MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Dollar General stores are facing lawsuits throughout the country after customers said the motor oil they purchased damaged their cars.

However, it was not because it was bad oil.

An attorney with the lawsuit said the oil is being marketed incorrectly, and the retail giant is preying on consumers.

The oil they are talking about isn’t supposed to be used in engines made after 1988, and there is another quart that shouldn’t be used if your engine was made after 1930.

“1988–that was a long time ago,” said shopper Saundra Greer.

In fact, that was 27-years ago.

“This is a case of exploitation of the customer,” said Gerald Clark.

Clark represents plaintiffs in New York and New Jersey who claim their engines were seriously damaged from the motor oil.

Their cases are part of 16 others across the country.

Clark said the oil is lacking the additives today’s vehicles need to function properly, but it’s being marketed like regular oil.

“The bottle has a checkered racing flag on the cover. It says lubricates and protects your engine,” explained Clark.

You could see the difference when you look carefully at the fine print on the back of the bottle.

“They’re placing them on the shelves right next to Castrol and Pennzoil,” said Clark.

On Friday, WREG picked up a bottle of 10W 30 and SAE 30.

They were a good deal at $2.75, but the SAE is for engines built before 1930.

“I don’t think you know Jay Leno is shopping at Dollar General for his model T Ford,” said Clark.

For Saundra Greer, this was a lesson to always read the fine print.

“Now I know that’s what I’ll do from now on. After this, I will definitely read the label.”

WREG reached out to Dollar General multiple times but did not hear back.

Clark said there are other stores that sell oils with little additives.

However, the packaging and other factors vary from brand to brand.

Dollar General sent WREG the following statement:

For more than 75 years, Dollar General has been committed to providing our customers quality products at everyday low prices. We are confident that our DG-branded motor oil products meet not only our standards for quality and value, but also all applicable federal and state labeling requirements where they are sold. In addition, the labeling on these products contains obvious and unambiguous language regarding the products’ intended and appropriate use.

Dollar General intends to vigorously defend against the claims raised in the recently-filed lawsuits regarding these products, including the filing of motions seeking their dismissal.