What Cars Have Interference Engines?

What is an Interference Engine?

An interference engine is an engine in which the valves and pistons can collide if the timing belt or chain breaks. This can cause catastrophic damage to the engine, as the valves can be bent or broken, and the pistons can be damaged.

Which Cars Have Interference Engines?

Not all cars have interference engines. Some of the most common cars that have interference engines include:

Acura Integra
Acura RSX
Audi A4
Audi A6
Audi S4
Audi S6
BMW 3 Series
BMW 5 Series
BMW 7 Series
Chevrolet Cobalt
Chevrolet HHR
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Sonic
Chrysler Sebring
Dodge Avenger
Dodge Caliber
Dodge Neon
Ford Focus
Ford Fusion
Ford Mustang
Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Honda Fit
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Tiburon
Jeep Wrangler
Kia Forte
Kia Optima
Kia Rio
Mazda3
Mazda6
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Mini Cooper
Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi Outlander
Nissan Altima
Nissan Maxima
Nissan Sentra
Pontiac G5
Pontiac G6
Pontiac Solstice
Saturn Ion
Saturn Sky
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Prius
Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Passat
Volvo S40
Volvo S60
Volvo S80

How to Tell if Your Car Has an Interference Engine

There are a few ways to tell if your car has an interference engine. One way is to check the owner’s manual. If the manual says that the engine is an “interference engine,” then it is. Another way to tell is to look at the engine itself. If the engine has a timing belt, then it is likely an interference engine. Timing chains are less likely to fail than timing belts, but they can still fail, so it is important to check the owner’s manual or consult with a mechanic to be sure.

What to Do if Your Timing Belt or Chain Breaks

If your timing belt or chain breaks, it is important to stop driving immediately. If you continue to drive, you could cause catastrophic damage to the engine. Have the car towed to a mechanic and have them replace the timing belt or chain.

Conclusion

Interference engines can be dangerous if the timing belt or chain breaks. If you have a car with an interference engine, it is important to be aware of the risks and to have the timing belt or chain replaced regularly.