The utter sham that this the UK emissions fix is about to be taken to a whole new level. Official Volkswagen documentation has revealed that VW are offering US customers comprehensive warranties and free component replacements for those choosing to have the emissions “fix”. In contrast UK customers have been pressured bullied into the “fix” only to be faced with three figure bills, tumbling fuel efficiency and noisy engines.

The administrators over at the Volkswagen Diesel Customer Forum facebook group have provided us with a detailed document for US VW diesel owners showing the comprehensive warranty offered to them.

The detailed document details in full the aspects of the software fix that compromises the efficiency and reliability of the vehicles. The “fix” for US customers comes in 2 parts.

US Emission Fix Phase 1:

The new software will affect your car in the following ways:

  • Engine sound may differ from your vehicle’s prior operation. Although unlikely, the engine tone may vary slightly after the emissions modification is complete. This will not result in any noticeable change in the driving characteristics of your vehicle.
  • An update to the engine cooling fan operation will allow your vehicle to cool more efficiently and may alter the sound that the vehicle fan makes once the engine has been turned off. This update is not related to the emissions issue, and is addressed in the spirit of continued vehicle performance improvement.
  • Sport Mode Changes – While driving in sport mode the automatic transmission will shift earlier at low accelerator positions for improved driving comfort, resulting in lower engine speeds at constant driving.
  • Improved Vehicle Drivability – Vehicles with automatic transmissions will exhibit improvement in throttle response, a smoother acceleration and improved driving experience.
  • Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) consumption – DEF consumption for your vehicle may increase. The amount of the increase will vary. Some drivers will experience no change, but others will use 1% – 14% more DEF on average (also known as AdBlue®). The amount of the impact will depend on driving style and other factors. This means some drivers will need to refill the DEF tank more frequently.

Here’s the interesting part, if you read between the lines. The update will:

  • Increase engine noise
  • Reduce the effectiveness of the sport mode setting. Not allowing the engine to be rev’ed to its peak power / torque thresholds
  • Increase DPF regenerations (masked as cool fan changes)
  • Increase in AdBlue usage

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What is AdBlue

From the VW website: AdBlue®, a water/urea based operating fluid, is stored in a tank (like diesel fuel), however, unlike fuel it is not injected into the engine, but directly into a specially modified part of the vehicle’s exhaust. This begins a chemical reaction which removes the polluting oxides of nitrogen (NOx), converting them into harmless water and nitrogen in a process known as Selective Catalytic Reduction, or SCR for short. SCR is only applicable to diesel engines and the more economically you drive, typically, the less AdBlue® you will use. More here

US Emission Fix Phase 2:

Emissions Modification Phase 2 : (available beginning in early 2018 )

The second part of the emissions modification will involve outfitting your car with new emission control parts to ensure system reliability and durability over time. If your car exceeds 40,000 miles (for automatic transmissions) or 70,000 miles (for manual transmissions) we will install updated emissions control system hardware – specifically a new Diesel Particulate Filter, Diesel Oxidation Catalyst, and Selective Catalytic Reduction Converter – that is needed to maintain emissions performance for the full useful life (150,000 miles) of your vehicle. As part of the Phase 2 modification, we will also install a second NOx sensor and corresponding software to improve the performance of the OBD system. The Phase 2 updates are expected to have no further impact on overall vehicle reliability, durability, fuel economy, engine sound, performance, or drivability.

You will receive a notice when Phase 2 of the emissions modification is available for your vehicle. You should expect to receive this notice before June 30, 2019. If your vehicle has accumulated fewer than 40,000 miles (for automatic transmissions) or 70,000 miles (for manual transmissions) at the time of your Phase 2 update, your car will need to have the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst replaced a second time, before it reaches 150,000 miles. We will notify you when it is time to bring your car in for the second catalyst replacement.

These updates will be made available at no cost to you starting in early 2018. A complimentary loaner vehicle will be available for the duration of this modification, which is expected to take approximately 9 hours.

Warranty

Here’s one of the biggest slaps in the face we’ve seen in the document for UK customers. US owners will have warranty extensions applied to their vehicles to the tune of (up to) 11 year. Yes. 11 Years.

