Approximately one million Ford diesel vehicles sold in the UK between 2016 and 2018 are under scrutiny due to serious defects in components intended to reduce toxic exhaust emissions. Legal representatives stated in court that Ford was aware of these issues during production but did not initiate formal recalls or repairs.
This information emerged as part of a legal case involving 1.6 million diesel vehicle owners against five car manufacturers, including Ford. They claim these companies used “defeat devices” designed to manipulate emissions tests for nitrogen oxides (NOx). Evidence presented indicated that parts of the emissions control systems were ineffective when exposed to sulphur in fuel. A test in 2017 revealed a failure rate of 100% among Euro 6 engine vehicles from Ford when evaluated under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) emissions tests.
During cross-examination, former calibration manager Marcus Davies downplayed the extent of the issue by stating that not all vehicles would be affected; however, the claimant’s representative, Thomas de la Mare KC, asserted that nearly one million cars were impacted. Following the identification of these problems, Ford implemented new software in 2018, which was available to some customers who brought their cars to official dealers, though a widespread recall was not executed.
The claims also suggested that Ford calibrated its engines primarily to pass certification tests rather than to mitigate emissions during regular operation. Internal documents indicated that Ford had recognized inadequate use of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system as early as 2012. Notably, testing protocols were cited that further demonstrated elevated NOx emissions under certain conditions, such as inadvertently testing a Euro 5 transit van in the incorrect gear.
The ongoing trial also examines the practices of other manufacturers implicated in the broader “Dieselgate” scandal, which initially gained attention in 2015 when concerns about Volkswagen’s emissions testing emerged. Ford denies any wrongdoing and characterizes the claims as “scientifically illiterate.” The hearing is set to last three months.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/nov/15/ford-diesel-cars-uk-emissions-legal-action