The cost of buying back all the affected vehicles could total $9.4 billion, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Brandon Barnes. Financial Risk Regulatory fines and lawsuits in the U.S. pose an even bigger financial risk. Volkswagen could face a worst-case scenario of $46 billion in penalties, according to Bloomberg Intelligence estimates. A settlement could help reduce that financial hit significantly. Volkswagen and government regulators have expressed doubts as to whether the vehicles could be fixed at all. A California regulator this month told state lawmakers it was unclear a solution is possible. Lawyers for car owners proposed a July trial in a Monday court filing. The judge is "obviously encouraged that there's substantial progress, but he's keeping Volkswagen's feet to the fire," said Adam Levitt, a member of the plaintiff lawyers' steering committee. "If a fix is not in place by the April 21 hearing, the consequences for Volkswagen will not be favorable."