Experienced Los Angeles Attorneys for Engine Defect Claims

If Your Engine Has Stalled, Overheated, or Otherwise Failed, Our Car Defect Attorneys Want to Know.

Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation has the experience and resources to energetically prosecute claims for car owners who have reported engine defects. When a manufacturing defect or design defect can be proven in a car, the owner may be able to receive compensation for the cost of repairs, loss of use, diminished value, and any injuries caused by resultant accidents.

Anyone with a defective engine claim is encouraged to contact one of our Los Angeles attorneys at (866) 884-1717 for assistance.

What is an Engine Defect?

An engine defect refers to any flaw or malfunction within an engine that affects its performance, efficiency, or safety. These defects can occur due to various reasons such as design flaws, manufacturing errors, material degradation, or wear and tear over time. Detecting and addressing engine defects is crucial to ensure the safe and reliable operation of vehicles, machinery, or equipment.

Here are some common types of engine defects:

• Cylinder Misfiring: This occurs when one or more cylinders in an internal combustion engine fail to ignite properly, leading to a loss of power, rough idling, and increased emissions.
• Oil Leaks: Engine components such as gaskets, seals, or oil pan can develop leaks over time, causing oil to seep out and potentially leading to lubrication issues and engine damage.
• Coolant Leaks: Leaks in the cooling system, such as from hoses, radiator, or water pump, can result in overheating, engine damage, and ultimately, engine failure.
• Timing Belt/Chain Failure: The timing belt or chain synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft(s). If it fails, it can cause catastrophic engine damage due to valve and piston collision.
• Faulty Sensors: Modern engines rely on various sensors to monitor engine performance and emissions. Defective sensors can lead to incorrect readings, causing drivability issues and decreased fuel efficiency.
• Fuel System Issues: Problems with fuel injectors, fuel pump, or fuel lines can lead to poor engine performance, rough idling, and stalling.
• Compression Loss: Loss of compression in one or more cylinders can result from worn piston rings, damaged valves, or a blown head gasket, leading to decreased power and efficiency.
• Exhaust System Problems: Issues such as a clogged catalytic converter, exhaust leaks, or damaged muffler can reduce engine performance, increase emissions, and cause excessive noise.
• Electrical System Malfunctions: Problems with the ignition system, such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or wiring issues, can result in starting difficulties and engine misfires.
• Engine Overheating: Overheating can occur due to cooling system failures, inadequate coolant levels, or issues with the radiator fan, leading to potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Past Issues Caused by Defective Engines

The news mentions a scary amount of product recalls for various car makes and models. Certain Volvos were recalled for engine cooling component defects. Affected cars could overheat and shut down on the road, no matter the speed they were going, and refuse to restart. Ford F250, F350, and F450 trucks have been subject to reports of oil leaks, stalling and other problems. Some Tesla drivers have reported spontaneous engine fires caused by a buildup of battery heat.

Passenger cars aren’t the only vehicles affected by these defects. Truck fleets have noticed problems with C13 and C15 Caterpillar diesel engines. In 2007, Caterpillar introduced a new emissions control package to meet updated federal standards. Since then, trucks have broken down much more often; trucking companies have lost money due to these vehicles’ down time, repair costs, and off-route mileage.

Toyota, however, is the most common subject of engine defect reports thanks to continued missteps. In addition to an earlier controversy over random acceleration, the company has since announced a recall of one million 2005 to 2008 Corollas and Matrixes for stalling problems. It appears Toyota knew of the issue by 2015, when they issued bulletins to dealers outlining the problem and how to fix it. However, they did not publicize a recall until 2010—when the National Highway and Traffic Administration (NHTSA) started receiving more complaints from drivers.

Is Your Engine Having Unexplainable Problems? It Might Be Defective.

Our team is skilled at handling “lemon law” and product liability cases for clients who complain of defective engines. We work with consultants to isolate the cause of your car’s issues, then help you put together a claim asking for full damages. We’ve successfully recovered large awards for our clients and have achieved a reputation for competent and relentless defense of our clients' rights. When defendants see our name on a case filing, they’re more likely to settle—because they know we’re accomplished courtroom advocates who don’t give up.

Any automaker that sells you a bad car should pay the price. Contact our firm online or call (866) 884-1717 for help in your case!