Volkswagen Lemon Law Lawyers

Volkswagen’s emissions scandal (Dieselgate) created a unique situation for TDI diesel vehicle owners pursuing lemon law claims. While many affected vehicles were addressed through class action settlements and buyback programs, some owners still pursued individual lemon law claims. For remaining diesel models, VW dealerships often struggle to properly address performance issues that developed after emissions modification repairs. Current VW lemon law claims frequently involve DSG transmission failures, panoramic sunroof leaks, electrical system malfunctions, and carbon buildup in direct injection engines. Volkswagen often contests lemon law claims by attributing problems to normal wear and tear rather than manufacturing defects.

Volkswagen’s emissions modifications for TDI diesel vehicles created a unique lemon law situation where previously compliant vehicles developed new defects after manufacturer-required updates. Many TDI owners reported substantial performance changes including reduced power, decreased fuel economy, and new mechanical issues after the emissions fix. These post-modification problems can qualify for lemon law protection as manufacturer-induced defects rather than pre-existing conditions. Volkswagen typically defends these claims by arguing owners consented to performance changes through the class action settlement, but courts in several states have found this doesn’t eliminate lemon law rights for specific vehicles experiencing problems beyond the disclosed effects. Document all performance metrics before and after the modification, including fuel consumption, acceleration capabilities, and any new mechanical symptoms to demonstrate substantial impairment.

Volkswagen’s direct injection TSI engines in Golf, Jetta, Tiguan and other models experience a specific carbon buildup issue that creates unique lemon law considerations. Unlike traditional fuel delivery systems, these engines develop intake valve deposits that progressively degrade performance, creating a pattern of gradually worsening symptoms rather than a clear failure point. Volkswagen typically defends these claims by classifying carbon buildup as a maintenance issue rather than a defect, despite the design’s inherent vulnerability. To strengthen your case, document the progression of symptoms including rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, and check engine lights with specific misfire codes (P0300 series). Volkswagen’s own technical service bulletins acknowledging these issues provide evidence of a known design limitation. Expert testimony establishing that carbon accumulation occurs at accelerated rates compared to similar engines with dual injection systems is particularly effective in establishing that this represents a defect rather than normal wear. Courts in several states have recognized substantial impairment when performance degradation occurs well before reasonable maintenance intervals.

Volkswagen vehicles equipped with panoramic or standard sunroofs, particularly Tiguan, Atlas, and Jetta models, have experienced specific drainage system defects that strengthen lemon law claims. These vehicles may exhibit symptoms including water intrusion during or after rain, damp carpeting or headliners, electronic module failures due to water exposure, and musty odors indicating mold growth in hidden areas. Volkswagen typically defends by performing drain cleaning rather than system redesign, creating a pattern of temporary improvements followed by returning symptoms as debris again blocks the inherently flawed drain paths. To build a strong case, document all water intrusion incidents with photographs, measurements of moisture in affected areas, and particularly any resulting electronic malfunctions. Volkswagen’s technical service bulletins regarding drain cleaning procedures and updated drain valve designs provide evidence of known issues. Expert testimony establishing that these problems result from fundamental design limitations rather than maintenance factors is particularly effective in establishing that the defect persists despite repeated drain clearing attempts.

Volkswagen diesel vehicles equipped with AdBlue/DEF emission control systems present unique lemon law considerations due to the critical nature of these components for legal operation. Common qualifying issues include DEF quality sensor malfunctions triggering countdown warnings, heater element failures causing fluid crystallization, dosing valve inaccuracies affecting emissions compliance, and storage tank integrity problems. Volkswagen typically defends by replacing individual components rather than addressing system design vulnerabilities, creating a pattern of repeated repairs as related parts fail sequentially. To build a strong case, document all warning messages with photographs, maintain records of system limitations (particularly reduced speed or operational restrictions imposed by the vehicle), and preserve evidence of proper fluid quality and fill levels to counter maintenance-related defenses. Volkswagen’s technical service bulletins regarding DEF system diagnostics provide evidence of known issues. Courts in several states have found that emissions control failures causing ‘countdown to no restart’ warnings meet the ‘substantial impairment of use’ standard automatically, as a vehicle that cannot legally be operated due to emissions compliance issues fundamentally fails its primary purpose regardless of whether other systems function properly.