Is Jiffy Lube liable for a botched oil change?

Question

My boyfriend brought his 2001 Volkswagen Jetta into Jiffy Lube for an oil change. Before the 3,000 miles was even up, the car started making noise and the oil light came on. He took it to the dealer and they have to relpace the oil pan and plug. The oil plug was not put back in properly and was stripped, causing the oil to leak out. If he had let it go just a little longer, the entire engine would have needed to be replaced. The bill is $527. Is Jiffy Lube liable for something like this? Or do you sign away rights when you get the oil change?

Answer 1

Correct answer time... They are technically liable for the damages but you are best off to be NON confrontational, explain the situation and present them with copies of your invoices of the costs of fixing the problem. They will likely settle with you rather than hassle with small claims court. The one problem you might have though (and they will mention it, trust me), is that your boyfriend, who obviously never checks his oil, let it go hundreds of miles before even noticing the problem, much less doing anything about it.

I'm thinking that they will offer to either split it with you, or offer some amount less than the whole thing, due to his driving for so long without even noticing the problem...they will say that none of this would have been necessary had he simply looked under the car for a leak... frankly, they'd be right...and they can also claim that for all they know he could have gone elsewhere in the meantime, gotten another oil change, and the other people could have stripped the plug. But, you might just get lucky and they could pay the whole thing to avoid any legal action, which they would lose...they would have to prove you did something to the plug to get out of paying, which they obviously can't do.

I had basically the exact same thing happen, only not with a Jiffy Lube (it happens quite often)...although frankly I noticed it 2 minutes after I got home from the oil change. I wen t back, they pulled the stripped plug, retapped the hole, and installed a new oversize plug, plus gave me a card for a free oil change. No complaints, questions, or problems.

Bottom line...A) ALWAYS check your oil, especially after a recent oil change, B) go to the jiffy lube, calmly explain things, to the manager, C)show receipt copies, both of the oil change and your repair costs, D)if they are uncooperative, look at a small claims action...consult a lawyer (one whose initial consults are free) and determine your recourse.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Jiffy Lube Oil

Answer 3

Jiffy Lube Oil Change

Answer 4

First: You did NOT sign away your "Rights" when you got the oil change / the service agreement states that they will do the job they are paid to do, and they will do it right (simple contract law / and understandings).

Second: I have dealt with "Jiffy" on stuff like this before - while you can call them (again and again) after about 3 months you may take them to court / I call them once, and file 3 days later because they simply run you around, so;

Thirdly, not to ditz on the "service manager" but I can guarantee you that the first way to get a lawsuit on your company is to put them off on a problem, moreso if they are an a** - there are lawyers out there that LOVE this and eat it up. (and since I have been on both sides of that street the "Service manager" catches the axe on most of those cases - I would be of the opinion that someone is not being very sensable)

Jiffy just got a big investigation report done on the Tube / and lost a couple of lawsuits over this type thing.

Also, the person who said that you have to prove you didn't do something to it is wrong (flat out wrong) - once you make your pleading in court, it is assumed to be true unless Jiffy can PROVE that YOU DID do something. (IE: A pleading by the plaintiff in any case is assumed to be true from the statements made supported by facts, the reverse may only be shown by the same method. As in the instant case, a house burnt and a report by the fire marshal showing the cause to be electrical when taken with the contract for electrical work done by the defendant gives rise to a reasonable conclusion that the work was done improperly leading to the resulting fire. The defendants claim in this case is that he did the work correctly, and there must of have been tampering or other causes beyond his control cannot be supported where there is no evidence to support the theory, moreso where the defendant is licensed as a professional in this state for just such work.)

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is Jiffy Lube liable for a botched oil change?
My boyfriend brought his 2001 Volkswagen Jetta into Jiffy Lube for an oil change. Before the 3,000 miles was even up, the car started making noise and the oil light came on. He took it to the dealer and they have to relpace the oil pan and plug. The oil plug was not put back in properly and was...

Answer 6

Most likely you would have a case but you need to read your receipt which usually has a disclaimer of some sort or legal notice.

Take it to a lawyer (a reputable one) and if the lawyer thinks you have a case then by all means pursue but make sure you cover your expenses in the suit.

Also you don't take a VW to a Jiffy Lube or any European import for that matter. Most cities have garages that specialize in servicing imports for instance in my city Nashville we have a place that does service for European cars only. It's more expensive yes but you don't see a general surgeon for a neural bypass do you?

I didn't think so.

You can take your complaints to http://www.jiffylubeproblems.com/ you can also join with people and send complaints to Jiffy Lube's parent company Shell aka Royal Dutch Group.

I'm a Royal Dutch stock holder and believe me if we get enough complaints we can b**ch a lot louder than you can. If i owned a company and one of it's affiliates was tarnishing the overall reputation of the company as a whole i'd be on that affiliate like worms on a dog turd.

Answer 7

They most definately are liable. Have the pan and plug for evidence as well as a statement from the dealership. Jiffy Lube should have insurance for this, Whatever you do only bring a copy of the statement to them and not the parts. The insurance adjuster will have to see them and may want photos of them. But don't let him have the parts unless he pays you.

The lube shop may choose to pay themselves rather than file a claim. What matters is thay you should be repayed for this cost plus the cost or a rental for the time the car was being fixed.

If they refuse to pay you file a small claims suit for the cost of the repairs and rental (only if you rented a car. ) Be ready to bring everything with you to court for the judge to see.

Answer 8

Don't get sue happy. They are a business, and they are out to do a service and make a profit. Not screw the public. Call the Jiffy Lube that did the damage, speak to the manger, explain the problem. Be nice, be corteous. He may pay you for the damage out of petty cash. If not, go up the chain of command. Someone made a mistake, that is all. And it wasn't intentional. Working on a greasy bolt in a confined place, on soft metal...it happens.
If it were me, I would have freaked out and had the cops called. But since it's not..be nice and be corteous, let him know that you feel it was an honest mistake, but that you are his customer and you know he will make it right. And I bet he will.

Answer 9

This is why small business have insurance. Get your documentation together and make copies. Present it to the manager of Jiffy Lube and ask for a reimbursement.Ask for the district managers name and number. If they do not satisfy your wish, then you can file a small claims suit. I am sure you have internet access to find all the info you need and who to contact at Jiffy Lube Headquarters.
good luck

Answer 10

Jiffy lube could be held liable.
However, you have to prove they did it.
You have to prove that you didn't "rig" the bolt after you got home.
Also, there is a certain responsibility of the vehicle owner, as well.
You didn't happen to notice quarts of oil leaking from your vehicle where you park it?
If you have to bring this before a judge, you can see that you just have no chance to win.