Today, interference engines are ruling the American automotive market. However, there was a time when buyers were all swooned by the noninterference engines. If you haven’t heard of them, don’t feel bad, as not many people are aware of them. These particular engines created a wave in the 70s and 80s.
They were bulky yet possessed very little chance of damage, as both valve and piston were placed separately. Ensuring no major damage and being easy on the pocket in terms of repair, buyers started preferring non-interference engines.
But despite such attractive qualities, these engines went into oblivion when automakers started making lighter and more affordable interference engines (in terms of production and selling).
Sure, these new engines were prone to serious damage, but the affordable buying price, easy replacement, lightweight construction, and high efficiency made them not only the automaker’s but also the buyer’s first choice.
Thus, with a decrease in demand, there were only limited numbers of non-interference produced by a handful of automakers that never made it to the 21st century.
So, if you are exclusively looking for modern cars with non-interference engines, you will have an extremely hard time finding one. It is even tougher to find the older models with these engines.
However, for all the intrigued souls who want to know about the engine that vanished from the automotive industry like thin air, we bring you this list of cars with non-interference engines along with the respective automaker and some other crucial information.
Are you ready? Let’s get started.
Difference Between Interference and Interference Engine
The primary difference between interference and non-interference engines is how the valves and pistons work inside the engine. In an interference engine, the parts overlap in the same space, which can result in major damage if the timing belt fails.
In contrast, a non-interference engine separates the valves and pistons, avoiding collision even when the timing belt breaks. Knowing this distinction allows drivers to make more informed decisions regarding maintenance and possible repair costs.
Thus, you can see that while both the engines may look the same from the outside, their working and handling show that they are poles apart.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Aspects | Non Interference Engines | Interference Engines |
| Definition | Engine where pistons and valves do not crash into each other even in the event of a timing belt failure. | Engine where the pistons and valves may knock upon failure of the timing belt. |
| Risk of Damage | Less chances of severe damage – in the event of a timing belt failure, the engine may shut off but would not be seriously harmed. | Increased Risk – a bad timing belt can lead to severe damage to valves, pistons, etc. |
| Cost of Repair | Usually more affordable – minimal damage results in lower repair prices. | Costlier – several engine parts need to be replaced when the problem is repaired. |
| Engine Durability | Usually tougher and less likely to have a catastrophic failure. | More likely to incur critical damage in case of any error in timing. |
| Maintenance | Fewer maintenance and repair hassles – no danger of a valve-piston crash. | Needs more attention for the timing belt and other components. . |
Top 19 Automakers And Their List of Cars With Non-Interference Engines
A non-interference engine was a rather notable feature for those who sought a car that would not let the timing belt failure cause a severe engine wreck. The more modern auto-making companies have eradicated them due to the newer interference engines having better efficiency and higher standards of performance.
Non-interference engines only appeared in the limited models available from a handful of auto companies. As discussed above, there are no modern cars with non-interference engines. However, we were able to compile a list of 19 automakers and their respective non-interference engines that they had produced when these engines were still in production. We have also listed model names featuring these rare engines, which can help you find them in the pre-owned car market if you desire one.
1. Volvo
Volvo Cars is a Swedish manufacturer known for its powerful luxury vehicles. It manufactures cars like SUVs, Sedans, and station wagons. The company is known for its Swedish tradition and design.
Most of the single overhead camshaft (SOHC) designs in most B21 and B19 engines that power Volvo 240 series vehicles were non-interference engines. Some Volvo models that utilize this design were the 240 DL, 244DL, 245DL, and 244GL, which offer additional safety to the vehicle’s owner.
Volvo Non-Interference Engine List
- 240DL 2.3 Non-Interference
- FK Non-Interference engine
- 240 SOHC Non-interference
- 740 SOHC Non-interference
- 940 SOHC Non-interference
2. Acura
Acura is a luxury brand known for its high-tech performance, launched on March 27, 1986. The company is a subordinate of the Honda brand. Acura sells cars in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, and Kuwait. Acura was the first luxury division established by a Japanese automaker.
