Valvoline Ruined my car?!
Posted by No-Thing-5929@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 80 comments
🛑 NEED ADVICE: Valvoline Ruined My Transmission 🛑
​Hey everyone, I’m reaching out to see if anyone has dealt with a situation like this or has any legal/mechanic insight. I’m currently in a nightmare scenario with the Valvoline in Hendersonville, TN.
​The Situation:
On St. Patrick’s Day, I took my 2016 Subaru Legacy (230k miles, running perfectly) in for a routine oil change. Instead of an oil change, the technicians accidentally:
-​Drained my transmission fluid completely.
-​Double-filled my engine oil.
-​Sent me on my way.
​I immediately noticed something was wrong, circled back, and they realized their mistake. They "refilled" the transmission, did the actual oil change, and told me I was good to go.
​The Damage:
Fast forward 2.5 weeks... my car had to be towed to the Subaru dealership. The diagnosis? I need a total transmission replacement ($10,500). The fluid is already burnt and filled with metal shards because of the mistake Valvoline made.
​The Problem:
Valvoline is admitting fault, but they are only offering me $6,500 to "total out" the car because of its high mileage. My car was paid off and reliable; I wasn’t looking for a new car or a monthly payment, and $6,500 doesn’t go very far in today’s market for a reliable family vehicle.
​The Manager says that’s the "max" they can do.
​Has anyone successfully fought a corporate shop for the full repair cost? Should I be calling a lawyer or going higher up the corporate ladder? I’m devastated that a simple oil change might cost me my car.
​Any advice or shares would be greatly appreciated! 🙏👇
Substantial_Depth927@reddit
Lawyer. Don't ever argue with them. They adnitted being at fault. They can eat the entire cost.Â
CommandoLamb@reddit
Unfortunately, probably not how it works.
They’ll use their insurance, their insurance is going to total out the car. They are required to make you whole, the car is worth $6500 and the repairs are more than that, they only need to give you $6500.
It’s a crappy situation, but it’s how it works.
ebranscom243@reddit
But they don't have to pay for a brand new transmission they need to pay for a used transmission in good working order.
Organic_Foundation51@reddit
LOL, the shop should source a transmission that had 230K miles of history to restore the car to its "original" state. Let's see if OP wants that.
Substantial_Depth927@reddit
True. Friend of mine just paid 7.5k for a reman on a ford fusion..labor costs are insane.Â
Amish_country_Rich@reddit
Your right, he needs to get a lawyer ASAP!
Legitimate-Duty-5622@reddit
If you have it in writing that they admitted their fault then they’re liable for repairs regardless. You need to have a lawyer contact them. Now the lawyer’s gonna charge you a crap load of money. So explain your situation in the consultation you have with a lawyer and have them just write a letter. In the letter, explain that they will cover the entire cost of the transmission replacement by a third-party. Maybe not the dealership, but one of your choosing.
motorboather@reddit
That all you’re going to get. If your car is worth $6,500, they’re not going to pay for a $10,500 transmission. Insurance wouldn’t, nobody would.
Them0082@reddit
Get a lawyer. They have no obligation to replace your transmission. They do have an obligation to bring your vehicle back to its original working order which means they should give you the value of a used transmission plus labor for installation.
Strange_Army_7407@reddit
Don’t forget that their negligence cost you lost of use of your vehicle. Maybe time off work and emotional distress. Lawsuit get more than the value of the vehicle. They caused you other harm from their negligence. That should get you more money. It will cost them to defend the lawsuit so they will be willing to settle for 10k because retaining a lawyer to defend it when they know they are liable will cost them more than paying you $10k
RicoViking9000@reddit
is $6500 what you can get a same trim 2016 legacy with 215k mi for in your area? if so, that’s the cars replacement value and what you’d get from insurance anyway in case someone hit you with replacement assistance
Familymanjoe@reddit
They don't need to replace the whole car, only the transmission was impacted. $6.5k seems like enough to cover the cost of a transmission and labor.