So while UK customers are hit for a £2000 before they even leave the VW dealership after the fix, US customers are offered these ridiculously generous warranty terms. Even more impressive is VW’s willingness to cover the diesel particulate filter under this extended warranty… DPF filters aren’t included in their standard warranty.

Lets hear it in VW’s own words 

Warranty Period

The warranty period for the “Extended Emissions Warranty” limited warranty extension shall be the greater of:

  • 11 years or 162,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s original in-service date; OR
  • 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date and mileage of Phase 1 of the emissions modification. At the time of the subsequent Phase 2 modification, the extended warranty will be honored for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date and mileage of the completion of Phase 2.

Parts Covered Under Extended Warranty

The emissions system warranty shall cover the following parts or systems:

  • The entire exhaust after treatment system, including the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst, the Diesel Particulate Filter, the Selective Catalytic Reduction converter, the dosing injector and other Diesel Exhaust Fluid system components, the exhaust flap, and all sensors and actuators
  • The entire fuel system, including fuel pumps, high pressure fuel rail, fuel injectors, vibration damper, pressure control valve and all sensors and actuators
  • The EGR system, including EGR valves, EGR cooler, EGR filter, EGR temperature sensor, all related hoses and pipes, and all sensors and actuators
  • The turbocharger, including the turbocharger damper
  • The On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system, including SCR DEF quality sensor, and any malfunctions detected by the OBD systems other than those related to the transmission.

Additionally, the engine long block warranty shall cover the engine sub-assembly that consists of the assembled block, crankshaft, cylinder head, camshaft, and valve train . The extended emissions warranty includes parts, labor, and applicable taxes.

The extended emissions warranty shall not void or supersede any existing warranty. Conflicts concerning the warranty are to be resolved in favor of the consumer.

Wait what?!

Many of you will have been told by VW that the software fix does not cause any ill affects. We fail to see by VW’s admissions in the US that this could be the case. They have confirmed the fix limits driveabiliy, increases diesel particulate emissions and NOx output. They also offer extended warrantys for parts not covered under ANY warranty offered by any car manufacturer on the face of the earth. Are we alone thinking that something smells a bit fishy?!

Just why are they offering these extensive warranties if its completely safe? Are we the only ones thinking this?!

The implication of this admission for US proves that VW UK have been deceiving UK customers by claiming that no negative affects will be experienced by owners. Its black and white and deeply troubling.

Why are US customers being treated differently?

Its hard to say why VW’s action in the US are so very different to the treatment of UK customers. We suspect that the US regulators stance on the matter has forced their hand somewhat. In contrast the pathetic and feeble actions thus far by the UK Transport Select Committee have allowed VW to continue to lie and deceive their UK customer base at will.

In effect UK customers are paying the price of the EA189 emissions fix for VW. It’s sad to think many UK VAG owners are completely unaware of this hypocrisy and are blindly paying these criminals hand over fist.

Have a look for yourself

Don’t take our word for it. The points raised above are quite shocking – download the VW Emissions fix disclosure PDF and have a wee read. Let us know in the comments what you think.

The UK emissions fix survey

Contrary to way VW would have you believe, UK customers are suffering at the hands of their criminal practices. Our survey has already revealed that over 70% of Volkswagen Group car owners have had mechanical issues after the emissions fix with 57% of those made to pay over £2000 in repairs.

Our Survey is still very much in the early days so please take the time to fill it out, Click for the VW emissions fix survey

Is this the end of VW?

Expect this to be the unravelling of VW, ending years of deceit and criminal practices. Their actions will see a shake up of the entire automotive industry, expect to see every single manufacturer dragged down by these deceitful practices (quite rightly!)

Lets hear from you!

If you’ve been affected by the UK VAG VW, Skoda, Audi & Seat emissions fix please do let us know in the comments. Please also fill out our quick VW emissions fix survey so we can collate your experiences of the fix and report back our findings. Also be sure to join Volkswagen Diesel Customer Forum and help fight the good fight against VW.

Read more!

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