1.6 Million Drivers take Carmakers to the High Court over ‘Dieselgate’

Over 1.6 million UK motorists are now taking legal action against some of the world’s biggest car brands, accused of cheating emissions tests and misleading diesel owners for years.

Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Nissan, Renault, Peugeot and Citroën were fitted with illegal “defeat devices.” These devices made cars appear cleaner during official tests—but on the road, emissions were far higher.

Cars were sold that were not as clean, efficient, or lawful as you were told. Many motorists also believe they paid inflated prices or suffered reduced resale value as a result.

Law firms say this could become the largest consumer compensation case in UK history, worth up to £6 billion.

A previous “dieselgate” case against Volkswagen ended in a £193 million payout to 91,000 UK motorists in 2022. This new action is far larger, covering 14 different manufacturers and millions of affected vehicles.

Lawyer say the claims, if proven, would show “one of the most serious breaches of trust by major corporations in modern times.”

For diesel drivers, this trial could finally bring accountability and compensation after years of being misled. If you owned or leased a diesel vehicle made after 2009, you could be eligible to join the claim and receive a payout when the case concludes.

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13 Oct 2025