A phenomenon that until a few years ago was almost unnoticed now begins to become a daily life in KTEO.
According to Newsauto's report from the purchase of technical controls, many diesel cars have been cut lately, with a large part of the problems identified in the antipollution system and in particular in the DPF microparticle filter.
It's not just very old cars. Newer technology diesels appear in the control lines, several of which externally look perfectly normal, but either they have a problem DPF filter or an intervention in the exhaust system and engine management has been preceded.
The crucial element is that the removal or falsification of DPF is already a reason for rejection to the BCE. The relevant instructions to the controllers shall provide for thorough visual inspection of the exhaust system. If it is found that the filter is absent or has undergone surgery, it shall be recorded. «Serious Lack».
And here lies one of the biggest problems that today's picture reveals.
For years, several diesel owners chose, when the DPF malfunctioned, to remove it or disable it electronically instead of proceeding to clean or replace it. The cost of a complete repair can, depending on the model, reach several hundred to several thousand euros.
Thus a large number of cars were created which still circulate, but are no longer in the factory situation with regard to the pollution system.
Why are so many diesels in trouble?
The DPF is designed to contain the tiny soot particles produced by a diesel engine. When enough quantity is collected, the car performs the so - called regeneration, raising the exhaust temperature to burn the accumulated particles.
In Greek reality, however, many diesels are used almost exclusively within the city, with small routes, low speeds and continuous startups and stops. In these circumstances regeneration is not always completed properly.
Over time the filter can be blocked. A problem EGR, a pressure sensor, a beck or even a malfunction in combustion may even burden the situation more.
Sometime there the warning lights, the power drop, and, in several cases, the accurate visit to the crew begin.
In the past «easy» the solution was the famous DPF off: mechanical removal of the filter's active material and intervention in software so that the ECU does not indicate damage.
The car could operate seemingly normally. But that didn't make it legal.
And now the risk of being identified in the technical inspection is clearly greater.
The importance of the problem becomes even greater due to the age of the Greek fleet. According to ACEA's latest data for 2024, Greece has the oldest passenger car fleet in the EU, with an average age of 17.8 years, against 12.7 years in the European Union. Of around 5.7 million passengers travelling in the country, more than 4.5 million are over ten years old.
This means that hundreds of thousands of cars are now at an age where expensive pollution systems are normally beginning to require repairs.
Since 1 July 2027 things have been getting a lot harder
Here is an important detail in updating the case. The new Law 5290/2026 has already introduced a much more accurate control for specific diesels. In addition to measuring the exhaust opacity factor, it provides measurement of the actual number of microparticles emitted, with a maximum permitted limit of 1,000,000 particles per cubic centimeter.
The arrangement concerns diesel Euro 5, Euro 6 or newer with first classification after 1 January 2013, as well as Euro VI vehicles or newer vehicles with first registration after 1 January 2014.
But unlike what has been written at times, This new microparticle control is not yet applicable in September 2026.. The law itself defines as the starting date of 1 July 2027.
This is the real bell for those today who have a diesel with «affected» DPF.
A car can already be cut today if the removal or tampering of the filter is detected. Since July 2027, however, the situation has changed level: measurement will not only be based on tobacco or visual control, but also on the number of particles coming out of the exhaust itself.
And there a DPF that has been emptied, destroyed or not working properly is extremely difficult to hide.
At the same time, the current Road Traffic Code prohibits vehicle traffic that emits pollutants above the permitted limits. This infringement falls within the categories E3-B and SE3-B provides for a fine EUR 350 and removal of a driving licence and traffic data for 30 days, while the category It brings you further removal of the driver's license for 40 days. Traffic data shall also be specifically provided for to remain with the competent authority until the vehicle’s emission suitability is demonstrated.
For diesel holders the message is now clear: DPF is not a component that can simply be removed because it is damaged.
And the report from KTEO shows that several owners are already discovering it the hard way.
But the even stricter stage comes from 1 July 2027. Then the «He doesn't smoke, so he passes.» will be permanently in the past.
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