VW fined $1.1 million for delayed recall

[Jaguar D-Type]

VW fined $1.1 million for delayed recall: largest fine in history

HARRY STOFFER | Automotive News

Posted Date: 6/17/05

WASHINGTON -- Volkswagen of America Inc. will pay a fine of $1.1 million for not promptly recalling cars with faulty emissions systems five years ago, the EPA said Wednesday.

The agency said the fine is the largest civil penalty it ever has assessed for such a violation.

The affected vehicles were 1999-2001 Golfs, Jettas and New Beetles with 2-liter gasoline engines, the EPA said.

VWoA got many warranty claims about malfunctioning exhaust system oxygen sensors in 1999 and 2000 but did not report the defect to the EPA until June 2001, the agency said. The EPA also had begun to detect the problem through regular compliance testing, agency officials said.

Volkswagen subsequently recalled 326,000 cars to reprogram engine control modules and replace faulty sensors.

The sensors were prone to cracking from "thermal shock" during engine startup in cool, damp environments, the EPA said. Vehicles with bad sensors may emit excessive amounts of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide pollution.

Hydrocarbons contribute to the formation of lung-damaging smog. Carbon monoxide impedes the blood's ability to carry oxygen.