EPA and CARB Approve Second Phase of Emissions Modifications for Model Year 2015 2.0 Diesel Liter Vehicles
On April 18, 2018, EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved the second phase of a two-part emissions modification proposed by Volkswagen (VW) that will complete the modification process for 2.0 liter, model year 2015 VW diesel vehicles. These include model year 2015 Audi A3 and model year 2015 VW Beetle, Golf, Jetta, and Passat vehicles.
The first phase of the modification was approved in January, 2017. In that phase, VW replaced software that caused the emission control system to function properly only during emissions testing with software that directs emission controls to function effectively in all normal driving conditions. The second phase of the modification, available now, entails installation of updated emissions control system hardware including new catalysts, filters, and sensors, as well as additional software updates. Both phases of the modification must be completed for the emissions control system to operate properly throughout the vehicle’s full useful life. Vehicle owners who choose the emissions modification (instead of the alternative choice to have VW buy the car back) are expected to complete both phases.