UK Diesel Emissions Scandal: Does Anyone Ever Get Paid – and How?

The UK diesel emissions scandal, often dubbed "Dieselgate," has made headlines for nearly a decade. Initially sparked by revelations that Volkswagen used software to cheat emissions tests, the controversy soon widened to include other major car manufacturers, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Vauxhall.

For millions of UK drivers, a natural question has followed: Can I get compensated for this – and how?

What’s the Diesel Emissions Scandal About?

Diesel vehicles were marketed as a cleaner alternative to petrol, with manufacturers claiming they met strict environmental standards. However, it later emerged that several carmakers had installed so-called “defeat devices” – software designed to artificially reduce emissions during lab testing while allowing higher pollution levels during everyday driving.

This deception affected air quality and, arguably, consumer rights. Many drivers were misled into buying vehicles that were not as environmentally friendly or compliant as advertised.

Has Anyone in the UK Been Compensated?

Yes – but it depends on the manufacturer.

The most notable example is Volkswagen, which in 2022 agreed to a £193 million settlement with over 90,000 UK claimants.

This payout was part of a group litigation case and marked a significant milestone in holding carmakers accountable in the UK.

Other brands, like BMW, Mercedes, and Vauxhall, are still facing ongoing legal action. 

As of 2025, no major compensation payouts have been confirmed for BMW or other manufacturers, but legal claims are progressing through the courts. Group Litigation Orders (GLOs) have been granted, meaning thousands of drivers are part of collective legal actions – a promising sign for potential future payouts.

How Much Compensation Could You Receive?

Estimates vary, but law firms involved in diesel emissions claims suggest drivers could receive anywhere from £1,000 to £10,000, depending on factors like:

• The make and model of the vehicle

• How long you owned or leased it

• The extent of the emissions manipulation

Keep in mind that legal fees are typically deducted from any payout. Most firms operate on a “no win, no fee” basis, meaning they take a percentage (often around 30%) if the claim succeeds.

Am I Eligible?

You might be eligible if:

• You owned or leased a diesel vehicle from a manufacturer involved in the scandal (like BMW, Mercedes, VW, or Vauxhall)

• The vehicle was purchased between roughly 2008 and 2018

• It was registered in the UK

You don’t need to still own the car to qualify. If you’re unsure, many law firms and consumer rights websites offer free eligibility checks based on your registration number.

How to Start a Claim

1. Check eligibility: Use an online tool or legal firm’s website (like Leigh Day, PGMBM, or Diesel Claim UK).

2. Join a group claim: Most compensation cases are being handled as group actions, similar to class-action lawsuits.

3. Wait for case progress: These cases can take years, especially when manufacturers contest liability, but the VW payout shows that success is possible.

   
   

While not everyone has been paid yet, there’s real momentum building behind these claims. Volkswagen’s payout set a precedent, and similar cases against BMW and others could follow. If you drove a diesel vehicle in the last 10-15 years, it’s worth checking your eligibility.

Even though the process may take time, the possibility of holding manufacturers accountable – and getting compensated for being misled – makes it worthwhile for many UK drivers.