Dieselgate returns after 11 years. In Norway alone, it concerns 150,000 cars

The decisions were made on July 3 and 6, 2026. The court issued two unanimous rulings, paving the way for the case to be heard by the Norwegian justice system. There are two types of owners involved. The first lawsuit covers people who bought new cars. The second concerns those who purchased used cars but are still their owners. At the center of the case is the EA189 diesel engine.

The Borgarting Court of Appeal rejected all objections from the opposing side. It also appointed group representatives in both proceedings. Volkswagen AG and Harald A. Møller AS are to pay the plaintiff's legal costs. The rulings followed an earlier decision by the Supreme Court's Appeals Committee. On May 12, 2026, the committee overturned a previous dismissal of the case and referred it for reconsideration. It also pointed to the principle of effectiveness in the law of the European Economic Area (EEA).

The case returns eleven years after Dieselgate was revealed. The scandal broke out in September 2015, when it was discovered that software was being used to manipulate emissions test results. In Norway, the proceedings cover cars from Volkswagen, Audi, Škoda, and SEAT.

The EA189 engine was sold in over 150,000 cars in Norway. The case concerns claims for price reductions after purchasing vehicles with this engine. By July 2026, more than 10,900 participants had registered with Bilklager.no.

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued opinions on this matter in 2022 and 2023. In July 2022, it ruled that the software update did not make the cars legal. In March 2023, it stated that consumers are entitled to compensation from the manufacturer for illegal defeat devices.

The European Commission (EC) confirmed in three letters that EU consumer regulations apply to Norwegian car owners through the EEA agreement. Volkswagen has paid over €30 billion worldwide in fines, compensation, and settlements. Norwegian owners have not yet received any payments.

The appeal deadline for the opposing side is around mid-September. This is because the rulings were issued during the court's recess. If the decisions stand, the court will open a six-week window for formal registrations.

Bilklager.no encourages owners to register early. According to Dag Rune Flåten, the case could end in a settlement before reaching the courtroom. The organization also promises to inform registered individuals about the date for formally joining the lawsuit.