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Engine problems and the lemon law
Yes. Engine problems count under the lemon law like any defect the dealer cannot fix: in most states 3 or 4 repair attempts for the same problem, or about 30 days in the shop, inside the protection period. Owners filed 19,821 engine complaints with NHTSA for 2021 to 2027 models of 35 makes, 19% of all their complaints.
When engine problems count
- The same problem, again and again. Each repair visit for it is an attempt. Report it in the same words each time.
- Inside the protection period, 12 to 36 months after delivery depending on the state.
- Or about 30 days in the shop in total, for this and other covered defects.
An engine that stalls while driving can count as a safety defect in some states. A check engine light alone counts when it points to a defect the dealer cannot fix.
What to tell the dealer
Describe what happens: stalling, loss of power, oil use, overheating, knocking, a check engine light that keeps coming back.
- Write down the warning lights and messages, with the date and mileage.
- Ask for the fault codes the dealer read to be put on the repair order.
- Keep receipts for towing and rental cars: a buyback can pay them back.
Makes with the most engine complaints
| Make | Complaints | Share of the make's complaints |
|---|---|---|
| GMC | 2,714 | 49% |
| Chevrolet | 2,490 | 28% |
| Jeep | 1,872 | 27% |
| Ford | 1,799 | 14% |
| Kia | 1,373 | 22% |
| Hyundai | 1,312 | 16% |
| Honda | 1,258 | 12% |
| Toyota | 1,256 | 16% |
| Nissan | 890 | 23% |
| Ram | 857 | 26% |
| Volkswagen | 847 | 21% |
| Cadillac | 620 | 51% |
Latest recalls in this area
- Toyota, October 7, 2026: 2026 RAV4 Plug-IN Hybrid, about 30,978 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V659000
- Infiniti, June 27, 2025: 2022 QX55, 2021 QX50, 2022 QX50, about 443,899 vehicles. NHTSA recall 25V437000
- Mazda, June 18, 2025: 2025 CX-50 Hybrid, about 22 vehicles. NHTSA recall 25V418000
Questions people ask
Does the lemon law cover engine problems?
Yes. Engine problems count under the lemon law like any defect the dealer cannot fix: in most states 3 or 4 repair attempts for the same problem, or about 30 days in the shop, inside the protection period.
Which makes have the most engine complaints?
GMC (2,714), Chevrolet (2,490), Jeep (1,872), for 2021 to 2027 models in NHTSA's files. Big sellers get more complaints, so a count is not a defect rate.
What should I tell the dealer about engine problems?
Describe what happens (stalling, loss of power, oil use, overheating, knocking, a check engine light that keeps coming back), when and how often, the same way every visit, and make sure it is written on the repair order.
About the data
From NHTSA's complaint files, complaints received 2020 to now for 2021 to 2027 model years, counted by the component the owner named (Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling). A complaint can name more than one component. Complaints are what owners report, not findings, and big sellers get more of them. Read on October 26, 2026.
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