DETROIT (AP) – Newer cars aren’t supposed to need more oil between oil changes, but Consumer Reports found that some engines – mainly from Audi, BMW and Subaru – require an extra quart as often as once a month.
In an annual survey of car owners, significant numbers reported what the magazine considered to be excessive oil consumption. Consumer Reports focused on 2010 to 2014 models and called on automakers to make repairs under the powertrain warranty or to extend warranties.
“The companies should be willing to step up and take responsibility for their products,” said Mark Rechtin, the magazine’s cars content team leader.
Owners of newer cars, he said, shouldn’t have to carry oil around and worry about adding it. Most cars, he said, have dashboard lights warning drivers if their oil gets too low. But failing to pay attention to that light eventually can cause engine damage. The magazine’s survey didn’t find any link between oil consumption and other engine problems, but it found that cars that burn oil early consume more as they age.
It’s normal for cars to burn a little oil as they age toward 100,000 miles, the magazine said in its August issue. But for a late-model car to burn a quart or more between changes is not acceptable, Rechtin said.