Acura Non-Interference Engine List
- SLX Non-Interference
3. Renault
Renault S.A., frequently referred to as Groupe Renault (pronounced REN-oh in the UK and rə-NAWLT or rə-NOH in the US), is a French multinational automaker established back in 1899. The company has become popularly known in English as Renault Group, producing numerous cars and vans at present. Through the decades, the company also produced trucks, tractors, tanks, buses, aircraft, aero engines, and autorail vehicles.
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The Renault Clio 2 Phase 2 employs a 1.4 L KxJ petrol engine that was non-interfering. This was an 8-valve 1.4L KxJ engine. It was the evolution of Renault’s Energy ExJ engine that does not allow huge malfunctions if the timing belt fails.
Renault Non-Interference Engine List
- 1.4L – 8 Valve Non-Interference
4. Kia Motors
Kia Corporation ( Korean: 기아, pronounced [ki.a ] ), formerly known as Kyungsung Precision Industry and Kia Motors Corporation, is a South Korean multinational automobile manufacturer, headquarters in Seoul. It is the country’s second-largest carmaker after its parent company, Hyundai Motor Company.
Kia Non-Interference Engine List
- 1.6L SOHC Non-Interference
- 2.0L SOHC Non-Interference
5. Suzuki
Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational mobility manufacturer headquartered in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka. In 2016, Suzuki was the eleventh biggest automaker by production worldwide. It produces automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), outboard marine engines, wheelchairs, and a variety of other small internal combustion engines.
The company had produced only one noninterference engine so far and used it in a few of its models like the Suzuki Sidekick of 1989–1992 and the Suzuki Escudo of 1988–1990.
Suzuki Non-Interference Engine List
- 1.6L 8 Valve Engine Non-Interference
6. Mercury
Mercury was founded by the reputed American manufacturer Ford Motor Company in 1938. It was a well-known, mid-priced automobile brand, part of the Lincoln-Mercury Division of the company. Later on, Ford shut down its mercury division in 2010.
The first generation model, Mercury Villager VX54, featured a 3.0L Nissan VG30E V6 non-interference engine. The same platform was adopted for the Nissan Quest but featured a 112.2-inch wheelbase, front MacPherson struts, and optional ABS, making it safer.
Mercury Non-Interference Engine List
- Villager 3.0 Non-Interference
- Villager 3.3 Non-Interference
7. Honda
Honda Motor is a famous Japanese car manufacturer, founded in October 1946 by Soichiro Honda. Honda’s headquarters is in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It has also been very popular in motorcycle manufacturing since 1959.
Honda Non-Interference Engine List
- 3.0L Non-Interference
- 3.2L Non-Interference
8. Geo
Let’s talk about GEO, the car world’s hidden gem. GEO was a product of General Motors, which emerged in the late ’80s. It was kind of like that cool kid no one paid much attention to. If you want something different, then GEO is for you. GEO merged with Chevrolet in ’97, but the unique cars remain in history.
GEO Non-Interference Engine List
- 1.6L DOHC (1989-92 Prizm GSI) Non-Interference
- 1.6L SOHC (Prizm) Non-Interference
- 1.6L SOHC (Storm) Non-Interference
- 1.6L SOHC 8 Valve Engine (Tracker) Non-Interference
9. General Motors & Saturn
The Saturn Corporation, also referred to as Saturn LLC, was an American carmaker established on January 7, 1985, by General Motors. It served as GM’s response to Japanese autos that were taking over the US compact car market. Saturn is remarkable for its “no-haggle” selling strategy.
The Saturn S-Series was introduced from 1991 to 2002; the car was fitted with a straight-4 aluminium piston motor. It included a non-interference engine, as the pistons didn’t obstruct the open valves.
GM Non-Interference Engine List
- 1.4L Non-Interference
- 1.6L (Chevette& 1000) Non-Interference
- 1.6L (LeMans) Non-Interference
- 1.6L DOHC (Nova) Non-Interference
- 1.6L SOHC (Nova) Non-Interference
- 1.8L Gasoline Non-Interference
- 2.0L Non-Interference
- 2.3L Non-Interference
- 3.4L Non-Interference
- 3.5L Non-Interference
10. Mazda
Mazda is a well-known Japanese brand known for its exceptional innovative and high-end production of vehicles and engines. That’s the other reason that they had a larger number of non-interference engines.
