Toyota, Subaru Sued Over Claims of Low Oil Pressure, Oil Starvation in Boxer Engines
The owner of a used 2019 Toyota 86 in Arkansas has filed a class action lawsuit against the automaker as well as Subaru for allegedly selling vehicles with engine defects, according to The Drive.
After purchasing her vehicle in October 2021, plaintiff Laura Young experienced total engine failure in August 2023, with approximately 64,000 miles on the odometer.
Falling just outside the limit’s of Toyota’s five-year/60,000-mile warranty, Young has had to pay for the damage out of pocket, and has been without her vehicle for over a year.
She’s now suing the automakers for over $5 million, claiming that defects in 2013-2016 Scion FR-S, 2017-2023 Toyota 86/GR86, and 2013-2023 Subaru BRZ equipped with 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter boxer engines were knowingly concealed by automakers. These defects are allegedly leading to low oil pressure and, eventually, oil starvation.
It isn’t clear whether the vehicle had been displaying symptoms prior to the engine failure, or how well the owner kept up with oil change intervals and general maintenance. But the lawsuit is arguing that improper application of RTV silicone in the engine—where normal gaskets would usually be—is the cause behind the issue.
Under high-heat conditions, RTV can harden and break apart, with pieces finding their way into the engine’s crankcase. Improper application of RTV would make it even more likely that pieces of RTV got into oil and coolant passages.
“Toyota is committed to customer satisfaction,” a Toyota spokesperson told The Drive. “We will respond to the allegations in this lawsuit in the appropriate forum.”
