Swedish Diesel Owners Sue Major Automakers Over Emissions Scandal

Swedish diesel car owners are now suing major car manufacturers — Audi, Volkswagen, and BMW — over the Dieselgate emissions cheating scandal. The lawsuits allege that the automakers installed illegal software to manipulate emissions test results, misleading buyers and regulators. The story was originally reported by the Swedish automotive newsletter Carup, led by publisher and journalist Maths Nilsson, who has been closely covering the legal developments.

Although nearly a decade has passed since dieselgate first broke, its impact continues to unfold in European courtrooms. In countries like Germany, courts have ruled that affected owners are entitled to compensation of 5–15% of the vehicle’s original purchase price — which can amount to more than 100,000 SEK for premium models. These rulings are grounded in the argument that consumers were sold vehicles under false pretenses.

At the core of the controversy is the fact that the vehicles were equipped with so-called "defeat devices" — software that allowed the cars to pass emissions tests under controlled lab conditions, while emitting excessive nitrogen oxide during regular driving. According to German attorney and Theis Klauberg, who represents the Swedish claimants, this software fraud invalidated the cars’ EU Certificates of Conformity (COC) and caused significant financial harm to buyers.

“If the defects had been disclosed at the time of purchase, it is reasonable to assume that the buyer would not have agreed to the original price,” Klauberg told Carup. He argues that the damage lies in the gap between the actual value of a non-compliant car and what buyers paid, suggesting that compensation is warranted to reflect this discrepancy.

While the initial lawsuits are being filed in German courts, Dieselgate.legal team is also preparing to bring claims before Swedish courts. He believes Swedish judges could potentially award even greater compensation — up to 100% of the purchase price, provided the vehicle is returned. The first Swedish test case, currently in preparation, involves a VW Sharan.

In a comment to Carup, Volkswagen Group Sweden stated that it is not a direct party to the lawsuit. “Volkswagen Group Sweden is not a counterparty in this matter,” said Marcus Thomasfolk, Head of Information.

BMW Sweden, according to Carup, has not yet responded to requests for comment. As Carup’s coverage makes clear, this legal effort could become a major milestone in Sweden’s handling of Dieselgate, with implications for car owners, consumer protection, and environmental compliance across the automotive industry.