RicoViking9000@reddit
oh, you determine what appropriate repair costs should be now?
Familymanjoe@reddit
You can get a replacement transmission for a few hundred bucks. It takes a few hours to get the old one out and the new one fitted. Add in shop supplies. I'd have it done in a weekend with $5k leftover to put in the bank.
BB_Chuggums@reddit
Last time I tried to replace a Subaru transmission, this was absolutely not the case. Used junkyard transmissions were over $5,000 in my area.
Familymanjoe@reddit
I found 5 examples of transmissions ranging from $420 to $2300. The KBB value for the whole car is between $3k and $5k.
BB_Chuggums@reddit
Are they transmissions for this car? Subaru CVTs typically do not go for $400 in working condition.
Familymanjoe@reddit
10 year old ones do.
IOI-65536@reddit
Agree. For OP I'll note if $6500 is bluebook and a comparable car in your area is going for $10k then you have a counter, but I'd counter giving evidence of the fact comps are higher before I went the lawyer route. They seem to me to have made a reasonable offer and you're going to get your money much faster if you can come to an agreement than going through a legal judgement.
You don't get to replace the transmission on your car if replacing the car is cheaper, though. You legally get the lower of the value of the car or the cost of fixing it. I've been through this I think 4 times now with other party at-fault accidents and in every case I've managed to negotiate to a reasonable comp, but also ended up paying more for the replacement.
TellemTom@reddit
Why are lube techs so fucking stupid?
Voeno@reddit
Because “lube techs” at a quick lube shop like Take 5 are legitimately random fucking people hired off the street and requires zero experience and “no training “ so they hire a brand new 18 year old who needs a job and has never touched a car in his life and the you end up with shit like this.
TellemTom@reddit
Or at the very least an oil drain pain that needs to be rethreaded after they ugu dugu the drain plug with an impact gun.
ben6119@reddit
Think about how stupid the average person is, then remember that half of them are stupider than that-George Carlin
Diligent_Bath_9283@reddit
Also, remember that the brightest among us are extremely unlikely to become a lube tech. That cuts the overall intelligence rating drastically.
jruss666@reddit
Minimum wage
ezveedub@reddit
Naw...some are just stupid....I deal with well paid techs that pull off bone headed mistakes all the time.
Organic_Foundation51@reddit
a 10 year old 230k mile car. $6500 sounds about right for the actual cash value payout.
Voeno@reddit
Just goes to show you that you should take your car to a real certified mechanic and not cheap out on the cheapest oil change labor cost you can find
natenese@reddit
Take the $6500.00 and have a reputable independent shop install a low mile used transmission. Car does not need a brand new OEM trans. Valvoline owes for a like kind and quality replacement.
You should be able to find the correct unit on www.car-part.com
This sucks, and good luck.
deysg@reddit
You jumped the gun and fixed it on your own. You should have had them provide a rental and tasked them with fixing the car. Its normal to total a car if the repair exceeds the value. You can argue replacement cost over book value, requiring them to get replacement quotes on a comparable vehicle.
Cold_Entertainer1183@reddit
A dealership isn't referred to as a stealership for nothing! They'll always be way higher than an independent shop. Call a local salvage yard and try to find a used transmission with 150k miles.
TellemTom@reddit
Realistically the value of the car is what you should expect.
It sucks but that's the same thing that happens if you get into an accident.
I'd lawyer up though, seems like I'd be a spicey case and you could probably get way more than that.
NCSUGrad2012@reddit
Legally what are they entitled to? The value of the car? So now they’ll get the value of the car minus lawyer fees.
ApoTHICCary@reddit
A good lawyer will include all the additional damages so the plaintiff will at least get what they need. Legal fees, time off work, rental costs, etc. It really depends on how Valvoline responds and drags this out. As they admitted to the damages, a strong letter will likely move them to pay the repair bill otherwise it will cost them a lot more.
boomhower1820@reddit
They have to make him whole which is basically a junk yard tranny to get the car working again. I’d take the money.
