Amalie XCEL Motor­ Oil is Essentially ‘Cancer’ For Cars, Class Action Says

A new class action lawsuit alleges that Amalie motor oil is outdated and has the potential to seriously damage vehicles, comparing the product to cancer for cars.

Plaintiff Brandon Opalka recently filed a class action lawsuit against Amalie AOC Ltd. claiming that the company’s XCEL motor oil products lack additives to protect vehicles and can potentially cause “catastrophic engine failure.”

Amalie motor oil is so dangerous that the American Petroleum Institute considers the product to be “obsolete,” according to the XCEL motor oil class action lawsuit.

In the early 1900s, motor oil contained no additives and consisted only of “base oil,” however, motor oil has since evolved and most products now contain additives to enhance performance and protect engines.

“The evolution of motor oil was not only better, but also necessary to meet the needs of evolving automotive engines. Engine parts moving at much higher speeds under higher temperatures put additional demands and strains on motor oils,” the Amalie motor oil class action states. “Further, the higher temperatures accelerated the oxidation and decomposition of the motor oil, requiring the use of various additives to compensate for these issues.”

Although both engines and motor oils have evolved, some companies continue to sell base oil with no additives. The American Petroleum Institute has declared these oils, including some Amalie motor oils, to be obsolete and encourages consumers to avoid using the products in their vehicle for risk of damaging the engine beyond repair, the Amalie XCEL oil class action lawsuit states.

Executives of the company allegedly recognize that Amalie motor oil can be dangerous. In a 2003 interview, Amalie Senior President of Sales and Marketing Dennis J. Madden reportedly stated: “There’s no question that it’s not good for today’s engines. I tell people, ‘It’s not going to give your car a heart attack. It’s more like cancer.’”

Despite company executives allegedly knowing that their Amalie motor oil can be dangerous to cars, the company continues to sell the product. In the 2003 interview, Madden justified the decision, stating that “as long as people are going to buy non-detergent oils, and other companies are going to sell them, we feel like we have to compete.”

Opalka further argues that the company intentionally portrays their motor oils as safe and encourages consumers to use them in their cars, despite the known risks.

The XCEL oil class action lawsuit plaintiff seeks to represent a Class of Florida consumers who have a vehicle manufactured after 1930 and have purchased XCEL Premium Motor Oil for use in their vehicles.

The Amalie motor oil class action lawsuit seeks actual damages, compensatory damages, equitable relief, restitution and disgorgement, court costs, and attorneys’ fees. Opalka also seeks an order enjoining Amalie from further marketing their motor oils as safe and selling them on the market.

Opalka is represented by Harley S. Tropin, Tal J. Lifshitz, and Robert Neary of Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton; Ryan Casey of The Casey Law Firm LLC; and Allan Kanner and Cynthia St. Amant of Kanner & Whiteley LLC.

The Amalie XCEL Motor Oil Class Action Lawsuit is Opalka v. Amalie AOC Ltd., Case No. 1:18-­cv­-23072, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

UPDATE: December 2019, the XCEL motor oil class action settlement is now open. Click here to file a claim.