Diesel Emission Claims Guide

You can start your claims against these manufacturers here: BMW, MINI, Nissan, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Renault & Citroen.

Quick Overview

Did you own a diesel vehicle between 2008-2018? You may be eligible to join the millions of people claiming against manufacturers for their potential lies about emissions. Check for free with Claim.co.uk if you can join the claim.

Potential compensation for each claim may range from 25% to 75% of your vehicle's value, with over £100m already awarded to claimants in the UK. Make sure you hold manufacturers accountable, don’t miss out on the compensation that could be rightfully yours.

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What Is The Diesel Emissions Claim About?

The diesel emissions claim refers to legal action taken by vehicle owners against car manufacturers who have allegedly installed so-called "defeat devices" in their diesel vehicles.

These devices are designed to manipulate emissions levels during testing to meet regulatory standards, while actual emissions during regular driving conditions exceed those standards significantly.

This discrepancy means that the vehicles emit far more harmful pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), than the manufacturers claim and what is legally allowed. If proven to exist, defeat devices in manufacturer’s vehicles could seriously harm the UK’s air quality.

The issue gained widespread attention with the revelation of the Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal in 2015, where it was discovered that Volkswagen had fitted millions of diesel vehicles worldwide with software designed to cheat emissions tests. Since then, other manufacturers have also come under scrutiny for similar practices.

What Are The Claims For?

The claims generally focus on several key points:

Misrepresentation and Fraud

Specific details of out-of-court settlements between vehicle manufacturers and vehicle owners can significantly influence compensation amounts. Some settlements may offer a flat rate to all claimants, while others calculate compensation based on individual circumstances. Our legal panel can keep you updated in relation to any claim being settled out-of-court.

Environmental Harm

Highlighting the increased pollution caused by these vehicles, contributing to environmental damage and public health risks.

Financial Loss

Owners can claim financial losses due to the reduced resale value of their vehicles and potential increased fuel consumption. There's also the premise that owners might not have purchased the vehicles had they known about the defeat devices.

Can You Seek Compensation?

Claimants can seek compensation for these issues through group litigation. Compensation can vary but might include a portion of the vehicle's purchase price, damages for decreased value, and punitive damages against the manufacturers.

Legal action across the world has led to significant settlements and fines for car manufacturers, alongside requirements to fix the affected vehicles. These claims also aim to hold manufacturers accountable, push for regulatory reforms, and ensure more transparent and environmentally friendly practices in the automotive industry.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive For My Diesel Claim?  

The amount of compensation you can receive for a diesel emissions claim varies widely and depends on several factors specific to your case. Here are some general factors that can influence the compensation amount.

Manufacturer and Model

Some manufacturers and specific models may have been found to be more egregiously in violation of emissions standards, which could affect the compensation amount.

Purchase Price

The original purchase price of the vehicle can play a role, with compensation sometimes calculated as a percentage of the vehicle's value.

Legal Settlements

Specific details of out-of-court settlements between vehicle manufacturers and vehicle owners can significantly influence compensation amounts. Some settlements may offer a flat rate to all claimants, while others calculate compensation based on individual circumstances. Our legal panel can keep you updated in relation to any claim being settled out-of-court.

Which Manufacturers Are Eligible For A Diesel Claim?  

 Multiple car manufacturers have been accused of installing defeat devices into their vehicles between the years of 2008-2018. However, some investigations are more complex than others, with our panel needing more time to determine the right plan of action for the claim.

Having said this, we do currently have seven of the largest manufacturers open to claim against.

Accepting New Claims

  • BMW
  • Citroen
  • Mini
  • Nissan
  • Peugeot
  • Renault
  • Vauxhall

Not Currently Live

  • Alfa Romeo
  • Chrysler
  • Fiat
  • Ford
  • Honda
  • Hyundai
  • Iveco
  • Jaguar
  • Jeep
  • Kia
  • Land Rover
  • Mazda
  • Mitsubishi
  • Plug-In Hybrids
  • Suzuki
  • Volvo

No Longer Accepting New Claims

  • Audi
  • Mercedes
  • Volkswagen
  • SEAT
  • Skoda
  • Porsche

What Was The Dieselgate Scandal?   

