Oil change disaster advice needed

Long time lurker here, first time poster. I wish my first post was a positive one but stuff happens. Took my one year old 2021 TRD Sport 4wd in for its first oil change this week just shy of 7,000 miles to the dealer. It’s a dealer me and my family have purchased multiple vehicles from throughout the years with no issues until now.

I left the service department and traveled approximately 4 miles and heard an engine knock, almost like a brief octane issue. About a mile later approaching a 4 way stop, the engine started knocking horribly with the simultaneous appearance of warning lights on the dash (check engine, oil). I stopped as soon as possible in a parking lot and got out to inspect the issue. Underneath, oil was completely coating the underside including the rear axle and fuel tank. Any opinions on degree of possible engine damage?

I called the dealer immediately who dispatched a tow truck to bring me and my truck back. They immediately put me in a loaner truck and said they would be back in contact. I would love to hear some advice from you guys about how to proceed from this point. My initial thought is that since my truck is still basically a new truck that it should be replaced with a new one. My plan was to give this truck to my son in 3-4 years and get a new Tacoma.

 

Find a good attorney.

 

my guess is they will fill it with oil and this time tighten the filter canister cover and drive it a good bit and if no sign of a knock they will say your truck is ready to pick up. let us know what happens.

 

Ouch. WTF.... that sucks. But as you say shit happens. All you can do now is wait to see what the dealer says. Their move. Keep us updated. I know I wouldn't be happy at all either.

 

Sub’d for outcome. Sounds likely that your engine would be replaced, but who knows until the dealer takes a look.

Would you be satisfied if the engine was replaced and you were in an equivalent loaner during the repair? I don’t know if a dealer buy back is common in a situation like this.

 

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Keep all correspondence, everything. Hopefully they will replace the engine...no oil, all the engine bearings will be bad and engine is basically trash.

 

If it was an older truck I’d have no problem with an engine replacement. Since this is an almost new truck that I intended to pass down to my son I’d be very concerned about issues cropping up down the road.

 

If they had run the engine and checked for leaks like they are supposed to, this would not have happened. Full negligence on part of the dealer.

Do not accept the truck back without a boroscope of the cylinders, compression test, and oil analysis reports. These engines have a coating applied to the pistons so will run a long time starved of oil. I would guess you were past the point of no return if the engine was knocking.

 

A potential solution would be an extended warranty.

 

So usually what happens is they replace the engine it and offer extended warranty.

Ideally you want them to buy it back and set you up with a new model.

Worst case scenario is they fix it with a new oil change and send you on your way.

 

I would not accept ANYTHING less than a new engine replacement and an extended warranty. Whether the damage to your current engine shows up now or in 50,000 or 100,000mi, it will show up. Good luck OP.

 

I would want the engine replaced (new) and under body washed. Give me a loaner until the truck is ready. Keep us posted as to what they offer you. Not sure you need an attorney at this point.

 

Welcome to the forum sorry this has to be your first post.

Not to immediately throw the dealer under the bus, everyone makes mistakes, see how they handle it.

Prediction:
They will correct the leak and fill the oil, it will probably seem to run fine. They will clean the mess and try to send you on your way with some free future services for your trouble.

Is it fine, maybe - we don't know.

If it seems to run fine there is a very low percent chance they will give you a new engine or do anything further to this one.

Politely push for a complimentary platinum warranty -- if it makes it the next 100k it probably is indeed fine.

Please keep us updated.

 

Lifetime warranty on drivetrain or give me a new truck

 

A 7,000 mile truck that should ultimately get 300,000 miles, hmmmm. Taking any kind of warranty that expires at 100,000 doesn’t seem correct to me. Damage has occurred to that engine and may seem fine for quite some time, possibly even past 100,000 miles. At 150,000, 200,000 or more that damage which will prevent the truck from making it to 300,000 like all others will and it will be your responsibility.

i purchased my truck for a lot of money based on it likely achieving many maintenance free miles. A truck that has an oil failure like yours likely won’t experience similar longevity.

 

Mquibble, that’s my exact concern and why I feel like a replacement truck is in order here. Also need to add that I’m that guy who parks at the far end of the parking lot to try and avoid door dings. My truck was the cleanest one on the lot when I drove it into the service department. Not a blemish on it.

 

They will not replace an engine if they do not find damage. They are going to redo the oil change, drive it 20 or 30 miles, and if nothing is detected, you're lucky if they offer you complementary service. Also, even a little oil makes a big mess. You did the right thing by stopping right away. All of the oil didn't necessarily drain out and you didn't necessarily cause any engine damage. As much as it sucks, I think you're getting your truck back with an apology.

 

Trade it when you get it back after they fix it. You’ll get more now for a trade than any other time in history. Probably what you paid.

 

Lifetime warranty, buy the truck from you or agree on a cash payment for possible future repairs.

 

I don't say this to be cruel or rude, but there is zero chance you will get a new truck.