Diesel emissions claims are a significant issue affecting millions of motorists in the UK and worldwide. The scandal began with the revelation that several major manufacturers, primarily Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, had allegedly fitted defeat devices to their diesel vehicles. These devices allowed the cars to pass stringent emission tests while emitting far higher levels of pollutants during normal driving conditions. This discovery has led to numerous group actions against these companies, seeking compensation for consumers who unknowingly purchased vehicles that were environmentally harmful and potentially misleading. ## What are Diesel Emissions Claims? Diesel emissions claims stem from a scandal involving the fitting of defeat devices in diesel engines by major car manufacturers. These devices are software programs installed in engine control units (ECUs) to detect when the vehicle is undergoing an emissions test, at which point they would activate cleaner running modes to pass regulatory standards. However, during normal driving conditions, these vehicles would revert to less restrictive settings that produced significantly higher levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), a harmful pollutant linked to respiratory issues and other health problems. The scandal began in 2015 when the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discovered evidence of defeat devices in Volkswagen vehicles. This revelation led to widespread investigations across Europe, uncovering similar practices by other manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The use of these devices not only violated emissions regulations but also misrepresented the environmental performance of diesel engines, leading to legal actions from affected consumers. ## The Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Scandal The Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal began in September 2015 when the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accused VW of installing illegal software known as a "defeat device" in over 480,000 cars and light trucks sold between 2009 and 2016. The EPA found that these vehicles emitted up to 40 times more NOx than the legal limit during real-world driving conditions, despite passing emissions tests. Volkswagen admitted to equipping their diesel engines with software designed to detect when they were being tested for emissions compliance. When in test mode, the engine would adjust its operation to meet strict emission standards; however, once back on the road, it would revert to a less restrictive setting that allowed higher NOx emissions. This practice affected several Volkswagen models including the Golf, Jetta, Passat, Beetle, and Audi A3. The scandal involved two main engine types: EA189 for smaller vehicles like the Polo and Golf, and EA288 for larger cars such as the Passat and Arteon. ## BMW Diesel Emissions Claims Following the Volkswagen scandal, allegations emerged that BMW had similarly installed defeat devices in its diesel engines. The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) initiated investigations into BMW's practices, focusing on models such as the 3 Series, 5 Series, X5, and other vehicles equipped with certain diesel engines. BMW faced accusations of using software to manipulate emission test results for their diesel cars. In response, the company acknowledged that some of its diesel vehicles had been fitted with software that could adjust engine performance during tests but revert to less stringent settings in normal driving conditions. This led to higher NOx emissions outside of testing environments, contravening regulatory standards. As a result of these findings, several group actions have been initiated against BMW in the UK and other European countries. Affected car owners are seeking compensation for the misleading information provided by the manufacturer regarding their vehicles' environmental performance and potential economic losses due to decreased vehicle values. ## Mercedes-Benz Diesel Emissions Claims Similar allegations surfaced concerning Daimler (now part of Mercedes-Benz), suggesting that certain models had been fitted with software designed to bypass emissions regulations during real-world driving. The affected Mercedes-Benz models include the A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, and GLC, among others. These vehicles were equipped with engines like OM642 and M274. In response to these allegations, Daimler acknowledged that some of their diesel vehicles had been programmed to perform differently during emissions tests compared to normal driving conditions. This discrepancy led to higher NOx emissions in everyday use, which was inconsistent with the emission levels reported during compliance testing. Group actions against Mercedes-Benz have been launched in various jurisdictions, including the UK, aiming to secure compensation for consumers who were misled about their vehicles' environmental performance and suffered financial losses as a result of reduced vehicle resale values. ## How are These Claims Different from Motor Finance Claims? While diesel emissions claims focus on product defects and consumer rights issues related to the fitment of defeat devices in diesel engines, motor finance diesel car lease agreement (DCA) claims address how the finance was sold to consumers. Both types of claims can apply to the same vehicle, but they concern different aspects: one deals with environmental performance misrepresentation, while the other concerns financial practices and consumer rights during the financing process. ## How to Information about agreements covered by the schemem, you should first check its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), model, and engine type against manufacturer announcements and recall lists. Major car manufacturers have issued public statements detailing which models and engines are affected by the defeat device scandal. You can visit the websites of Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or other relevant manufacturers to find information on specific recalls and remediation programs related to diesel emissions issues. regulatory bodies such as the UK's Department for Transport (DfT) and the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) provide updates and guidance on affected vehicles. ## Your Options if Your Diesel Vehicle is Affected If you discover that your vehicle is part of a diesel emissions claim, several options are available to you: 1.
Join a Group Action: Participating in an existing group action can be an effective way to pursue compensation as part of a larger class. These actions often provide economies of scale and legal expertise. 2.
Complain Directly to the Manufacturer: You may also choose to contact the manufacturer directly to express your concerns about the vehicle's emissions performance and seek resolution through their customer service or recall programs. 3.
Check if You are Already Part of a Claim: Before initiating any new action, verify whether there is an ongoing group claim that you can join without duplicating efforts. ## You Can Also Check Your Motor Finance Separately In addition to potential diesel emissions claims, motorists who financed their affected vehicles on
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or
Hire Purchase (HP) may have separate motor finance DCA complaints. These claims focus on how the financing agreement was presented and sold to you, rather than the environmental performance of your vehicle. If you suspect that your motor finance arrangement might be problematic, it is advisable to contact your lender directly for free assistance. You do not need a
claims management company to address these issues; many lenders have internal processes designed to handle such complaints efficiently and transparently. ## Sources and References - "Volkswagen AG: Notice of Violation," US Environmental Protection Agency (2015). - "BMW Group Acknowledges Use of Defeat Device Software in Diesel Vehicles," UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) (2016). - "Daimler: Information on Recalls and Remediation Programs for Affected Models," Mercedes-Benz (2023). - Office for National Statistics Census 2021. - Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Various Reports and Estimates.
Key FCA Figures
The FCA confirmed on 30 March 2026: 12.1 million eligible agreements, £829 average compensation per agreement, £7.5 billion total redress at 75% consumer uptake, and £9.1 billion total cost to firms. The scheme covers agreements from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. Two deadlines apply: 30 June 2026 for post-2014 agreements and 31 August 2026 for pre-2014. Final complaint deadline: 31 August 2027.
You can complain to your lender directly for free. You do not need a claims management company.
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MLJ.org.uk (mlj.org.uk) is a free, independent information service. We are not a claims management company, solicitor, law firm, or financial adviser. We do not handle complaints, process claims, charge fees, or accept any percentage of compensation. This information does not constitute legal or financial advice. You can complain to your lender directly for free. You do not need a claims management company. If your lender rejects your complaint, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service at no cost. For personalised legal or financial advice, consult a qualified professional.