TellemTom@reddit
In some cases, the losing side is required to pay the winning sides legal fees on top of damages.
T_Smith56265@reddit
A lawyer won't take the case without a retainer up front. If you're like most people, you probably don't have a few thousand to give them to start. Replacement cost for the vehicle is the most you can reasonably expect. If I were in your situation, I'd take the $6,500 and use it towards a replacement vehicle. The risk in finding a different shop to replace the transmission is that you'll still have a 235k mile vehicle that's only another expensive failed component (engine, AC system, other drivetrain components) from being little more than scrap.
Zer0_Options@reddit
How much is the car worth? Sounds like a great deal, I’d take that $6500.
elderlygentleman@reddit
They owe you a new car
HOMES734@reddit
Hiring a lawyer would be an incredibly stupid waste of money and it’s going to take months to get resolved. Take the money.
cakebythejake@reddit
Ooooo!!!!! I just filled my car with contaminated fuel and brought all my evidence to insurance and they are going after the gas station. I’m likely to receive my deductible back as the evidence is very heavily in my favor. Try bringing this to insurance- THEY will fight valvoline. Get as many details from your mechanic and receipts and everything and bring it to insurance.
They just saved me $5000 on fuel system repairs. Very grateful
HOMES734@reddit
Is this the gas station in Michigan?
Fun-Machine7907@reddit
Insurance won't pay out more than the value of the car, which sounds like what the shop is already offering.
cakebythejake@reddit
True true :-/ I’d definitely contact a lawyer to cover the repair cost and cost of a rental car in the interim.
prairie-man@reddit
Lawyer UP ! Don't talk to Valvoline, let your attorney do the talking
ChrisOfTheReddit@reddit
The exact same thing happened to me in 2010 with my Saab. Valvoline drained all the transmission fluid and filled it with oil, trans died 2 weeks later. I got $500 which is what they deemed the car was worth. If I wasn’t 17 at the time I think the lawyer route would have been my move.
SumyungNam@reddit
Demand a used transmission replacement they won't give a new one and learn to do your own oil changes...what kind of lawyer you think would take your case lol
Fernweh5717@reddit
They owe for the value of the vehicle, and some loss of use so if you're vehicle is valued at $6,500 that's what they owe. In addition, they would owe for maybe 2 weeks of loss of use which for a Subaru would be around $40/ day. Your case has such a little value that hiring a lawyer won't be worth it, unless you have one on retainer already but since you drive a Subaru w/ 230k miles on it, I doubt you do.
Moynia@reddit
Bro you could take the $, get a new trans from a good independent Subaru shop and probably have a fat stack of cash left over and a still working vehicle...
Pulling a transmission from any Subaru isnt really rocket science, plenty of good used transmissions out there for them from breakers.
Nstraclassic@reddit
$6500 for a subaru with 230k miles in upstate ny? Your car wasnt worth anywhere near tha.
iontheball@reddit
6500 is a great deal.. I hate to say it but you really just need to take it and get a new car..
PaodeQueijoNow@reddit
Yeah the fact they’re willing to give you the money outright is good. Not having to sue them is a plus
Joron-2986@reddit
Having worked for Valvoline that is the most the manager can offer. Have him escalate it to the corporate claims team they can usually approve more than the store or area managers can approve, especially if it a franchise location. On another note 10 years and 230k miles is more than most Subarus ever get, you might have to take the offer and bite the bullet.
WoodenNet8388@reddit
Bro they admitted fault??? If you have that in writing, find a lawyer YESTERDAY. $6500 max my ass - they’re about to 10x that number for all the hassle it’s put you through
IntradayGuy@reddit
Shoulda took the money Tooms
Decent_Obligation681@reddit
Their offer is more than fair.
Pleasant-Weekend-163@reddit
Lawyer up. And consider making the situation public. Once the local news places hear about these things and publish a story, you'll be surprised how quickly businesses become agreeable.
