Nevada to receive $5.3M under Volkswagen settlement

CARSON CITY — Nevada will receive $5.3 million under a multistate settlement with Volkswagen over cheating on emissions tests by installing software to circumvent emission tests, Attorney General Adam Laxalt announced Tuesday.

The settlement affects about 5,200 diesel vehicles in Nevada and is contingent upon approval by the courts. If approved, Volkswagen owners in Nevada will receive a restitution payment of at least $5,100 and a choice between selling their car back to the company or a possible fix to the emission system, if one can be developed.

Nationally, the restitution and recall program affects more than 475,000 owners and lessees of Volkswagen and some Audi vehicles of model years 2009-2015. It will cost the company an estimated $14.7 billion.

Owners who sold their vehicles after Sept. 18, 2015, when the emissions-cheating scandal was disclosed will split restitution with the consumer who purchased their vehicle.

“Consumers deserve to have all the facts before buying or leasing any vehicle,” Laxalt said in a statement. “This comprehensive settlement holds Volkswagen accountable for past practices, provides restitution to affected consumers and prevents consumers from being misled in the future.”