Despite nearly 150 years of research, development, and refinement, modern engines still function based on the principle of using a reciprocating piston to extract power from a controlled explosion. Despite the new technology that manufacturers like General Motors and Ford Motor Company use to design their engines, mistakes can still happen. An engine can run out of oil or it can be destroyed by a displaced timing chain. Below, we talk about a few engines that have a reputation for catastrophically failing.

Hyundai/Kia: 2.0-L & 2.4-L Four Cylinder

The South Korean motor company had to recall 1.4 million cars and sport utility vehicles because their 2.0-L and 2.4-L four-cylinder engines can spontaneously seize. Hyundai’s Theta II engines were made at a plant located in Alabama. Metallic debris left behind from the manufacturing process can restrict oil flow to connecting rod bearings which can cause the bearings to wear and fail. The recall covers 2013-14 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs and Sonata sedans, 2011-14 Kia Optima sedans, and 2011-13 Kia Sportage and 2012-14 Sorento SUVs.

General Motors: 2.4-L Four Cylinder

Owners of the redesigned 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers reported that the base 2.4-L four-cylinder engine would eat itself up after the timing chain stretched and jumped the gear teeth. One class action lawsuit claims that the four-cylinder engine in 2010-2017 models consumes as much as a liter of oil for every 1,600 km travelled.

Audi/Volkswagen: 2.0T Turbo Four Cylinder

Audi and its parent company Volkswagen had to settle a class-action lawsuit with owners of 2.0T-powered models because they devour motor oil at shocking rates. According to the lawsuit, 126,000 Audis have defects in their turbocharged engines which causes the vehicles to consume oil too quickly. The 2009-2010 Audi A4 and A5, and the 2011 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 sport utility with the engine code CAEB were affected by the lawsuit.

Ford: 1.6-L EcoBoost Four Cylinder

The British-made 1.6-L EcoBoost turbo direct injection is well known for overheating and catching on fire. 29 fires have been recorded by the U.S. government and some owners have reported coolant leaking into the engine cylinders. Ford recalled nearly 230,000 2014 Escapes, 2014-2015 Fiesta STs, 2013-2014 Fusions, and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles because of coolant leaks.

Subaru: 2.5-L Turbo Four Cylinder

A class-action lawsuit alleges that the pistons and PCV systems in the high-performance 2.5-L turbocharged engines of Subaru’s 2009-14 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI models might overheat or malfunction. Drivers of the Impreza WRX and WRX STI claim their cars suddenly lose power, stall, or suffer engine failure because the internal parts overheat and seize up.Do you think you have been sold a car with a faulty or dangerous engine? We can help. Contact our team of California lemon law attorneysto schedule a free consultation today.