INDIANAPOLIS -- Some Hoosier Volkswagen owners impacted by the national diesel emission cheating scandal contacted Call 6 Investigates saying they were having trouble getting their money back.
The automotive giant must pay $20 billion in civil and criminal penalties after an investigation found the company used cheating software to circumvent the emissions testing process on some diesel vehicles.
That money is intended for vehicle buybacks, fixes, owner compensation and environmental remediation.
Douglas Sherrow of Indianapolis has a 2010 Jetta Sportwagen impacted by the emissions scandal.
Sherrow filed paperwork with the auto manufacturer back in December 2016 to do a buyback.
RELATED | Volkswagen Pleads Guilty, Pays $4.3 Billion in Fines to Settle Diesel Emissions Scandal`
“I didn’t want to drive a polluting car,” said Sherrow.
However, after dozens of phone calls and documents exchanged, Sherrow still had not received word from Volkswagen on where to take his car for the buy back.
“I completed it online and that’s when the problems began,” said Sherrow. I ended up with two claim numbers and the rest has just been very, very frustrating.”
Sherrow contacted Call 6 Investigates Kara Kenney in the hopes of getting the matter resolved.
“I’ve lost sleep over it, I feel stressed by it, and I’m just absolutely frustrated,” said Sherrow. “That’s why I’m calling you for help.”
Call 6 Investigates reached out to Volkswagen and sent them Sherrow’s documentation.
“I’m hoping with your help, we will end up with a check one of these days,” said Sherrow.
Shortly after Call 6 Investigates inquired about Sherrow’s case, Sherrow finally got an answer from Volkswagen.
On April 6, Sherrow dropped off his car at a dealership and four days later got more than $15,000 in his account.
“I feel like I have a 10,000 pound weight lifted off my shoulders,” said Sherrow.
FULL STATEMENT FROM VOLKSWAGEN:
Overall, we are encouraged by the customer response to the 2.0L TDI settlement program and the exceptional participation rate so far. We're around four months into a two-year program and already we've extended offers to more than half of all affected current and former drivers and modified or removed from the road more than 25 percent of the 475,000 affected 2.0L TDI vehicles. This program is unprecedented in terms of its size and scope and we have hired approximately 1,300 contract employees to help accommodate demand. We know that there have been some issues along the way and our teams have been working tirelessly to make necessary adjustments and continually improve the process. We will review the information provided and reach out to the customer directly.
Sherrow credits Call 6 Investigates for moving things forward.
“They mind you guys, but I’m just one person,” said Sherrow.
Sherrow now has another car to drive, and he’s glad his 6-month nightmare is finally over.
“I’m so appreciative, so thank you very much,” said Sherrow.
Consumers have until May 2018 to decide whether they want Volkswagen to buy back their car or fix their vehicle.
If you have a gripe with your car’s manufacturer you can file a complaint with NHTSA at safercar.gov.
Call 6 Investigates works for you to get results.
You can reach Call 6 Investigates here or by calling (317) 269-1466.
