Phoenix, Arizona - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced today that Arizonans who own so-called "clean diesel" Volkswagen and Audi cars will now be eligible to receive thousands of dollars in compensation from a federal class action settlement to resolve emissions cheating claims.
The German automaker agreed to buy back or fix “clean diesel” cars and compensate the owners for their trouble. The affected cars include 2009 through 2015 Volkswagen TDI diesel models of Jettas, Passats, Golfs, and Beetles as well as the TDI Audi A3. Owners will be paid full, pre-scandal fair market value for their vehicle, in addition to a cash payment of at least $5,100. Under the deal, car owners may also choose to keep their vehicle and wait to see if VW and Audi develop acceptable emissions fixes; car owners who exercise this option will also receive a cash payment of at least $5,100.
The federal class action settlement does not impact Arizona’s ongoing Consumer Fraud Lawsuit against Volkswagen. The Attorney General’s Office has been pursuing its own separate lawsuit against Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche to hold the carmakers accountable for the well-publicized false advertising claims. Arizona consumers were subject to numerous misleading advertisements claiming Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars were environmentally friendly, low-emission, and powerfully fuel efficient.
“Arizona has one of the strongest consumer fraud provisions in the nation,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. “While some other states are limited to a few thousand dollars in penalties per violation, Arizona law provides for as much as a $10,000 penalty for each willful violation of the Consumer Fraud Act."
The settlement between Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and federal regulators does not cover pending claims regarding 3.0L Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche diesel engines. Arizona’s Consumer Fraud Lawsuit will continue to seek restitution for owners of 3.0L "clean diesel" cars.
“No matter a company’s size, doing business in Arizona by deceiving consumers and misrepresenting products will not be tolerated, and this office will continue to seek the full penalty under the law for such actions,” Brnovich added.
Arizonans will be able to see if they are eligible for compensation and what options are available to them at http://VWCourtSettlement.com
If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, please contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6504, or outside the metro areas at (800) 352-8431. Bilingual consumer protection staff is available to assist. Consumers can also file complaints online by visiting the Attorney General’s website at https://www.azag.gov/complaints/consumer .