Possible-Gur5220@reddit
The tech drain the wrong pan and didn’t bother to check the oil level after filling 🤦‍♂️…I know we all fuck up sometimes but gatdamn I would have some choice words for that tech if I was the shop manager. Unfortunately OP they’re going to take the path of least resistance/cheapest which in this case would be totaling out your car. You might be able to fight it with a lawyer but not sure the lawyer fees will be worth it.
The_Pedestrian_walks@reddit
I don't know about the people that say to get a lawyer. They are offering to pay for the current value of the car. The 10k is just one quote for a transmission, and they should be basing that quote of a heavily used transmission. For the hassle, I'd probably just take the money and move on. Many people get screwed with this sort of accident, but I'd say you broke even so it's not the end of the world.
krautastic@reddit
6500 sounds like you could get a used transmission installed and pocket 2 grand at an independent shop.
stozier@reddit
Alright here's a different take:
Wait for them to reach out, which may or may not happen, and if they do, negotiate for more $ to remove the review.
Rashaen@reddit
That's what that manager can offer you. They'll pay to fix what they destroyed. Tell them they'll be talking to your lawyer after this. If they don't immediately cave, then make some phone calls to local lawyers. You'll find one that'll take a dunk pro bono.
GeneralissimoFranco@reddit
Once you threaten a lawyer on a company the offer the manager made is rescinded and there will be no further offers of assistance until your lawyer, valvoline’s lawyer, and the judge or arbiter finishes the case. That could take months or even years.
NEVER threaten legal personally, let the lawyer you hired and agrees that you have a case worth the time and money threaten legal action.
shundi@reddit
Correct. My grandmother learned that the hard way at one of the big box appliance stores several years ago. She didn’t threaten to sue, she said she would complain to the AG and “may need to speak to an attorney if we can’t resolve this”. The manager grinned so hard bc this immediately became corporate’s problem. The manager immediately said “oh you’re talking legal action? Yeah we can’t speak to you anymore your lawyer needs to talk to corporate - here’s the number”. Hate to say “Franco is right” but- totally agree
Rashaen@reddit
Actually, yeah. Listen to this person. They sound more knowledgeable than me.
Jamestkim@reddit
Subaru CVT takes very specific Subaru only CVT fluid. Valvoline shops never carries those fluid. They must have put regular ATF which ruined the transmission. Those CVT transmissions are not rebuildable. CVT transmission is $7000 parts alone https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru_2016_Legacy/Automatic-Transmission-Transmission-AYTR690KJACA/60015369/31000AJ530.html also, it will take about 11 hours of labor to replace it. You can get used transmission with warranty for $1200 then pay 11 hours of labor. Your best bet is taking that settlement check of $6500 (most likely they will not take your car unlike insurance total loss claim. I’ve had similar experience with one of national chain store few years ago and they cut me a check for the car but never took the car away from me.) and fix the car with used transmission and warranty (on the transmission) then save whatever left (probably about $3K)
Heavy_Performer1007@reddit
Have you tried contacting a different Subaru dealership without telling them what your dealer quoted, to see if the price is less? 10k for a transmission sounds like too muchÂ
SnooLemons8611@reddit
So I had a 1995 Mitsubishi Diamante, a great car. I actually really miss that car. I wish Mitsubishi had not quit making full-size cars. I had two that were both great rides. Anyhow, I lived in Sheridan, Wyoming at the time. The car needed a new timing chain. I called around, and Valley Motor Honda in Sheridan, Wyoming said, "Yes, we can do it." No hesitation. They said it was actually easy, so I took the car to them. $1400.00 later, I got my car. I drove it for three days, and guess what? My timing chain fell off, warping my valves. The car was basically in brand new shape. No dents, no rust, no scratches. The interior was in perfect condition, and the leather was immaculate, but the engine was blown. Do you know why the Mitsubishi has a part called a Harmonic Damper? When you change the timing chain, you're supposed to put a new damper on. The old one will get out of round, and the chain will slip off. Honda didn't put a new one on. I had no car. I fought with Honda for months. I had a lawyer, and then one day my lawyer looks at me and goes, "Son, we honestly don't have a case. You can't prove they didn't put a new damper on. You can't prove this chain slipping off is because of the mechanic not doing what he was supposed to do." I was like, "It happened 3 days after I got the car back." The lawyer goes, "You don't have money to fight Honda's big-time lawyers." I basically fired him, tried a few other lawyers, and got told the same thing. I lost a car that day and $1400.00. Take the $7600 and run. Look for a used tranny. You're going to spend more time and money than it's worth. Basically, this is getting covered by the company's insurance. I don't see any way you get more money in this situation. It sucks, but that's life.
