Own A Volkswagen Diesel? You Might Have $1,100 Coming

As part of the nationwide settlement over false emissions claims involving several Volkswagen and Audi TDIclean diesel vehicles, thousands of Washington state residents will be getting either $1,100 reimbursement checks, or could even have the company buy back their vehicle.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Tuesday our state's share of the $26.1 billion dollar recovery from Volkswagen will come to $26 million. That includes over $24 million going to consumers who purchased one of the affected models.

Some 22,170 such vehicles were sold in our state during the model years affected. As far back as 2008, it was discovered Volkswagen placed so-called "cheating" chips in the computers of certain TDI diesel models, including some Audi models, that were designed to produce legal emissions during tests. The chips would allow the engines to 'by-pass' EPA emissions standards in favor of engine performance. They would only run within required emissions levels during the testing. Many cities, including Spokane, Seattle and others, require your vehicle to pass an emissions test before you can renew your tabs.

In short, the engines would appear to be 'clean' during annual testing, only to emit higher levels of pollutants with their higher performance otherwise.

According to Ferguson, the owners of affected models will be notified, and depending upon the make, age and model of vehicle, will receive either a $1,100 check, or in some cases, can opt to have their dealer buy back the car.

It's considered the third-largest consumer protection settlement in U.S. history, affecting vehicles in all 50 states.