Jaguar Land Rover is facing allegations over faulty diesel particulate filter (DPF) systems in certain models, which have led to significant issues for vehicle owners. The DPF is an essential component designed to reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines, a requirement introduced by legislation in 2009. However, lawyers claim that the DPF systems in specific Jaguar Land Rover vehicles became prone to excessive clogging and reliability issues, affecting engine performance. This caused owners to experience increased fuel consumption, as they had to refuel their cars more often, leading to higher running costs.
In addition to the fuel inefficiency, the malfunctioning DPF systems reportedly caused engine damage, resulting in costly repairs. Many drivers also faced financial losses, including expensive maintenance bills and reduced resale values for their vehicles. Although Jaguar Land Rover offered software updates and warranty extensions in an attempt to resolve these issues, many owners argue that these efforts were insufficient and came too late. Drivers who purchased diesel-powered vehicles between April 2014 and December 2022 are particularly affected, dealing with higher costs, safety concerns, and diminished vehicle value as a result of the defective DPF systems.
A judge granted approval for a Group Litigation Order (GLO) in the case of Alex Not & Ors v Jaguar Land Rover Limited & Ors, involving allegations against Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) related to defective diesel particulate filters in its vehicles. This GLO allows for the efficient handling of claims from potentially up to one million current and former JLR owners who purchased or leased diesel vehicles from 2014 onwards.
As of now, the litigation includes over 42,000 claims on behalf of 39,000 individuals, with expectations that the number of claimants will continue to grow as the case progresses. The lawsuit is focused on allegations that the diesel particulate filter systems in JLR vehicles did not function as intended, leading to engine damage, higher fuel consumption, and operational issues. In some instances, the faulty filters triggered "limp home mode," severely limiting vehicle performance or causing engines to shut down entirely.
The judge, Senior Master Cook, emphasised that the establishment of a group register and clear public communication of the GLO would help streamline case management and encourage additional claimants to join. The ruling is part of a broader trend of the UK courts increasingly adopting GLOs for mass claims, especially in cases with the potential for large-scale litigation, such as this one, which follows similar legal actions in the U.S. and Australia.
In terms of case management, the court has outlined key dates, including deadlines for serving particulars of claims by 28th February 2025, and deadlines for defences and replies later in the year. The litigation is expected to continue through 2025, with a managing judge to be appointed by October 2025.
This ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal scrutiny of JLR's diesel vehicle emissions, and businesses within the automotive industry should be mindful of the increasing trend of mass claims being managed under GLOs, which may become more prevalent in the future. While such litigation presents potential costs in the millions (in the region of £715 million), it also highlights the importance of thorough product testing and compliance to prevent large-scale legal disputes.
The case is a great example of how the UK legal system is adapting to handle large-scale consumer claims through group litigation. The GLO mechanism allows for more efficient management of complex cases that involve multiple claimants with similar grievances.