The Martin Lewis-founded financial advice service Money Saving Expert has warned owners of cars made by three popular companies that they only have a limited amount of time if they wish to make a diesel emissions claim.

The organisation highlighted that a number of legal firms are calling for owners of diesel-powered models made between 2009 and 2022 to join if they think they were missold a vehicle due to its advertised emissions levels.

In a blog post, Petar Lekarski, Assistant Editor at Money Saving Expert, highlighted that joining a group claim is the only sensible way to make a claim against a manufacturer. 

He explained: "These are complex legal proceedings which require technical expert opinion to establish facts, and if you were to try to bring a claim yourself, the costs would likely dwarf any damages, plus you'd risk having to pay the other side's legal costs.

"So while we'd normally urge you to steer clear of firms that will take a cut of any compensation, in this instance if you do make a claim, joining a group legal action may be the only viable option - though even then, there's no guarantee of winning."

Various legal claims are being made against a wide variety of manufacturers who allegedly used defeat devices on diesel models to make them look less polluting.

All manufacturers with claims against them deny the accusations, with many stating they will defend themselves against group action. 

However, Money Saving Expert highlights that there are currently six law firms preparing to make a group claim, with different organisations planning to target different manufacturers. 

Whilst the group claim deadline for a number of manufacturers has already passed, those who own a Kia, Hyundai and Volvo still have the chance to come forward. 

Three legal firms, Bingham Long, Johnson Law Group, and Pogust Goodhead, are all making claims against Kia and Hyundai, with deadlines spanning from October 30 2024 to November 6 2024.

Five firms also intend to make a group claim against Volvo, with drivers wishing to join having until December 11 2024 to apply.

Peter highlighted that motorists should only make a claim if they genuinely think they have a case, stating that there are no guarantees they will get a large payout.

He said: "Group legal action claims of this kind are largely untested in the English and Welsh courts and there's no guarantee any of the current claims will be successful. Law firms say that, if the claims are successful, drivers could get several thousands of pounds each in compensation because they paid too much for vehicles that didn't meet emissions standards.

"But most lawyers we've spoken to told us any payouts aren't likely to be this high in reality. For one thing, it's possible that any case could be settled out of court for a fraction of the original claim value."