Volkswagen Agrees to $96.5 Million Settlement Over Inflated Gas Mileage Claims
VW Group of America settles a lawsuit with U.S. customers over exaggerated fuel economy figures affecting 98,000 gas-powered vehicles from Audi, Bentley, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Affected owners receive monthly compensation while the company adjusts its greenhouse gas credits.
VW Group of America agrees to a $96.5 million settlement to resolve claims of inflated fuel economy information affecting approximately 98,000 gas-powered vehicles in the United States. The affected vehicles span four brands under the VW umbrella, including Audi, Bentley, Porsche, and Volkswagen, and represent about 3.5% of the model year 2013-2017 vehicles the company sells or leases in the country. The discrepancy amounts to a one-mile-per-gallon overstatement when rounded according to U.S. "Monroney" label requirements.
Most of the impacted vehicles come from Audi, Bentley, and Porsche lineups, with notable models including the 2013 through 2016 Audi A8L, RS7, and S8, as well as variants of the Porsche Cayenne such as the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. Despite the massive financial agreement, Volkswagen does not admit any wrongdoing under the terms of the settlement. As part of the resolution, the company also adjusts its Greenhouse Gas credits to properly account for any excess credits stemming from the fuel economy miscalculation.
Eligible customers receive payments ranging from $5.40 to $24.30 for each month they own or lease an affected vehicle. While owners do not need to take any immediate action to participate, potential claimants eventually need to submit a claim to receive their compensation. The entire settlement remains subject to court approval, and class members will receive detailed information about their rights and options, including the ability to opt out, if the court grants preliminary approval.