Drivers have accused one of the UK's largest law firms of a "lack of action" in cases relating to the emissions cheating scandal of diesel vehicle manufacturers 10 years ago.
The Dieselgate scandal was one of the most devastating scandals to hit the automotive industry in recent decades, as consumers lost faith in established brands, with some manufacturers still suffering reputational damage.
Automotive companies were accused of cheating in tests with "defeat devices", which made it seem like the diesel vehicle had a lower emissions output than it really did.
These vehicles were mis-sold to drivers as people would not have chosen particular cars if the actual emissions output was higher than advertised, while others may have paid a premium for the vehicle as it appeared to be "more environmentally friendly" than it was.
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Drivers have vented their frustrations at the long waiting times to receive an update regarding compensation for the Dieselgate emissions scandal
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The Dieselgate scandal led to countless legal cases being mounted against manufacturers in the UK, across the European Union and around the world.
Pogust Goodhead, the legal firm behind the popular My Diesel Claim service, has taken action against automotive manufacturers who were accused of being involved in the Dieselgate scandal, including some of the largest car companies in the world.
The claims have been put forward on behalf of motorists who owned or leased a diesel vehicle between 2009 and 2020 could be part of group litigation claims and receive compensation of up to £10,000 per vehicle.
In recent years, Pogust Goodhead has successfully represented British drivers in a group litigation against Volkswagen, in what it described as a "first of its kind, out of court UK settlement" worth a staggering £193million.
Volkswagen estimated that 1.1 million cars in the UK were affected by the diesel emissions scandal
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Volkswagen did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the settlement, describing it as the "prudent course of action commercially", which would have led to a six-month trial and further appeals.
Philip Haarmann, VW's chief legal officer, said: "The settlement is another important milestone as the Volkswagen Group continues to move beyond the deeply regrettable events leading up to September 2015."
Despite Pogust Goodhead's legal settlement with Volkswagen and the continued litigation against other manufacturers, drivers are becoming frustrated with My Diesel Claim.
Motorists have voiced their frustration against the small claims assistance service, claiming that they are failing to make progress, with some drivers claiming they have been waiting for years.
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The firm behind My Diesel Claim has received hundreds of "one-star" reviews on consumer review aggregator Trustpilot, giving the company an average score of just 1.1.
Over 450 reviews have been submitted for My Diesel Claim, with the overwhelming majority being negative, although there are a handful of "five-star" reviews.
Some reviewers claim they first made a claim "approximately seven years ago", while others have accused the group of not doing anything with claims submitted in recent years. The My Diesel Claim service was set up in April 2021.
One submitted response described it as a "total scam". Another questioned why it had taken them so long to receive an update for their claim, while other drivers have already received compensation for also being impacted by the Dieselgate scandal.
A third reviewer claimed: "As it's been over two years now since I've put in for my claim, and no progress has been made, I'm now beginning to wonder how legit this company may or [may] not be?"
Pogust Goodhead told GB News that since it does not own the My Diesel Claim Trustpilot page, it cannot verify the authenticity of the reviews, noting that they could be "genuine client misunderstandings, spam, or fake content".
In comparison to the My Diesel Claim Trustpilot page, the Pogust Goodhead holds an impressive 4.3 rating, with 75 per cent of its reviews rated four or five stars.
Pogust Goodhead secured a significant ruling from the High Court, meaning decisions which approve diesel vehicles made by the German car regulator (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) are not binding in English Courts.
The Dieselgate scandal was first brought to light 10 years ago
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This was described as a "substantial victory" for Pogust Goodhead's clients, allowing them to move forward in getting compensation from manufacturers.
The law firm highlighted how this was the first finding of its kind against any car manufacturer in the UK, adding that it was "crucial in demonstrating that these devices were intentionally installed to manipulate emissions regulations".
Speaking to GB News, the spokesperson added: "A pivotal 10-week liability trial is scheduled for October 2025, at which the Court will determine whether the manufacturers, using the Lead and Additional Lead GLOs as lead cases, used prohibited defeat devices in their vehicles to manipulate and cheat emissions tests.
"This will be followed by another trial in autumn 2026, where the Court will assess the financial impact on claimants. It is widely accepted that these cases are moving at a significant pace and within an exceptionally demanding timetable.
"That within three years of the first GLO being sealed by the Court, there could be two substantial trials and judgements is remarkable."
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