Leaking oil from oil filter housing. Catastrophic failure.

Wow this is a first. I had a catastrophic failure of the oil filter cover. Went out to go out. Backed out of my drive and headed up road. Got to top of hill and heard knocking from the engine of my new 2023 Tacoma with 15,000 miles. Looked in rear view to see a trail of a liquid behind me. Turned back around. Knocking stopped for a minute. Headed back towards my house and low oil pressure came on. Horrible knocking. Shut engine off and coasted down the hill to home. Looked in the garage and trail of oil on floor out of garage and down drive from where I backed up. Got the truck up on stands and removed front skid plate. Poured some oil in the engine. It appears to be leaking around the oil filter housing. Possible from under the end cap. I was actually headed to dealer tomorrow for 15,000 service and an oil change. Now it will be going on a flatbed to the dealer. Looks like maybe it’s been leaking slowly and then failed today. Be interesting to see what they say. I’m very worried about engine damage. This is a brand new truck and my only vehicle. This should not have happened. I’m just glad I was close to home.

 

I’m assuming the dealer does all your oil changes? Unfortunately, a common theme here is dealer screwery on oil changes and the owners having to deal with it as a result. One guy they forgot to tighten either the oil filter housing or the drain plug and he pissed out a bunch of oil and had knocking. The dealer “fixed” that by tightening whatever it was and they sent it on down the road full of oil, not owning up to their mistake at all and replacing the engine which is what they should have done. That guy fought them for a long time and eventually they gave him a “deal” on a trade in, still not fixing the problem and thus transferring the problem to some poor unsuspecting other person who now has a questionable engine.

If they did the oil change, I’d press them hard for a new engine. Knocking from lack of oil has already caused irreparable damage. Also if they did the oil change, this is a great reason to do the future oil changes yourself.

Good luck with it. Unfortunate and unusual event for sure.

 

If you're hearing knocking, the engine is toast.

 

toast malone , sounds like the lube tech was thinking about dinner instead of focusing on tightening a nut lol

 

Original plastic housing or upgraded to aluminum?

 

$10,000 says the "entry level technician" the dealer hired to do oil changes, wash cars and empty trash for $12/hr didn't install the O-ring in the correct groove on the housing.

If you do not insist on witnessing the housing removal to inspect this...they are going to lie to you about the causation.

Guaranfuckingteed.

 

Definitely watch the Tech remove the filter housing and make sure the O-ring is in the correct groove.

 

just the pessimist side of me; but it’s dammed if you do, dammed if don’t. If you rely on them to admit fault (improper install), are they going to fall on the sword?
If you take it apart- then it’s your fault, as you were the last one to touch it. Only way out here, is to request you’re there as witness before the truck is touched.

Also, I’m not saying to lie, but if you mention you drove (even for a second) knowing fluids were leaking, they’ll most likely deny.

GL

 

This is why you ALWAYS do oil changes yourself. And any other maintenance.

 

The whole reason I spent the money for the motivx kit and started changing my own oil! The stories i’ve heard on here and elsewhere about the dealerships “free” oil changes and leaks or filter housings installed so tight diamonds can form from the pressure. As has been said if knocking is heard then damage is done! Good luck on getting them to rectify this, demand for a new engine.

 

I think everyone has already said the negatives and I do agree make sure you are watching as the tech disassembles with camera in hand. I am sorry for your loss and good luck with getting back on the road.

 

Don’t take this the wrong way but why would u drive it back to your house knowing that u have knocking and a trail of oil . Should have pulled over right away and had it towed to the dealer . Do not tell the dealer u drove it back to your house they might blame u for the possible damage to the engine . Best of luck hope this gets resolved .

 

That sucks! Hopefully it will be ok!

 

This sort of thing happens way to often. Sorry for your troubles OP.

 

Cracked oil filter housing can happen even if you do your own oil changes.

Better off having it be the dealer's mistake. OP is going to get a free engine.

 

They don’t crack when they aren’t over tightened. Doing it at home is much more likely to result in not overtightening.

I’d much rather have an original engine that does not get disturbed than jump for you about getting a replacement engine at 15k miles. All he’ll get if anything is a short block and they’ll probably reuse the heads. Chances are contaminated oil has already flown to the heads and everything else. I’d rather this never have happened at all if it were me.

And there’s still a strong chance they fill replace the housing and send him on down the road since it will probably no longer make noise.

 

The motor will for sure still make noise. Highly doubt the will just send him on his way.

Of course, not happening would be the best option. Let the dealer fix it and ask for an extended powertrain warranty, which we have seen Toyota do in these cases.

 

There is a solid chance that when it gets oil again there will be no noise, despite there now being damage.

 

If the rod bearings are truly damaged it will make noise. Maybe not at idle but it will when you increase RPM.