New diesel emissions scandal could see thousands of vehicles recalled

The Government is investigating 47 car models in a new ‘Dieselgate' probe.

A new diesel car emissions scandal is unfolding as thousands of cars could be recalled in a new Government probe into polluting vehicles. 

The Department of Transport (DfT) is investigating 47 car models from 11 manufacturers, which may emit higher emissions than the car makers originally claimed, according to a report by The Times. 

Reports suggest that around 20 car brands could be affected by the investigation. 

New Dieselgate probe: motorists could be due thousands

So far these manufacturers have not been named but it’s thought that, as in the previous ‘Dieselgate’ scandal, car owners could eventually receive thousands in compensation. 

Nine years ago Volkswagen was forced to pay out £193 million to 90,000 motorists in the UK after it was discovered to have installed software in its vehicles to cheat EU emissions tests. 

The so-called ‘defeat devices’ meant that diesel car models were released onto the market despite emitting up to 40 times the legally allowed amount of nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant which causes respiratory problems. 

VW wound up paying out £26 billion in compensation, fines and lawsuits worldwide over the issue.  

Other car makers may have similar devices installed

Last year environmental law group ClimateEarth lodged a freedom of information request with Government ministers to discover which other car manufacturers’ models may have similar devices installed.  

It’s now thought that between two and six million vehicles could be affected. 

The group also lodged complaints with the French and German governments, claiming that 19 million vehicles could be affected worldwide. 

ClientEarth lawyer Katie Nield said last year: “Over seven years after the first Dieselgate scandal, it’s astounding to see that so little has changed…

"This was a betrayal of consumer and public trust and authorities cannot continue to let auto manufacturers off the hook.

“During an unprecedented cost of living crisis, it is more important than ever that governments ensure that auto manufacturers foot the bill to clean up the excessively polluting vehicles they sold to people.” 

The UK Department of Transport said that vehicles found to be non-compliant will “require remedial action” and that “all non-compliance will be addressed.”

“Defeat devices are illegal, misleading for drivers and can have negative health impacts on the public,” said a DfT spokesperson.

“We routinely and robustly check vehicles against emission standards and have acted quickly to set up an investigation on this matter.”

According to figures from Public Health England last year, air pollution kills up to 43,000 people a year and could cost the UK as much as £18.6 billion by 2035, unless action is taken.