The two limitation clocks that apply to diesel claims
Clock 1: 6 years from purchase/agreement date
For breach of statutory duty claims, the clock starts on the date you purchased or leased the vehicle. For a car bought in 2016, the 6-year window expired in 2022. However, Clock 2 may keep you alive.
Clock 2: 3 years from date of knowledge
The clock starts when you first became aware (or should have been aware) that defeat device software falsified your vehicle’s emissions. This is the critical question for many claimants — and courts have not yet definitively resolved when “knowledge” arose.
When does “knowledge” arise for diesel claims?
Defendants argue knowledge arose in September 2015 (Dieselgate headline news) making the 3-year window expire in 2018. Claimants argue knowledge only arose when they specifically learned their vehicle’s specific defeat device affected them — which for many manufacturers was 2019–2022. Courts are still resolving this tension.
The consequence of getting this wrong
If your limitation period has expired and a court agrees, your claim is permanently time-barred. You cannot recover compensation regardless of the merits. This is why acting now — before any further time passes — is critical.
Approximate deadline position by manufacturer
How to protect your diesel emissions claim before the deadline
Register with a specialist solicitor today — free, no commitment
Registering places your claim formally on record. The solicitor will assess your limitation position and advise on next steps. This costs nothing and does not commit you to proceedings.
Gather your vehicle purchase documents
Find your original purchase invoice or registration document, finance agreement if applicable, and the V5C logbook showing first registration date. These establish your purchase date and vehicle specification.
Check if your vehicle was recalled
A recall letter from your manufacturer or an DVSA recall record confirms your vehicle was in the affected batch. This is strong evidence for both eligibility and the knowledge question.