So I had my oil changed at the dealership last Monday, and today, while driving down the road, I lost my oil drain plug! I didn’t realize anything was wrong until I parked at the store. Unfortunately, it happened on Saturday at 6 PM, so the dealerships were closed.
I had to get my buddy to take me to Advance Auto Parts to buy a replacement plug and oil. Now, I’m wondering if I should call up the dealership on Monday and explain what happened, or just leave it be? I’ve attached pictures of the missing drain plug and the oil spill in the parking lot.
I’d be really upset. I’d ask how the plug was installed and if there were any threading issues. If everything looked normal, it probably means they didn’t torque the plug properly. I doubt your old plug just fell off. They likely didn’t put on a new washer either.
I’d ask for my money back and some compensation, but that’s just me. This is why I do my own maintenance; I worry about issues like this.
James said:
I’d be really upset. I’d ask how the plug was installed and if there were any threading issues. If everything looked normal, it probably means they didn’t torque the plug properly. I doubt your old plug just fell off. They likely didn’t put on a new washer either.
I’d ask for my money back and some compensation, but that’s just me. This is why I do my own maintenance; I worry about issues like this.
Yeah, I’m really upset too, but I don’t want them to find a reason to void my warranty later.
James said:
I’d be really upset. I’d ask how the plug was installed and if there were any threading issues. If everything looked normal, it probably means they didn’t torque the plug properly. I doubt your old plug just fell off. They likely didn’t put on a new washer either.
I’d ask for my money back and some compensation, but that’s just me. This is why I do my own maintenance; I worry about issues like this.
Yeah, I’m really upset too, but I don’t want them to find a reason to void my warranty later.
Federal law lets you do your own maintenance without voiding your warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act. I do it and keep detailed records, using OEM parts when I can.
James said:
I’d be really upset. I’d ask how the plug was installed and if there were any threading issues. If everything looked normal, it probably means they didn’t torque the plug properly. I doubt your old plug just fell off. They likely didn’t put on a new washer either.
I’d ask for my money back and some compensation, but that’s just me. This is why I do my own maintenance; I worry about issues like this.
Yeah, I’m really upset too, but I don’t want them to find a reason to void my warranty later.
Since you had the service done at an official dealership, maybe you could find someone who had a similar experience and see how they handled it. It might involve corporate too. Not sure how that works, but hopefully someone else can help.
James said:
I’d be really upset. I’d ask how the plug was installed and if there were any threading issues. If everything looked normal, it probably means they didn’t torque the plug properly. I doubt your old plug just fell off. They likely didn’t put on a new washer either.
I’d ask for my money back and some compensation, but that’s just me. This is why I do my own maintenance; I worry about issues like this.
Yeah, I’m really upset too, but I don’t want them to find a reason to void my warranty later.
You should have had it towed back there and made them deal with it. I would have rented a car and told them they are responsible.
Stuff happens. The new guy probably didn’t tighten it enough. I’m sorry this happened to you, but they will likely compensate you if you go back. Go back as soon as you can!
I feel your pain. Even getting an oil change at a dealership can lead to issues like this. I recommend talking to the dealership manager and filing a complaint with corporate about how they failed to secure the drain plug after servicing.
@madisonwilson
Did any warning lights come on or did you notice anything wrong with the engine? If it didn’t run out of oil completely, you might be okay, but this is really scary. Are you still under warranty?
This is why I’ve been changing my own oil since the warranty expired. It can be hard to prove they messed up after so much time has passed.
klausmark2 said: @madisonwilson
Did any warning lights come on or did you notice anything wrong with the engine? If it didn’t run out of oil completely, you might be okay, but this is really scary. Are you still under warranty?
This is why I’ve been changing my own oil since the warranty expired. It can be hard to prove they messed up after so much time has passed.
I’m still under warranty; it has 20k miles. No warning lights or anything unusual. I think the pump kept it running until I stopped because I only noticed the puddle after leaving Sam’s Club. I followed the oil splashes on the road for about a quarter mile before I gave up.
klausmark2 said: @madisonwilson
Did any warning lights come on or did you notice anything wrong with the engine? If it didn’t run out of oil completely, you might be okay, but this is really scary. Are you still under warranty?
This is why I’ve been changing my own oil since the warranty expired. It can be hard to prove they messed up after so much time has passed.
I’m still under warranty; it has 20k miles. No warning lights or anything unusual. I think the pump kept it running until I stopped because I only noticed the puddle after leaving Sam’s Club. I followed the oil splashes on the road for about a quarter mile before I gave up.
You got lucky then. If everything is fine with the car by Monday, I’d still call the dealership and let them know. Keep your receipt for the oil and plug in case they reimburse you. Hopefully, they take this as a learning experience.
@madisonwilson
I had to replace my engine because of a similar situation with Hyundai. A few days later, my car started leaking oil. I called them, and they had my car towed to the dealership because the tech “forgot” to remove the old washer from the plug.
@madisonwilson
Just leave it alone; they might give you more trouble or ignore you altogether. Consider taking your car to an independent shop for the oil change.
@madisonwilson
If the dealership did your oil change and this happened because they didn’t torque down the plug, yes, let them know.
It’s not a big deal, but they are technically responsible, and you had to buy oil and a plug to fix it.
At the very least, get them to reimburse or credit you. Whether it’s cash back, credit for their dealership, or a free oil change next time, just give them a call and discuss it. Show them the pictures.
@madisonwilson
If this happens to anyone else and it was a Hyundai dealer who changed the oil, call Hyundai roadside so they can document what happened. This way, you have it on record in case it affects the engine.
