5 Automakers That Faced the Biggest Lawsuits Over Defective Cars

February 17, 2025

Several major carmakers have faced lawsuits over the years due to vehicle defects. In some cases, these cases led to billions of dollars in loss and, sometimes, customer injuries. Each one of these lawsuits highlights the importance of vehicle safety and the rights of people like us to have those safety regulations followed. Here is a look at five automakers that have faced some serious legal troubles over the years due to defects.

1. Chevrolet

Chevrolet has been at the center of multiple lawsuits due to its defective transmissions and fuel injection pumps. Some of the brand’s most popular models like the Silverado and the Malibu were impacted. These vehicles were prone to transmission failures, which caused problems with shifting and even complete breakdowns. Eventually, a class-action lawsuit was filed and Chevy was forced to address the issues with the 8-speed transmission. A similar suit was filed against the automaker due to defective fuel injection pumps in diesel models. This issue caused vehicles to stall and even completely fail, leaving some people stranded. Ultimately, Chevrolet had to pay out and fix the issue that they tried to ignore for years.

2. Ford

One of the more surprising suits over the years was against Ford for its 10-speed transmission. It was used in some of the most popular models from the carmaker, including the F-150 and Mustang. Since its release, it has been plagued with issues. The transmission was defective and would jerk around. Some drivers even experience loss of acceleration and difficulty shifting, which can become dangerous. Multiple class-action lawsuits accused Ford of knowingly selling vehicles with transmission defects and failing to properly address consumer complaints. Some lawsuits revealed internal documents showing that Ford was aware of the issues before selling the vehicles. As a result, Ford has faced massive legal battles and financial losses over these defective transmissions.

3. Toyota

Toyota has faced multiple lawsuits over engines prone to excessive oil consumption and premature failure. Many affected models, including the Camry, Corolla, and RAV4, suffered from engine sludge buildup, leading to expensive repairs and breakdowns. Consumers filed lawsuits claiming Toyota failed to disclose these defects, leaving thousands of drivers with unreliable vehicles. Some cases resulted in Toyota offering extended warranties and reimbursement for repair costs.

Oh yeah – and you probably remember the huge issue Toyota had with its acceleration pedals. They’d suddenly drop to the floor and the brake wouldn’t respond to stop the vehicle. The carmaker lied about the defect for years but was eventually hit with a $1.2 billion fine for the problem. On top of that, Toyota had to issue a recall and compensate drivers for any economic losses due to the accelerator defect.

4. Volkswagen

Volkswagen’s Dieselgate scandal remains one of the biggest automotive lawsuits in history. The company was caught using illegal software to cheat emissions tests, making their diesel vehicles appear more eco-friendly than they were. The scandal affected millions of vehicles worldwide, leading to over $30 billion in fines, settlements, and vehicle buybacks. Customers felt deceived after purchasing vehicles marketed as “clean diesel” when, in reality, they produced excessive pollution. Volkswagen executives faced criminal charges, and the company was forced to recall and fix the affected vehicles.

5. Honda

Honda faced lawsuits over defective braking systems that led to unexpected braking or complete failure. Drivers reported their vehicles randomly activating emergency braking or failing to stop when needed, posing a serious safety risk. Models such as the Honda Accord and CR-V were heavily impacted, leading to legal action from frustrated consumers. Investigations revealed that Honda had received multiple complaints but failed to take immediate corrective action. The lawsuits led to recalls and forced Honda to enhance its safety features.

Lawsuits That Reshaped the Auto Industry

Automakers aren’t perfect. There will be recalls and sometimes they’ll miss the mark with certain vehicles. However, these lawsuits serve as a reminder that these manufacturers need to be held accountable for the safety of the vehicles they are producing. In some cases, their reputation has been so damaged by these issues that consumers won’t likely be able to trust them again. Nevertheless, carmakers need to continue to prioritize safety above all else.

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Drew Blankenship

Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.