Study Links Diesel Defeat Devices to 16,000 UK Deaths
Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air publishes findings on the health impact of excess diesel emissions across the UK and EU.
A study published in May 2025 by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has estimated that excess pollution from diesel vehicles suspected of using prohibited defeat devices has been linked to approximately 16,000 premature deaths in the UK, along with around 30,000 cases of childhood asthma (The Guardian).
Key Findings
The CREA report assessed the health impact of "excess emissions" — defined as emissions that are suspiciously high (more than twice the legal limit) and likely linked to prohibited defeat devices that disable emission controls during normal driving conditions.
Across the UK and EU combined, the study estimates (CREA):
- 124,000 premature deaths between 2009 and 2024
- 98,000 new cases of childhood asthma in the same period
- An economic burden estimated at €760 billion
These figures were cited in the October 2025 High Court trial by Thomas De La Mare KC, representing the car owners (BBC News).
Future Projections
Looking ahead, the CREA study projects that without further intervention, the period from 2025 to 2040 could see an additional 81,000 premature deaths across the UK and EU, with a further €430 billion in economic costs. By 2040, most of the affected vehicles are expected to no longer be in use (CREA).
UK Government Response
Defeat devices have been illegal since before the dieselgate scandal, but in 2020 new UK law placed a duty on the government to investigate vehicles suspected of using them. Powers introduced in 2021 enabled the government to create laws that could force manufacturers to recall vehicles on environmental grounds, though these powers have yet to be used. After a legal complaint from ClientEarth, the government said in 2024 that it was investigating 47 different car models under 20 brands by 11 manufacturers (The Guardian).
Sources
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