I took my Toyota Landcruiser in for simple oil change. The dealer stripped the threads on the drain plug upon re-tightening. They then installed a size larger plug to correct the problem. This did not work and the drain plug now leaks 6 - 7 oz of oil per day. It blows onto the tailpipe and I look like a crop duster from the smoke trail.
After 10 - 15 (documented) calls to get the matter resolved, they made an offer of $1,711 to replace the oil pan. After a series of e-mails and calls to the Service Manager, their best price was reduced to $1,200. What an insult to pay $1,200 to correct their error. The S M went on at length how it could not happen in his shop, but that the damage had to have occurred from previous oil changes in other Toyota shops. I had several unreturned calls to the dealership G M.
I can't say for certain this was a deceptive practice of stripping drain plugs out on purpose, in order to generate huge repair bills. However, it would be a tidy piece of service business to "cause" for Sport City.
I found a Lexus shop (Lexus Landcruiser has same engine) to make the repair for $475. I believe that speaks for itself as to the overcharge attempt by Toyota.
I looked at using my attorney to sue, but the retainer costs would be $475.
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