There were Mazda Capella, Mazda MX-6, and Mazda Protege models, all using 2.0L DOHC Non-interference engines. The second generation of the Mazda MX-6, built from 1991 to 1997, and the Mazda Protege of 2001 to 2002, used 2.0L engines and provided safe, non-interfering engine designs.
Mazda Non-Interference Engines List:
- 1.5L Non-Interference
- 1.6L Non-Interference
- 1.8L 4 Cyl. Non-Interference
- 1.8L V6 Non-Interference
- 2.0L DOHC (626, MX-6 &Protege) Non- Interference
- 2.0L DOHC (Tribute) Non-Interference
- 2.0L SOHC Non-Interference
- 2.3L 4 Cyl. (B2300) Non-Interference
- 2.3L V6 Non-Interference
- 2.5L 4 Cyl. (B2500) Non-Interference
- 2.5L V6 Non-Interference
11. Subaru
Subaru is one of the best-known brands for producing safe and reliable cars, and its non-collision engines are one of the greatest examples. Such engines have excellent performance and fuel efficiency. A Subaru is sure to take you smoothly wherever you need to go.
The Subaru EJ engine was first introduced in 1989 and was used in the Legacy, Impreza, and WRX models. This engine was available in single-overhead camshaft (SOHC) configurations and it was a non-interference engine. It has been a staple in Subaru’s lineup for many years.
Subaru Non-Interference Engine List
- SOHC Non-Interference
12. Volkswagen
Volkswagen is a well-known automobile manufacturer in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany. It is most popularly known for the Beetle and is the flagship brand of the Volkswagen Group.
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This group emerged as the world’s largest automaker by volume of sales in 2016 and 2017. China, along with Hong Kong and Macau, is the largest market, accounting for 40% of sales and profits. The name Volkswagen comes from the German words “Volk” and “Wagen,” which mean “people’s car.”
VW Non-Interference Engine List
- TDI 1.8L – 8 valve Non-Interference
- 2.0L – 8 valve Non-Interference
13. Ford
It seems that if a person is specifically looking for US-made car brands with non-interference engines, their best bet could be Ford, officially named Ford Motor Company.
Ford remains the oldest car-making brand in America. It manufactures everything from really cheap cars to the latest high-end variants. Ford popularly manufactures different types of pickup trucks as well.
The Ford Escort, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, commonly featured a 1.9L non-interference engine. In the 1.9L version, the CVH design was used; this design was non-interfering. The engine proved reliable and avoided major damage in the event of the timing belt failure.
Ford Non-Interference Engine List
- 1.3L Non-Interference
- 1.6L DOHC Non-Interference
- 2.0L DOHC (Contour, Escape, Focus, Mystique, ZX2 & 1999-2002 Cougar) Non-Interference
- 2.0L SOHC Gasoline (Escort, Focus & Tracer) Non-Interference
- 2.0L SOHC Gasoline (Capri, Pinto & Ranger) Non-Interference
- 2.3L SOHC Gasoline Non-Interference
- 2.5L SOHC 4 Cyl. Non-Interference
- 2.5L V6 Non-Interference
- 3.0L & 3.2L SHO Non-Interference
14. Jeep
Jeep is an American car brand owned by the multinational firm Stellantis. The firm joined the Chrysler stable in 1987 when Chrysler acquired it along with the rest of its assets from the American Motors Corporation (AMC).
Jeep primarily produces SUVs today in the form of crossovers, off-road vehicles, and one pickup truck. Previously, the firm made other pickups, small vans, and a couple of roadsters.
Some Jeep models come with a 2.0L non-interference engine. They include the Jeep Escort, Focus, and Tracer. Such cars come with a 2.0L SOHC gasoline engine, which was designed in such a way that if the timing belt breaks, there would be no damage caused to the valves. A non-interference engine is also known as a non-clearance engine.
Jeep Non-Interference Engine List
- 2.0L Non-Interference
15. Toyota
Toyota is the biggest automaker in the world, known for its durability and affordability, producing about 10 million vehicles per year. It is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan.
