Engine didn't live pass its first Oill change.?

Question

I have a brand 2007 new car. It has 3500 miles on it so I brought it for an oil change at the service center of the dealership I bought the car from. They serviced my car and I was ready to go.

I got on the highway and noticed the oil pressure light was on. I called the dealer/service and they said the light just needs to be reset. After a few minutes of messing around with it, they said it might be the oil pressure. They told me to bring the car back in. No precautions, just simply drive it in.

When I got there, they took my car and drained the oil. There was less the a quart in the engine. They forgot to add the oil during the oil change! I was suprised my car was able to get on the highway and some stop and go traffic with less then a quart of oil left, but then I turned furious that they forgot to add oil.
My questions are: Has anyone ever been through this and how did the everything turn out? Do you guys think the damage is done and the engine is garbage?

Thanks.

Answer 1

First, keep all your records. So if there is problems outside of your warranty, you'll have some proof.
Second make sure you tell the service manager (if you haven't already) as well as the General Manager and perhaps the owner.
Write a letter to the manufacturer documenting the problem you encountered.
There is no excuse for such a stupid mistake. And make sure to take it to their competition for now on. Tell them what happened and they should take good care of you. Because they'll want you to buy your next car from them. Good Luck!
BTW, many are saying go for a new engine. I would only want to do that as a last resort. A new engine (especially installed there) may give you just as many problems in the long run since it was not factory installed by PROFESSIONALS.

Answer 2

If there was some oil in there - at least you had SOME protection.....

But, since the dealership (it was the dealer and not a local shop, right?) messed up, you can probably get them to do a thorough inspection and rebuild (if necessary) by talking to the service manager and then going up the chain from there - to the dealer general manager to an owner to the manufacturer's regional offices....

Get it all out in WRITING.... so that if anything happens in the future, you have paperwork to go back to....

And also, given that it's a new car and low miles - probably had no damage to worry about....

if you were able to drive it back to the dealer - you should be fine.

Answer 3

It didn't do the engine any good. If it's running fine now with the oil in it. Who knows, it may not be that bad. I would contact the dealershi and see what they are going ot do about it. If nothing, then look in your owner's manual and find the 1-800 number for customer service and call it. The dealership may soon change their tune. That will give the dealer a black eye, and it may cost him money and awards from the manufacturer.

Answer 4

wow! i would contact the owner of the dealership and demand that they either replace the engine on the vehicle you just trusted them to service or you will call the attorney general in your local area. The dealer is responsible for maintenance, therefore, either a replacement engine should be put in or, insist on another vehicle. That is simply unacceptable, the engine runs a risk of not functioning properly from here on out- especially with only 3500 miles!!

Good luck, keep your ground and don't let them bully you-
you paid alot of money for your new vehicle!

qBERT

Answer 5

No, but a friend of mine did...in her case, the drain plug was loose after service. It lasted a couple days, until the light came on and the engine engine seized before she could turn it off...

Like I said in your other question, the dealership owes you an engine at least. Any damage is already done, so don't take a "gee we're sorry, but there isn't any damage..."

Answer 6

I would fight for another brand new car is there engine damage who knowes the dealership will never find anything wrong with it because they will have to fix it out of there pocket there may be damage there may not be damage or the damage may not show up for months to come who knows fight for a new car take nothing less then new good luck...

Answer 7

engine was most definitely damaged and should be replaced. you may need to contact a lawyer if you cannot have them resolve this in a way that is satisfactory to you.
this has happened to me (on an older car, went for an oil change and they didn't tighten the oil plug, wrecked the engine), they had to replace the engine. good luck.

Answer 8

MAKE THEM REPLACE THE ENGINE NOW! even if it runs now you have seriously shortened its life. In the end you will win since you have now driven those 3500 miles for free....:)

DO NOT agree to continue driving the car, all this does is give them a loophole to claim that you have abused the engine. do not give them any room to screw you simply demand at this time since the engine has been comprised do to their neglagence that they have to replace the engine with a new one.

Answer 9

Ok the car is new so they messed up make them give you a new car, not a replacement engine or overhaul. You bought a new car and it should be replaced by them. If they say no, Ask them if they would like to talk to your lawer, and the better business burrow.

Answer 10

Document the problem, and get them to agree, in writing, that they will replace the engine if it fails. If they refuse to do so, sue them in small claims court. Most have a jurisdiction up to $7500 or so, and that should cover a new engine.

Being that they are a dealership, you should have no problems getting them to take care of it. A call to the manufacturer's zone rep can help get them motivated, if necessary.