The Dieselgate scandal, which initially rocked the automotive industry in 2015, has continued to unfold, implicating several major car manufacturers. Among them, Ford faces a significant legal challenge in the UK over allegations of in-car emissions cheating technology in some of its diesel vehicles.
Ford’s use of defeat devices: The basis of the Ford emissions compensation claim
The lawyers leading this case allege Ford installed emissions cheating devices in some of its diesel vehicles. This, they claim, caused the cars to emit higher levels of harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) during regular driving than during laboratory testing.
In December 2023, the UK High Court granted a Group Litigation Order (GLO) against Ford, allowing tens of thousands of motorists in England and Wales to pursue legal action for the alleged emissions cheating. A GLO permits people who have experienced a common issue to have their cases managed collectively – so this was a significant step forward in this claim.
Upcoming trial against Ford and other car manufacturers
The legal proceedings against Ford are part of a broader wave of trials targeting several car manufacturers implicated in the Dieselgate scandal. The sheer scale of the legal battle highlights just how widespread the alleged emissions cheating is in the car industry. Trials are scheduled to start later this year, against Mercedes, Ford, Nissan Renault and Peugeot Citroen. A further trial is expected in Spring 2026.
Ford claims it did not use illegal emissions cheating technology – also known as defeat devices – in its vehicles. However, it admits it did use ‘thermal window’ software to ensure the “safe operation of the vehicle”.
Thermal window software switches off a car’s emissions purification system in extreme temperatures or altitudes. Ford tried to argue the software used in its vehicles was not illegal, but in 2020, the European Court of Justice disagreed – ruling that such software did constitute a defeat device.
Compensation for Ford diesel drivers
The upcoming trial is hugely important for people who own or lease Ford diesel cars. If the court decides Ford knowingly used illegal defeat devices, affected drivers could get compensation for things like lower car value, higher fuel costs, and unexpected repair bills.
Hundreds of thousands of Ford owners may be entitled to payouts. In similar cases involving Volkswagen, UK claimants received compensation averaging £2,120, and Ford drivers could be next.
If you purchased or leased a diesel Ford vehicle with emissions-cheating software between 2009 and 2020, don’t miss your chance to claim compensation. Find out if you can make a no-win, no-fee Ford diesel claim now. It’s free, simple, and only takes a few minutes.
