VW emissions ‘fix’ VOLUNTARY in the UK. So why bother?
The Department for Transport has revealed that the ‘fix’ for the defeat device on UK models of VW, Audi. SEAT and Skoda will be voluntary, with no compulsory recall.
The Department for Transport has revealed today that the onus to have the affected cars fixed is going to be entirely on owners, and on VW to recall the cars, with no compulsion to get the work done.
The ‘No Compulsory Recall’ does make it look like the government’s none too concerned that there are 1.2 million VW Group cars in the UK emitting up to 40 times the NOx and particulates they’re certified for. Which we’re sure is not their intention.
Why bother getting the VW defeat device removed?
In a fluffy-bunny world, the owner of any car fitted with the defeat device would have no hesitation in getting their car fixed to emit less NOx and particulates, but in the real world that may be very different.
After all, the government in the UK has already declared that owners of affected cars won’t see their VED and BIK bills rise as a result of VW’s subterfuge, and as there’s a distinct possibility that many of the ‘fixed’ cars could end up with poorer performance and poorer economy as a result of the ‘fix’ (whatever VW may currently be saying) we’re not sure we’d have our own car fixed.
We have asked the Department for Transport why they’re not making the ‘No extra tax on VW Defeat Device Cars‘ conditional on owners having the ‘fix’ – which would seem to be the sensible decision as there’s no compulsory recall, or compulsion on owners to accept the fix – but the DfT is adamant that there are sufficient incentives to have it done without that.
The DfT, rightly, assert that the ‘fix’ is for NOx and particulates, but they also state that any changes VW make won’t affect performance or economy (we’re not so sure that’s going to be the case). They also cite that many owners will want to make sure their cars are emitting the lower levels of NOx they expected (we’re sure some VW owners will be that noble), and that VW may make not having the fix a reason to invalidate the car’s warranty (many are out of warranty, and we think VW would find that hard to argue legally as the ‘fix’ – as they’ve stated – is not a safety issue or one that affects the running of the car).
We can see large numbers of cars in the UK fitted with the defeat device NOT getting the fix, as owners seem to potentially have more to lose than gain by having it done. And even if VW are forced to make the recall mandatory, we’re not convinced that would make it compulsory for owners to accept the ‘fix’.
Which would be a real shame, and a lost opportunity to make a small – but worthwhile – dent in the NOx and particulate levels from car emissions by making the ‘No extra tax’ promise dependant on the fix.
More on the VW Emissions scandal:
- VW Defeat Device: 400,000 UK Volkswagens need PHYSICAL modifications
- Volkswagen Emissions fix for VW, Audi, SEAT & Skoda starts January 2016 – will take a year to complete
- VW Defeat Device: UK car checker for VW and Audi cars now LIVE
- OFFICIAL: NO extra tax on VW defeat device cars in UK
- VW Defeat Device Emissions Scam is a ‘One-Off’ says SMMT boss. REALLY?
- VW Defeat Device: 1.2 MILLION UK VW, SEAT, Audi & Skoda cars affected
- VW Defeat Device: Political OBSESSION with CO2 is the root cause
- Now 2.1 MILLION Audi cars confirmed with VW Defeat Device
- VW Defeat Device: Bosch WARNED VW it was only for ‘Testing’ purposes
- Volkswagen Defeat Device Scam: 5 MILLION VW-badged cars affected
- Matthias Mueller is new VW CEO as it’s revealed 2.8 MILLION German cars affected by Defeat Device Scam
- £100 BILLION bill if VW forced to buy back defeat device cars
- BMW DID NOT use defeat device to scam X3 emissions
- Volkswagen DID use defeat device to scam emissions tests in UK & Europe
- VW suspect emissions revealed 18 MONTHS ago – BMW was ‘Clean’ in the same tests
- VW CEO Martin Winterkorn RESIGNS over emissions scandal
- VW defeat device software in MOST diesel cars – Porsche, Audi, SEAT and Skoda in the frame too
- “We totally screwed up” says VW as it reveals 2016 Passat in the US
- VW’s Martin Winterkorn apologies for emissions “defeat device” scam. Well, he would, wouldn’t he?
- Volkswagen fitted ILLEGAL “defeat device” software to SCAM emissions tests
M. Addams says
I refused the “fix” ( due to a total lack of transparency about what they actually would do to my car and any compensation for lying to me in the first place). And I have not allowed my car anywhere near an “official” garage since. Getting all servicing done at independents.
Audi (VW) lied about the emissions when I bought the car ..and it seems they continue to lie about the “fix” why would I ever trust anything they say ?
It seems they are not the only company involved in these scams, but personally I wont believe anything VW (or any car company) say unless independently authenticated and backed by solid legally enforceable guarantees.
I have zero trust in VW to ever do the right thing. They paid compensation (after being forced to) to USA owners but in europe and the UK , they have so much corrupt political clout that they avoided any responsibility whatsoever for their actions.
Alan Taylor says
I have a skoda rapid with this defeat device I read so many complaints after repairs are done and drivers being made to pay for extra repairs after the fix it’s not right so I have decided to leave well alone and not have fix A Taylor
Cars UK says
For what it’s worth, as we said when we wrote this article nearly two years ago, we weren’t convinced VW could deliver a ‘fix’ without it having an impact on the car. It seems that’s the case for many owners, like you, and it needs to be addressed by VW.
Steve says
VW fix has ruined my car the pressure from the letters and garage made me think I had to have the fix. My car is awful to drive no and worthless go look at the group #fixfail thousands of unhappy people too hypermiler.co.uk did a survey too more publicity needs to go out about consumers rights its looks like VW are buying the media Inc BBC in UK