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The registry

Every defect we’ve put on file.

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An independent registry that helps American drivers find out if their car qualifies for compensation under federal and state lemon laws.

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NHTSA Recalls API
NHTSA Complaints database
Federal court filings (PACER)
Settled class-action records

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The registry

Every defect we’ve put on file.

51documented automotive defects with named class actions, recall campaigns, or settled litigation. Each entry traces back to a public source. If your car’s here, you may have a case.

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Showing 28 of 51

Theta II engine knock & seizure

2011–2019 · Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson, Sorento, +2

Premature wear in the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L engine causes rod-bearing failure, knocking, stalling, and complete engine seizure — often before 100,000 miles. Subject to multiple recalls and a multi-billion-dollar class settlement.

Nu 1.8L / 2.0L engine oil consumption

2011–2016 · Elantra, Forte, Soul, Tucson

Nu engine piston-ring wear causes excessive oil consumption (often >1qt/1k miles) and eventual engine damage. Hyundai issued a Knock Sensor Detection System recall and an extended warranty.

1.6L Gamma turbo connecting-rod failure

2014–2021 · Tucson, Sportage, Veloster, Soul

1.6T Gamma engines suffer connecting-rod bearing failures leading to engine seizure and, in some cases, fire. Multiple recalls; class actions ongoing.

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All Engine Transmission Electrical / Battery Brakes & Safety Suspension / Steering A/C & Climate Fuel System Other

Recovery

$4–$18k

2.7L EcoBoost valve failure

2021–2022 · Bronco

Defective intake/exhaust valves in 2.7L EcoBoost engines cause sudden catastrophic engine failure under normal driving. Stop-sale and recalls issued.

5.4L Triton 3-valve spark plug ejection

2004–2008 · F-150, F-250, F-350, Expedition, +1

3-valve 5.4L Triton engines eject spark plugs from the cylinder head, sometimes destroying threads. Repair costs $500–$2,500 per cylinder. Class action settled.

6.0L Power Stroke diesel — head gasket / EGR / oil cooler

2003–2007 · F-250, F-350, F-450, Excursion

Cascade failures of EGR coolers, oil coolers, head gaskets, and head bolts. Routinely costs owners $5K–$15K in repairs. Subject of years of litigation.

1.6L EcoBoost coolant intrusion / engine fire

2013–2019 · Escape, Fusion, MKZ

Cracked cylinder heads allow coolant into the cylinders, leading to engine fires. Multiple recalls; NHTSA investigation expanded to ~1.5M vehicles.

Explorer exhaust manifold / CO leak

2011–2017 · Explorer

Cracked exhaust manifolds allow exhaust gases (including CO) into the cabin. Multiple state attorneys general investigated; police-fleet complaints widespread.

5.3L V8 AFM lifter failure

2014–2019 · Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, +2

Active Fuel Management lifters collapse, causing misfires, ticking, and in some cases bent pushrods or camshaft damage. $7K–$10K repairs common.

1.4L Turbo coolant inlet / water-pump leak

2011–2016 · Cruze, Sonic, Trax, Encore

1.4L turbo coolant inlets and plastic water-pump housings crack and leak, leading to overheating and head gasket failure. Common failure point well below 100k miles.

Cadillac twin-turbo V6 timing-chain stretch

2012–2019 · CTS-V, CT6, ATS-V

LF3/LF4 3.6L twin-turbo V6 timing chains stretch prematurely, leading to running issues and eventually engine damage. Repair commonly $4K–$8K.

EcoDiesel emissions defeat & engine issues

2014–2016 · 1500

EPA-found emissions defeat devices plus EGR cooler and crankshaft failures. Settlement provided buybacks and extended warranties.

Tigershark 2.4L MultiAir oil consumption

2013–2018 · Cherokee, Compass, Renegade, Dart, +1

2.4L Tigershark MultiAir engines burn oil at excessive rates causing stalling, premature wear, and engine damage. Class action filed 2021.

1.8L Prius head gasket failure

2010–2015 · Prius, Prius v

1.8L 2ZR-FXE engines develop premature head gasket failure resulting in overheating and coolant loss. Toyota Warranty Enhancement Program ZG3 issued.

1MZ-FE engine sludge

1997–2002 · Camry, Avalon, Sienna, Highlander, +2

1MZ-FE V6 engines suffer oil-pickup sludge buildup leading to engine seizure. Toyota issued a special policy adjustment covering many affected vehicles.

1.5T fuel-in-oil dilution & vibration

2017–2022 · CR-V, Civic, Accord

1.5L turbo engines suffer fuel intrusion into the crankcase, causing oil dilution, gasoline odor, vibration, and potential engine damage — particularly in cold climates.

VCM oil consumption & spark plug fouling

2008–2013 · Odyssey, Pilot, Accord, Crosstour, +1

Variable Cylinder Management causes piston-ring wear, excessive oil consumption, fouled spark plugs, and misfires. Settlement extended powertrain warranty to 8 years/125k miles.

Excessive oil consumption (FB engine piston rings)

2011–2015 · Forester, Outback, Legacy, Impreza, +1

Defective piston ring design causes excessive oil consumption (often >1 quart per 1,200 miles) leading to engine damage. $1B+ class settlement extended powertrain warranty to 8 years/100k.

EJ257 ringland failure (WRX/STI)

2008–2014 · WRX, STI, Forester XT, Legacy GT

EJ257 turbo engines suffer ringland and rod-bearing failures, often at low mileage. Frequently leads to total engine replacement.

EA888 2.0T excessive oil consumption

2008–2014 · Tiguan, Passat, CC, A4, +3

Defective piston rings in EA888 Gen 1/2 2.0T engines cause severe oil consumption. Settlement extended warranty and provided cash compensation.

VW/Audi/Porsche

TDI emissions defeat-device (Dieselgate)

2009–2016 · Jetta, Passat, Golf, Beetle, +4

EPA-discovered defeat-device software fooled emissions tests. Largest auto class action in US history — $14.7B settlement plus criminal penalties.

3.0T supercharger water pump failure

2009–2017 · A6, A7, A8, Q5, +3

Plastic water-pump impellers crack and leak, leading to overheating. Repair $2K–$4K. NHTSA investigation expanded to ~330k vehicles.

N63 V8 oil consumption & timing chain

2008–2013 · 550i, 650i, 750i, X5, +1

N63 twin-turbo V8s suffer extreme oil consumption, timing-chain stretch, and turbo failures. Subject to a Customer Care Package (CCP) extension.

N20 / N26 timing-chain guide failure

2012–2015 · 320i, 328i, 428i, 528i, +3

Plastic timing-chain guides crack and disintegrate, often leading to total engine failure. Repair commonly $7K–$10K.

N55 wastegate rattle

2011–2017 · 335i, 435i, 535i, X3, +2

N55 turbo wastegate actuators wear early, producing a loud rattle and eventual loss of boost. Replacement turbo $3K–$4K.

BlueTEC diesel emissions

2009–2016 · GLE 350d, GL 350, ML 350, E 250, +2

Defeat-device software cheating EPA emissions tests, similar to VW's Dieselgate. $700M settlement covering software, extended warranty, and cash.

M272 / M273 balance-shaft gear wear

2005–2010 · C300, E350, C350, ML350, +2

Soft balance-shaft gears wear prematurely, throwing off timing. Repair requires engine disassembly: $5K–$8K. MB extended warranty for many.

2.5T Skyactiv carbon buildup / valve seal

2018–2022 · CX-5, CX-9, Mazda6, Mazda3

Direct-injection 2.5L turbo engines suffer intake-valve carbon buildup leading to misfires and rough running, often within 60k miles.