Volkswagen and Chrysler are facing sludge problems in engines in their most popular models sold in the US, as Toyota did in the past two years, according to The Car Connection (TCC) website.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Sludge is the not-liquid leftovers from used engine oil that accumulates in piston cylinders, creating sluggish performance and even damaging engines severely enough to require replacement, TCC noted.
In Volkswagen’s case, the sludge allegations are levied against its 1.8-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engines found in many 1997-2004 Audis and VWs, including the Passat and A4, the report said.
Volkswagen reportedly is notifying owners of more than 400,000 vehicles in the US of the problem and has even offered to replace some engines.
But TCC added that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has logged less than 16 complaints of the VW problem so far.
In Chrysler’s case, TCC said, the company has been petitioned by the Centre for Auto Safety to extend warranties on the 2.7-litre V6 used in much of its 1998-2002 lineup, including the popular minivans.
The Car Connection noted that, in 2002, Toyota said it would extend warranties and pay for engine replacements in sludge complaints, provided owners could prove they had changed their oil as recommended by the company.
Toyota extends oil sludge reimbursement scheme to eight years, 2002 models
