From 2020 to 2025, several major automakers were the focus of large-scale class-action lawsuits regarding recurring vehicle defects. The issues in question ranged from engine failures to design oversights that compromised safety.

General Motors faced one of the most extensive lawsuits, which involved over 877,000 trucks and SUVs. The issue at the center of the lawsuit related to defective V8 engines prone to sudden failure.

Nissan and Infiniti were hit similarly hard due to a critical VC-Turbo engine flaw, which caused widespread engine breakdowns in nearly half a million vehicles, and led to a significant class action lawsuit.

Hyundai and Kia drew unwanted legal attention when it was revealed that many of their models lacked basic theft protection. This design oversight triggered mass car thefts and culminated in a $200 million settlement.

Ford’s problematic PowerShift transmission led to costly action. While brands such as Mazda, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Chrysler were subject to significant lawsuits, issues included coolant leaks, brittle windshields, rodents snacking on soy-based wiring, and faulty valve bodies.

Tesla was notable as the subject of a wide variety of complaints, including phantom braking and disputes related to the odometer warranty.

Though the number of affected vehicles wasn’t always disclosed in each case, it’s clear that legal pressure on automakers is growing as consumers demand accountability for defects hampering reliability, safety, and long-term vehicle performance. And it’s often (perhaps unsurprisingly) true that brands susceptible to significant recalls are also subject to lawsuits.