The California Air Resources Board (CARB) rejected Volkswagen’s plan to recall two-liter diesel passenger vehicles sold in California between 2009 and 2015. It also notified VW of violations of California air quality regulations associated with the company’s use of a “defeat device” in those cars.
The recall plan was in response to the discovery of the “defeat device” in Volkswagen manufactured vehicles last September. The defeat devices work by reporting lower nitrogen oxide readings that what is actually emitted.
“Volkswagen made a decision to cheat on emissions tests and then tried to cover it up,” said CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols. “They continued and compounded the lie and when they were caught they tried to deny it. The result is thousands of tons of nitrogen oxide that have harmed the health of Californians. They need to make it right. Today’s action is a step in the direction of assuring that will happen.”
This rejection only applies to VW’s diesel 2.0L vehicles, not 3.0L vehicles. The submission of the recall plan for 3.0L vehicles is due to CARB on February 2, 2016.
The Notice of Violation details 13 specific violations of California regulations, including failure to comply with the emission standards or test procedures; invalid certification applications; the use of Defeat Devices; the importation, delivery, purchase, acquisition, or receipt of uncertified vehicles; the sale of vehicles that do not meet emission standards; and failure to comply with onboard diagnostic (OBD) system requirements.