Volkswagen Submits Another Recall Plan for Diesel Cars

Volkswagen has already submitted its recall plan for its 2-liter diesel engines—it was rejected by both the EPA and California Air Resources Board. It also needed to submit a recall plan for 3-liter diesel engines to CARB by Feb. 2, which it did.

2 minute read

February 4, 2016, 10:10 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid


"Volkswagen AG submitted its draft recall plan for about 85,000 VW, Audi and Porsche vehicles with 3-liter diesel engines to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board," write Dana Hull and Jeff Plungis for Bloomberg Business.
The EPA said it will review the proposal. The Air Resources Board (CARB or ARB) said it will respond "following a thorough and complete review to make sure the plan addresses the presence of the illegal defeat device and follows the necessary environmental, vehicle and public health and safety regulations."

Last month CARB rejected "VW’s submitted recall plan for 2-liter diesel passenger vehicles sold in California between 2009 and 2015," according to a Jan. 12 press release. The total amount of affected 2-liter diesel vehicles in the U.S. is 482,000.

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."

The press release goes on to indicate the depth of the environmental harm the illegal emissions have caused the Golden State.

The defeat devices on VW’s diesel vehicles have caused substantial excess, illegal, and ongoing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the vehicles.  NOx emissions in California are the most important contributor to ambient ozone and a key contributor to fine particulate matter pollution, which is associated with premature death, increased hospitalizations, emergency room visits due to exacerbation of chronic heart and lung diseases, and other serious health impacts.  California is home to both the highest ozone levels (South Coast) and ambient particulate matter levels (San Joaquin Valley) measured in the United States. 

EPA agreed with CARB in rejecting VWs recall plan for the 2-liter vehicles.

"U.S. and California regulators expanded their investigation to the 3-liter diesel models in November, saying the automaker had put [defeat] devices on them to defeat emissions tests," write Hull and Plungis. The initial recall was issued by EPA and CARB last September. Last month the Department of Justice, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), filed a civil complaint in federal court against Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016 in Bloomberg Business

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Interior of Place Versailles mall in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units

Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

May 22, 2025 - CBC

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 28, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and yellow DART light rail train in Dallas, Texas with brick building in background.

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process

The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

May 28, 2025 - Mass Transit

A curb extension at the end of a block landscaped with small shrubs and pink flowers in residential neighborhood.

Nine Ways to Use Curb Space That Aren’t Parking

California’s new daylighting law bans parking within 20 feet of crosswalks. How can cities best use this space?

June 1 - CalBike

White accessory dwelling unit in backyard of small grey home in Seattle, Washington.

ADUs for Sale? San Diego Could Legalize Backyard Condos

As one of 25 proposed amendments, San Diego may soon allow accessory dwelling units to be bought and sold as individual homes.

June 1 - KPBS

View of mostly full parking lot next to multi-story red brick buildings with modern glass skyscraper in background in downtown Dallas, Texas.

Dallas Ditches Parking Minimums in 14-1 Vote

The sweeping city council decision removes set parking requirements from developments downtown, near transit, small businesses and more.

June 1 - Strong Towns

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.