About a million Ford diesel cars sold in the UK between 2016 and 2018 had serious defects in components designed to curb toxic exhaust emissions, the High Court has heard. Lawyers for claimants said Ford's engineers were aware of the issues, and many vehicles were never formally recalled or fixed.
The claims emerged in evidence submitted in a legal action on behalf of 1.6 million diesel vehicle owners against five car manufacturers, including Ford, for allegedly using 'defeat devices' to cheat emissions tests for nitrogen oxides (NOx). The court heard that parts of Ford's emissions control systems became less effective when 'poisoned' by sulphur in fuel during driving. In 2017, all 27 Ford vehicles with Euro 6 engines tested in service failed the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) emissions tests.
Cross-examining Marcus Davies, Ford's former calibration manager, Thomas de la Mare KC said the systems had not been 'sufficiently tested' and that 'the scale of the problem' amounted to 'one million vehicles affected'. Davies played down the figure, saying 'it's not every vehicle that would have this problem'. New software was implemented from 2018, and some customers received updates during servicing, but there was no wider recall.
Ben Jaffey KC, for the claimants, referenced internal documents showing that as far back as 2012, Ford recognised it was not using the exhaust gas recirculation system to reduce NOx as much as possible. He argued the system was 'shaped to the requirements of the test and not much else'. Documents also showed NOx emissions from a Euro 5 Transit van surged beyond limits when tested in sixth gear, while the gear shift indicator encouraged drivers to switch to that gear at 62mph.
Ford denies creating defeat devices, describing the claim as 'scientifically illiterate'. Its lawyers said a reduction in NOx control may be a 'necessary, reasonable and justifiable engineering compromise' to protect components or control other emissions. The trial, which opened last month, also examines vehicles from Mercedes, Renault, Nissan and Peugeot/Citroën.
