termination, emissions modification, and restitution. Criminal pleas (FCPA and Clean Air Act counts) added separate penalties.

What To Do If You Are Affected

If you currently own an emissions-modified TDI, keep all paperwork; the modified-vehicle extended emissions warranty is still active and transferable on resale. If you were not on the original owner list (later purchaser), confirm modification status via the VIN lookup on the VW Trust Owner Resources page.

• Document the symptom at every dealer visit. Same complaint phrasing, video evidence, RO copy in hand.
• Save every receipt - oil changes, towing, rental, prior repairs. Class-action reimbursement requires proof.
• Know your state lemon-law clock. Most states reset the clock with each unresolved repair attempt for the same defect.
• Open a customer-care case with the manufacturer if the dealer cannot resolve the issue. Goodwill assistance is often available out of warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions