Excessive Oil Consumption

Excessive oil consumption usually traces back to piston rings, valve seals, or PCV system design that lets oil slip past into the combustion chamber. It's insidious: the engine burns oil quietly, the level drops between services, and if the driver doesn't catch it, oil starvation can cause catastrophic engine damage — bearing failure, knocking, and in the worst cases a seized engine.

The frustrating part is the response. Many owners are put through a multi-visit "oil consumption test," then told the burn rate falls within the manufacturer's specification — a specification that can permit surprisingly high consumption. Meanwhile the owner is topping off oil and watching the engine deteriorate. Several manufacturers have extended warranties or settled class actions over exactly this defect.

An engine that burns oil abnormally substantially impairs your vehicle's use, value, and safety. If the manufacturer can't repair it after a reasonable number of attempts, California's Lemon Law may entitle you to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement — with the manufacturer paying your attorney fees.

California's Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Act) applies when a substantial defect can't be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, or when your vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days. For serious safety defects, fewer failed attempts are required.

If your vehicle qualifies, you may be entitled to a buyback (a refund of what you've paid, minus a mileage offset), a replacement vehicle, or a cash-and-keep settlement. The manufacturer pays your attorney fees on a successful claim — so pursuing your case costs you nothing out of pocket.