The Toyota 4A-F was a non-interference, 16-valve, DOHC engine that was produced from 1987 through 1990.
Toyota Non-Interference Engine List
- 1.5L (3E-E & 5E-FE) Non-Interference
- 1.6L DOHC (4A-F & 4A-FE) Non-Interference
- 1.6L DOHC (4A-GE & 4A-GZE) Non-Interference
- 1.6L SOHC Non-Interference
- 1.8L 7AFE, 4AFE, 4AF – Non-Interference
- 2.0L Non-Interference
- 2.2L Gasoline Non-Interference
- 2.5L Non-Interference
- 2.8L Non-Interference
- 3.0L Inline 6 (Except 1998 2JZ-GE) Non-Interference
- 3.0L Inline 6 VVT-i (1998 2JZ-GE) Interference
- 3.0L V6 Non-Interference
- 3.4L Non-Interference
- 3.5L V-6 Non-Interference
16. Isuzu
Isuzu Motors Ltd., which is commonly referred to as Isuzu, is a Japanese-based automobile company established in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. It mainly deals with the production, marketing, and selling of Isuzu commercial vehicles and diesel engines. The company has subsidiaries and other partnership companies. These include UD Trucks.
Isuzu Non-Interference Engine List
- 1.6L SOHC Non-Interference
- 3.5L Non-Interference
17. Lexus
Lexus is a luxury brand division of the most famous Japanese automaker, Toyota. This brand is known for producing luxurious yet reliable vehicles. It is marketed in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide.
Lexus Non-Interference Engine List
- 2.5L Non-Interference
- 3.0L V6 Non-Interference
- 3.3L V6 Non-Interference
- 3.0L Inline 6 (1992-97) Non-Interference
18. Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, commonly referred to as Mitsubishi, is a Japanese automobile maker headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. In 2011, Mitsubishi was the country’s sixth largest carmaker in Japan and worldwide, the 19th. Mitsubishi has also been owned by Nissan by one-third since October 2016.
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The Mitsubishi Delica, especially older generations with the “3.0L V6” engine option, generally has a 3.0L SOHC 12-valve non-interference engine.
Mitsubishi Non-Interference Engine List
- 3.0L SOHC 12 Valve Engine Non-Interference
19. Chrysler
Chrysler is one of the ‘Big Three’ car companies in the US, operates as the American arm of Stellantis, a global automotive enterprise. Stellantis houses Chrysler in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
The Chrysler Spirit R/T and Dodge Spirit R/T models of the 1990s came with the 2.2T3 engine, which is an SOHC engine. This is a non-interference design. It is a good choice for those who want low maintenance and dependable performance.
Chrysler Non-Interference Engine List
- 1.7L Non-Interference
- 2.2L SOHC Non-Interference
- 2.4L DOHC Non-Interference
- 2.5L 4 Cyl. Non-Interference
- 3.0L SOHC 12 Valve Engine Non-Interference
Why Non-Interference Engines Are Not Produced Anymore?
Non-interference engines are no longer manufactured primarily because they cannot meet the performance, efficiency, and emissions standards of modern times. Although these engines were safer in the event of a timing belt failure, they had to be designed with compromises that limited higher compression ratios and overall engine power.
Automakers also found it difficult to optimize fuel economy and reduce emissions with non-interference designs, which became critical with stricter regulations. Further, improvements in the materials and technologies of timing belts have made interference engines more reliable, less likely to be damaged and provide better performance.
As buyers shifted their focus from being safe from severe engine damage to efficiency, lower prices, and easy repairs, making non-interference ones did not make any sense, leading to the end of this particular engine type.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for modern cars with non-interference engines, you will be disappointed as almost every amazing new car you see comes with interference engine. These engines provide better efficiency, smoother driving, and economic production.
Noninterference engines came a new wave in the American automotive industry and piqued interest of many buyers. However, they failed to stay due to their bulkiness, high cost of production, and introduction of interference engines.
There were only a handful of models that were powered by nonintereference engines. This was so long ago that today it is next to impossible to find one even in the pre-owned car market. However, if you are still interested in owning one, we recommend you explore every used car dealership in America, otherwise, stick with the still up and running interference ones.