TheWhogg@reddit
You get the lesser of repair cost using reasonable age second hand transmission, and value of the car. The upside for you is you can beg for the wreck back, find and install a second hand box or part out the car. You don’t get new for old exceeding the value of it.
The fact that they are giving you $6500 for a 230k mi Subaru is a W.
Hansdawgg@reddit
Getting a new transmission would be crazy for a 230k mile car in most cases. I bet you could get a good used swap for 4-5 from a reliable local mechanic. Sucks that happened and hope it works out but I doubt you ll get more than 7-8k even if you lawyer up
boomhower1820@reddit
Take the offer. All they owe you is to make you whole, which is swapping in the equivalent of a 230k transmission. Take the money.
loopsbruder@reddit
They don't owe you a new tranny. They owe you a 230k mile tranny. You have posted this in four different subs hoping for a different answer, but the shop is being incredibly generous and you should accept their offer before they think better of it.
tigers692@reddit
Those damn CVT transmissions are expensive, and really are complicated with lots of special tools to repair, it’s almost always cheaper to buy a new one. So sorry this happened.
Locksandshit@reddit
Yeah I doubt you’re getting more than the cars value.
If insurance gets involved that’s as high as it’s going.
Find similar cars in area to compare, see if the price is accurate.
AlmiranteCrujido@reddit
Get a quote from an independent transmission shop. Given dealer markups $6500 might cover it, especially with a remanufactured transition (assuming one is available for your vehicle) - or at least come somewhat closer to the offer.
scatteredwreck@reddit
I know someone whose Truck was leaking engine oil when they brought it home after an oil change at a local Firestone shop.
He called them back and told him to bring the truck back to them. He said he doesn't wanna drive because it could cause more damage. He went back and forth with firestone, then had it towed back to them, they admitted they overfilled the oil when putting new engine oil. He went back and forth with them more on emails and call and after about a month Truck sitting at their shop, they decided to fix the oil leaks themselves and cover all the costs.
Since Firestone is a full mechanic shop, so they were able to open engine and put new seals/gaskets in house. He did not have to pay anything at all and did not have to use any 3rd party service.
It seems Valvoline is just an oil change shop which potentially doesn't provide other mechanic services so they will have to outsource the repairs.
You can insist on them to fix the car just like the other guy did instead of taking any payment. His truck was about 15 years old, but he asked to bring it back to the same condition as when he brought it for oil change.
If they are not willing to fix the car for you and cover full cost of it, you will have to consider a lawyer.
Fun_Supermarket1235@reddit
Your situation sucks, It’s why I try to do my own maint as much as possible.
One more thing though, isn’t there any more affordable tranny shops than the dealer? The dealer is obviously giving you the go-f-urself price. They don’t want to work on old cars. I figure if you love the car you could get a new “jasper” tranny or similar put in for 6500
nelly2929@reddit
How much is a used tranny at an independent shop with a warranty going to run you? That is prob a more fair deal then a new tranny from the dealer in a 10 year warranty of car.
Honest-Database-5534@reddit
Get a price from an independent mechanic, $10,500 sounds high. Subarus are plentiful, maybe a rebuilt one, considering the age of the vehicle might save you some $.
ohmygolgibody@reddit
Lawyer up