Consumer Reports finds some newer cars burn too much oil

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Consumer Reports finds some newer cars burn too much oil

Updated 10:20 am, Tuesday, June 30, 2015

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.
....

The magazine focused on survey data from 498,000 owners of 2010 to 2014 models, finding that 98 percent did not have to add oil between changes. But even if the problem happens to only 2 percent of owners, that equals 1.5 million cars from the five model years, Rechtin said. ... Several engines from three manufacturers were the main offenders, according to the magazine. Those include Audi's 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder and 3.0-liter V6; BMW's 4.8 liter V8 and 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8; and Subaru's 3.6 liter six-cylinder and 2.0- and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines. The Subarus burned less oil than the others.

[Historic NY]

1. My 2015 Tahoe uses 0 20 SAE Dexos1 only....

I'm thinking the longer suggested oil change mileage may have more to do with consumption too. I'm still not sold on recycled or synthetics either.

[Chakaconcarne]

2. I have a 2011 bmw 335i

And oil changes are recommended every 15 k miles. This car efficiently uses oil. I'm never adding oil to it.

[TreasonousBastard]

3. A quart a month? Sounds more like a '62 Pontiac than...

a modern car.

My 2013 Cruz has almost 60K and goes over 10K between changes with no oil loss at all. I checked it at around 11K after the last oil change and it was full and the oil looked almost new.

[ProfessorGAC]

5. My Car Burns None As Well

I only go about 4 to 5k between changes, but i have them use the "house brand", so still pretty cheap. It's always full when i have it changed.

Car is a 2010, so getting on 5 years old.

[FSogol]

4. Did they mention the Jeep Wrangler? It is not quite in 67 Dodge Dart territory, but it drinks oil.

[RobinA]

6. After My '73

TR6 that burned a quart a week, nothing can phase me! Wimpy modern cars. Burn no oil, have heat, no rust! Haven't pushed a car out of an intersection since the '80's! Life just ain't what it used to be.

[Glassunion]

7. My '07 BMW needs about 1 QT between oil changes.

But I only need to change the oil about once a year (16K miles) as per the suggested schedule.

[hobbit709]

8. A quart a month, my 1992 Toyota pickup uses less than that in a year.

And it's got 145,000 miles on it.