Beginning early 2016, the automaker will implement the changes needed for its engines to meet emissions regulations. The automaker will update the software in the 1.2-liter, 1.6-liter, and 2.0-liter engines it its EA189 turbodiesel family. Additionally, a "flow rectifier" will be installed just ahead of the air mass sensor in the 1.6-liter engine. The software update is expected to take less than half an hour, while the additional step to install the flow rectifier will still keep total time under an hour.

After the changes have been made, the engines will meet the applicable emissions standards for the European market. The automaker says it aims to achieve the results "without any impairment of engine output, fuel consumption or performance."

Volkswagen will begin notifying German customers as soon as possible. Customers will receive an initial letter telling them their car is affected by the issue, while the second letter will inform the customers to take the car into an approved facility for the fix.

The automaker will initially implement updates to the 2.0-liter engine the first quarter of 2016 with updates to the 1.2-liter engine to begin at the end of the second quarter. Finally, updates for the 1.6-liter engine will begin in the third quarter of next year.

No permanent fix or timeframe for North American customers has been announced.