EPA Allegations Are Already Costing VW

"Buying bible" Consumer Reports has yanked its favorable ratings of diesel Jettas and Passats in the wake of the EPA's allegations that Volkswagen installed software in its vehicles to skirt federal emissions laws, USA Today reports. "These recommendations will be suspended until Consumer Reports can re-test these vehicles with a recall repair performed," according to a statement posted on the publication's website. "Once the emissions systems are functioning properly, we will assess whether the repair has adversely affected performance or fuel economy."

The EPA released allegations yesterday that Volkswagen installed software into its diesel vehicles that allowed them to pass smog tests while simultaneously emitting up to 40 times the standard level of nitrogen oxide, USA Today reports. The company has issued recalls on the following diesel models and years: 2009 to 2014 Jetta, Beetle, and Golf; 2014 and 2015 Passat; and 2009 to 2015 Audi A3. (More Volkswagen stories.)