Oil change disaster advice needed

I wouldnt accept anything but a complete replacement engine. Id push for an extended warranty as well, in case oil has caused any issues with electrical under the truck. Also I would ask to inspect the engine when they have it torn apart. They are going to have to pull the valve covers to inspect the cams and also the oil pan to inspect down there... I would want to see it and bring a competent mechanic with you who can see if cams are scored, any metal bearing metal in the oil pan, etc. I would ask to even be there when they tear it down... The bottom of the oil pan might tell you a lot. If it was at the point of knocking and shaking, there cant not be damage to the cylinder walls, in my opinion....

 

if they are going to replace the engine they probably won’t spend the tech time to tear it down. They will just put it back in the crate and send it back as a core.

if they do an engine replacement (as they should..it’s the right thing to do..), why add tension to the process with a supervisory visit?

I don’t see any connectors down on the business end that would be a problem down the line.

 

I had a 2006 Ford Powerstroke that dumped all it's oil on the way home from the dealership brand new rig, it had 27 miles on it. Corporate flew an engineer out to look at it and it was determined an O ring had failed on the HPFP and essentially pumped all the oil out. It left me stranded about half way home and was towed back to the dealer with a no-start condition. Between all of that stuff happening and the truck getting fixed, the owner of the dealership contacted me and basically said they would unwind the deal, put me in a new rig, and make it right. I ended up in a slightly higher trim level with some different options. I had gotten myself prepared for a battle that didn't happen.

Be careful about threatening a to get a lawyer to early, Once you do that it ties the hands of some people that may be otherwise inclined to help you. You stated you had a good prior relationship and had purchased a few vehicles, that alone, with a cool head, will work in your favor. I was in a customer service/ sales role, but once you threatened legal action all I could do was shut up and turn it over to the staff attorneys. I always advised upset clients to let me go to bat for them first, some did, some didn't. Most businesses want to retain your relationship with them... lawyers mess things up.

With 7K on the clock, your expectations of a new truck are probably unrealistic, but a new crate motor probably isn't and a time based only extended warranty on the powertrain at the bare minimum. Alternatively get them to trade you out of it for the depreciation into a new rig.

Good luck and I hope it all works out to your satisfaction. Crappy situation.

 

Lots of truth here.

OP you have to be realistic. It's just a truck. You want to be made whole. Just say that and hold up on the lawyer until you know you need one.

 

Best post. OP doesn't deserve to deal with this. Hell even if he had a 300K engine, the engine was ruined because of the service provided and they need to make it right. Period.

I echo the free branny new engine, platinum warranty, and free rental until the vehicle is back to you.

 

This all day long. Don't even talk to them further without one. Nuff said ... MooseMan out.

 

Regardless if there is any engine damage caused or not, what would Toyota do if I were to do my own oil change, screw up the same way this dealership did?

I would suspect that Toyota would say that I voided the warranty at this point. With that, I would suspect that Toyota Corporate won't be backing the dealership on this one either.

Hopefully the dealership makes things right with a proper repair on the engine, and bless you with a significant warranty. If they don't then they may lose your family's loyalty in the future, as well as risk you not recommending their business to anyone in the future.

I'd still sell it to THAT dealership after all is fixed, especially if anything pops up on Carfax that might reduce the value in any way. Then order a new one.

 

"Be careful about threatening a to get a lawyer to early, Once you do that it ties the hands of some people that may be otherwise inclined to help you. You stated you had a good prior relationship and had purchased a few vehicles, that alone, with a cool head, will work in your favor. I was in a customer service/ sales role, but once you threatened legal action all I could do was shut up and turn it over to the staff attorneys. I always advised upset clients to let me go to bat for them first, some did, some didn't. Most businesses want to retain your relationship with them... lawyers mess things up."

^^^ Voice of reason here ^^^

 

That’s why I didn’t storm into the service manager’s office demanding stuff when I got back to the dealer. An attorney is my nuclear option that I hope is not needed. I’m in a good position IF one is needed because I have a good friend here in town who is an attorney.

 

Yes, what RustyBucket said rings true. Do your best without the threat of lawyer.

 

I totally agree. Its one thing to have an oil leak after an oil change...but when you get engine noise because of that leak you now have actual damage.

Since a new engine is in order, the question is..do I trust the dealership to remove and correctly install a new engine? Will my A/C leak, what about all the other hoses that need to be correctly installed? What other damage might occur with the engine pull and install, like paint damage around the fenders, hood, etc.

What would I want? Answer: a different truck....not one that needs open surgery. Work with the dealer. See what they will do. If they are not reasonable, then get a lawyer.

 

Look if the engine has any internal damage they will likely replace it, maybe with even a remanufactured one thats suppose to be good as new....thats how many warranties work. You won't be out any costs. I'd forget the lawyer for now.

 

You summed up my feelings exactly. I take extremely good care of my vehicles and not to brag, but when I rolled into the service department for the oil change I guarantee mine was the cleanest on the lot. I had just waxed it the week prior. Not a single dent or scratch on it, always garaged. The depreciation is also a concern because I’m sure an engine replacement would negatively affect the value on such a new truck.

 

Thank you for providing some humor in this not so pleasant situation.

 

Any updates today?

 

no he should be getting a factory new engine not a reman.. unless it’s done by Toyota themselves

 

Fight for a new engine at the least, new truck at most. Depending on how much damage it did you could be looking at an engine rebuild offer. But, IDC how good the mechanic is, it will never be the same. If they won't make good on it, complain to Toyota Corporate. If they still ignore you, lawyer up.

 

Nothing so far. Truck was serviced Friday morning and I was broken down in a parking lot before lunch. It was a 3 hour wait for a tow truck but fortunately the kind folks at a veterinary office allowed me to wait in their lobby. By the time I got back to the dealer it was around 3. Shortly thereafter I was in the loaner having to hurry to pick my son up from school. Did ride by this weekend and my truck was still sitting behind the service building.

 

If he doesn't he should sell it to carmax or others immediately. Even with a *perfect* engine rebuild, there's going to be issues caused by this down the line. It's just how it is.

 

Which is exactly why I don’t buy used vehicles.