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Oil change and no oil question

Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Asked by Katrina Harrison on July 1, 2021

We took our Kia Optima Hybrid (2014) to a shop for an oil change. We’ve had the car nearly three years, no engine issues at all. Normally, my husband and his dad handle the oil changes, but we were going on a long trip, so we decides to take it in to make sure there were no other issues either. The shop came back that there were two leaks. Odd, because we have had no oil spills where we park the car, but okay. Give permission to fix. We get the car back almost a week later and it seems to be working. No signs of spills. About 40 days later, my husband is driving home from work and the engine starts making a horrible noise. He pulls over and listens to the engine trying to figure out where its coming from. I suggested maybe to check the oil. He says we just had the oil changed, the oil should be fine. He checks it anyway after the engine cools. It’s literally bone dry.
How is this possible? This tells me the mechanic that did the oil change did someone wrong, or didn’t put enough oil back in it? The engine needs to be replaced now and its not something we can afford.

One Answer

You're probably right. Have the car inspected by another mechanic, verifying in writing that there are no oil leaks. Sue the oil change shop in your county's small claims court, telling the judge just what you've told us in your post. Sounds to me like you'll be awarded half the cost of an engine replacement. If, after inspecting the engine, oil is leaking from the "repaired" leaks, you'll probably be awarded the full cost of an engine replacement!

Most small claims courts deal with grievances under $10,000. You represent yourself, so there is no need for an attorney. Present as much evidence as possible, like receipts, pictures, written estimates for the cost of another engine, etc. Be sure to start by asking for a full-cost engine reimbursement. There are likely no court fees and no downsides for trying, so you really have nothing to lose. Good luck!

Answered by Carguy on July 1, 2021

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