Engine light goes on over $1 motor oil

It’s easy to ignore the fine print when the big letters tell you “it’s only a dollar.”

People who bought motor oil at Dollar General Corp. stores in at least 16 states learned that the hard way when they purchased oil with “not suitable for use in most gasoline powered engines built after 1988” and “not suitable for use in gas engines built after 1930,” according to a federal class action suit made public Saturday.

The class action lawsuit now involving 16 states alleged that Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based discount chain sold “useless” motor oil to its customers, according to the Fox 19 television station in Cincinnati; Ohio is among the 16 states where drivers were duped into buying the inexpensive oil.

The lawsuit claims the oil was sold right next to major brands and that the company knew the oil was useless and sold it anyway. In court documents, Dollar General says it understood the oil could not be used in most cars but claims it sold it for customers wishing to use it in lawn equipment, boats and other equipment compatible with the oil, according to the news report.

Dollar General representatives told reporters they are disappointed in the judge’s certification of the case and they continue to believe that the motor oil products at issue meet both the company’s standards for quality and value, but also all applicable federal and state labeling, marketing and placement requirements where they are sold, the news outlet reported.