Engine Defects Under the D.C. Lemon Law

Engine defects are among the strongest qualifying defects because they go straight to a vehicle’s use and safety — and a stalling engine is a safety defect, which in D.C. can qualify after a single failed repair.

Engine defects that typically qualify

• Stalling or shutting off while driving — a serious safety defect (one failed repair can meet the presumption).
• Loss of power or failure to accelerate.
• Excessive oil consumption beyond the manufacturer’s threshold.
• Overheating — common in D.C.’s stop-and-go traffic.
• Knocking, misfires, or repeated check-engine conditions tied to a drivability defect.

The safety angle matters

Because D.C.’s presumption is met after one unsuccessful repair of a safety-related defect, classify a stalling or power-loss problem clearly as a safety issue on the repair order. A single documented failed repair of an engine that stalls in traffic can be enough.

What you need to show

1. Substantial impairment of use, value, or safety (§ 50-501).
2. A reasonable number of attempts — one for a safety defect, four for a general defect, or 30 days out of service. See the presumption.
3. That you reported within 18,000 miles or two years of delivery.

Build the record

• Keep a repair order for every visit describing the symptom — and the safety impact.
• Note when the fault happens (traffic, cold start, highway).
• Save TSBs and recalls for your engine.

Bottom line

Stalling, power loss, and excessive oil consumption are classic qualifying engine defects in D.C. — and a stalling (safety) defect can qualify after one failed repair. Document each attempt and the safety impact. Get a free case review.

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