A class-action lawsuit filed in the United States alleges that Volkswagen's two-liter gasoline engines, particularly the EA888 turbo engines, are plagued by faulty piston rings, leading to excessive oil consumption. The complaint specifies that oil leaks into the combustion chamber, creating sludge and blocking the crankcase breather valve, ultimately increasing crankcase pressure and causing seal failures. This situation has resulted in various mechanical issues, prompting owners to frequently top off their oil levels between service intervals.

The lawsuit claims that the defective piston rings create a domino effect of problems within the engine. Plastic oil pans are reported to crack, timing chain covers leak, and spark plugs become fouled, which collectively contribute to rough engine performance and poor acceleration. Owners have expressed frustration as warning lights activate on the dashboards signaling engine problems, highlighting the broader implications of reliability and customer satisfaction in Volkswagen's vehicle line-up.

The plaintiffs are demanding that Volkswagen address the issues under warranty. However, many dealers have only agreed to replace individual faulty parts rather than undertake comprehensive repairs, leaving owners concerned about the long-term performance of their vehicles while highlighting potential financial implications for both the owners and the automaker.