Q. The list of manufacturers accused of being diesel cheats seems to be growing all the time, and if the adverts are to be believed I’m now eligible for compensation both for my Land Rover Freelander and my Nissan Qashqai. Is anyone actually getting money back and, if so, who, how much and is it worth the effort after the lawyers have had their take?
GR, Nuneaton
A. You’re not alone in wondering this. Since the diesel emissions scandal first broke in 2015, the list of manufacturers under scrutiny alongside Volkswagen has expanded to include at least 14 more high profile marques. Allegations centre on whether “defeat devices” — software designed to manipulate emissions tests — were used to make vehicles appear cleaner in lab conditions than they are in real-world driving.
Where wrongdoing has been established, it is right that affected drivers have the opportunity to seek redress. At the same time, many cases remain unresolved and are still progressing through the courts. Some manufacturers have settled claims without admitting fault, while others continue to deny any breach of regulations.
Last week, a case began at the Royal Courts of Justice involving legal claims brought by 1.6 million UK vehicle owners against more than a dozen leading car manufacturers. The claimants allege that diesel vehicles sold from 2009 contained technology designed to cheat official emissions tests. Lawyers for the claimants say it’s the largest group claim in English and Welsh legal history. The trial focuses on a sample of diesel vehicles produced by five of the manufacturers, who deny any wrongdoing, but the verdict will be binding for all of them.
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So is anyone actually getting money back? Yes, and the numbers are significant. In the UK a landmark case resulted in £193 million being paid by the Volkswagen Group to about 91,000 claimants, with average compensation of just over £2,100 each. This payout was made without the company admitting liability, but it set a precedent and opened the door for similar group actions against other manufacturers.
If you owned or leased a diesel vehicle between 2009 and 2018, even if you no longer have it, you may be eligible to join one of these claims. Both private individuals and businesses, including fleet owners, can participate. Popular models such as the ones you refer to are among those listed in ongoing legal actions, particularly those fitted with Euro 5 or Euro 6 diesel engines.
The potential compensation varies. Estimates suggest payouts could range from a few hundred pounds to as much as £10,000, depending on the make and model, how long you owned the vehicle, and any financial losses incurred, such as reduced fuel efficiency, increased maintenance costs, or diminished resale value. Some claimants argue they paid a premium for vehicles marketed as environmentally friendly, only to discover they were had been misled about the vehicle’s environmental credentials.
Most claims are handled on a “no-win, no-fee” basis, meaning you won’t pay upfront legal costs. However, if successful, legal representatives typically deduct a percentage — often between 25 and 36 per cent — from your compensation to cover their fees. It is worth reading the fine print carefully before signing up, as terms can vary between practices.
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Whether it is worth the effort depends on your expectations. The process is usually straightforward, often involving an online eligibility check and a few follow-up forms, but the cases themselves can take years to resolve. If you are hoping for a quick payout, you may be disappointed. However, for many claimants it is not just about the money. It is about holding manufacturers accountable and seeking redress for what they see as a breach of trust.
It is also worth considering the broader implications. The diesel emissions scandal has had a lasting impact on consumer confidence, environmental policy and the automotive industry’s reputation. It has prompted renewed scrutiny of vehicle testing standards and accelerated the shift towards cleaner technologies. From The AA’s perspective, we support integrity and high standards across the sector, and we encourage manufacturers to meet and exceed their environmental obligations.
If you are thinking about joining a claim, start by checking your eligibility through a reputable legal practice. Many offer free online tools that can assess your case in seconds. Be wary of unsolicited adverts or companies making unrealistic promises. Stick with those regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and with a track record in group litigation.
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In summary, yes, people are getting money back. But whether it is worth it for you depends on your circumstances, your expectations and your appetite for a potentially long legal process. What is clear is that the diesel emissions issue is not going away any time soon, and consumers like you are playing a key role in shaping the future of accountability in the automotive world.
Greg Carter, AA technical expert
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