Wal-Mart Tire & Lube Express
Oil Drain Plug Not Tightened, Engine Seized After Oil Change

On 5/15/05 at about 6pm, I decided to have my oil changed. I continued to do some shopping while I was there. Once car was done, I drove home.

Approximately 70 miles away. Since the oil change was done on a Sunday night, I was far from home (Greater Houston Area). My daily commute to work is 100 miles round trip. On that Tuesday 5/17/05 at 6am (36 Hours later), I was on my way to work. I noticed that my oil light blinked twice then stayed on continuously. I immediately turned my radio down and payed more attention to engine noise. I noticed a tapping sound and turned the engine off. I was coasting at 60 mph to get off the freeway to inspect the vehicle more. Once I was at a safe place, I felt were the drain plug was supposed to be. All I felt was the tread, no drain plug.

I called a tow truck and had it towed to there garage. They inspected my vehicle and did agree that the last person who did my oil change was at fault. I immediately went to the Wal-Mart and they told me the manager was gone for the day. I politely asked for the district manager's name and number where he can be reached. I called him and left a message. About 30 minutes later the automotive manager called and asked for me to meet with him. I told him he could go see the car and I would meet with him later that afternoon since I lived so far.

I finally met with him, and I filed out an incident report and the claims adjuster would call me back. The claims adjuster called and told me he was aware of the claim but could do nothing until he saw the pictures of the missing bolt and oil pan. A weekend passed (since he does not work on Fridays) and called me on Monday 5/23/05 to say that there was no negligence on their part because the events are unknown for the time the vehicle left the Wal-Mart till tow truck picked me up (basically. The drain plug did not fall off sooner).

Can anyone please advised on who or what the next step would be?

Company: Wal-Mart Tire & Lube Express
Country: USA
State: Texas
City: Sugarland
Address: 345 Hwy 6
Phone: 2813400900

  <     >