The Dieselgate scandal, also known as the Volkswagen emissions scandal, was brought to light in September 2015 when the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that The Volkswagen Group (VW) had installed software in its diesel vehicles that could detect when they were undergoing emissions testing.

During tests, the software would activate the vehicles' emissions controls to meet legal standards. However, under normal driving conditions, these controls were reduced or turned off, resulting in the vehicles emitting nitrogen oxides (NOx) at levels up to 40 times higher than what is allowed in the U.S.

It was discovered that about 11 million vehicles worldwide, including about 500,000 in the United States alone, were equipped with this "defeat device" software.

The Volkswagen Group faced significant financial penalties, including billions of dollars in fines, vehicle buybacks, and settlements with both consumers and regulatory bodies worldwide. The scandal also led to legal actions against several VW executives and employees, some of whom faced charges and prison sentences.

In the aftermath, The Volkswagen Group initiated a massive recall to update the software and, in some cases, the hardware of affected vehicles to meet emissions standards. The company also committed to investing heavily in electric vehicle technology and rebranding itself as a more environmentally friendly automaker.

What Has Been The Environmental Impact?

  • Potential Air Pollution Increase: Experts suggest that the scandal has led to significantly higher emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from affected vehicles, worsening air quality, especially in urban areas.
  • Health Risks: Elevated NOx levels are linked to serious health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, contributing to premature deaths worldwide.
  • Potential Ecosystem Damage: NOx contributes to acid rain and nutrient pollution in water bodies, harming plants, soil, and aquatic life.
  • Climate Impact: NOx plays a role in forming ozone, a greenhouse gas, indirectly contributing to climate change.
  • Policy and Awareness: The scandal boosted public and regulatory focus on vehicle emissions, leading to stricter standards and an accelerated shift towards electric vehicles and sustainable transportation solutions.
  • Investment in Green Tech: Car manufacturers have increased investments in electric vehicle technology, promoting a shift towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation.

What Are Defeat Devices?

Defeat devices are mechanisms, or software, installed in vehicles that allow them to cheat on emissions tests.

Specifically, these devices can detect when a vehicle is undergoing an emissions testing procedure and alter the vehicle's performance to meet legal emissions standards.

However, under normal driving conditions, the device may reduce or disable the emissions controls, resulting in the vehicle emitting pollutants at levels far exceeding those allowed by law.

The use of defeat devices is illegal in many jurisdictions because they violate environmental laws and regulations designed to protect air quality. Their discovery has led to significant legal repercussions for manufacturers, including fines, recalls, and civil lawsuits.

How Do I Check If My Vehicle Is Affected By The Emissions Scandal?

You can discover whether your vehicle was affected by the emissions scandal by using our free-to-use Claim.co.uk diesel emissions claim checker. You can do this here:

This is completely free to use, and you can discover in matter of seconds whether your car could be affected. If it is affected, we can then pass your enquiry onto our legal panel member after a few qualifying questions.

Is The Diesel Emission Claim No Win, No Fee?

Yes, all of the diesel emission claims that the Claim.co.uk panel handle are taken on a No Win, No Fee basis.

This arrangement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), means that you are not required to pay any of our panel’s upfront legal fees. The solicitor's fees are only payable if the claim is successful, in which case the fees are a percentage of the compensation awarded.

There may be a cancellation fee if you cancel your claim after the 14-day cooling-off period.

How Can Claim.co.uk Help With My Diesel Claim?

Claim.co.uk have created a panel of solicitors who have vast experience with diesel emission claims. Their mission is to ensure that the car industry is greener, fairer and safer for all. They want to make sure that car manufacturers who have lied about their diesel emissions are held accountable.

In addition to this, our legal panel:

  • Are fully SRA-regulated
  • Work on a No Win, No Fee basis
  • No upfront payments
  • Provide updates throughout the case
  • Talk to you in clear, simple English

If you believe you have an eligible diesel compensation claim get in touch with our panel by completing our eligibility checker on our here.