garyk10

My girlfriend took her car to the dealer for oil change and was told she needed a new oil pan because the heli coil on old pan was shot. At a cost of $370 they replaced pan and changed oil. After driving it approx. 35min the engine oil light came on and the motor started to make loud noise. Took it back to dealer and they stated that part of repair plug got sucked up into oil pump and blew bearing. Engine is shot and they stated that it was not their problem. Devastated!!! Van was running perfectly when we drove it in and now its a heap of metal. Shouldn't they have checked the pick up screen on the pump when they did job and also checked oil pressure before letting car go. Please help with any info. The vehicle is a Honda Odyssey with 120,000 miles on it and maintained regularly.

TripleTrouble

Wow, that's a tough break! I would ask to speak to a manager, keep your composure and explain your situation. I'd also stop payment on the $370, they at LEAST owe you that. I don't care what the techs say that is 100% related to what they did. If they did in fact change the oil pan there would be no reason for them not to inspect what was down there. With 120,000 miles I'm not sure what you will get out of them but paying them $370 is absolutely ridiculous. With 120k on the car they doubtfully will pay for a new or even reman. engine perhaps you could source a used one and negotiate installation costs.

Unfortunately it's your word against theirs, as for how long it was driven with the oil light on... There's also the fact that if the oil plug was failing perhaps there was not enough oil in the engine leading up to the service and the damage had already started. Although it's unlikely that you'd lose THAT much oil between your mentioned regular service intervals without noticing either puddles or smoke. There is also the possibility that they are trying to cover up a mistake, such as forgetting to refill the oil or double sealing the oil filter... I hate to say things like that but I have ZERO confidence in dealers (at least in my area) and don't trust a word that comes our of any of their mouths, sad but true. With that said, I wouldn't accuse them of any mistakes, they don't want to hear that and will not listen to you after that. Ask them if you can get a second opinion of the actual failure, for example; is there oil on the exterior of the engine, is there oil (at least slightly used) in the pan, is the filter double sealed, is the oil pan gasket on right, is the pick-up tube installed correctly.... These things will help you determine the order of events. Unfortunately you likely won't be able to prove for sure that the techs are responsible but it's a battle that needs to be fought.

Your best bet is to go up the chain and try to stay calm, if you lose your composure they will surely become in attentive and shut you out. I'd also ask for a loaner until the situation is sorted out. Don't go in with unreasonable expectations and be civil. Lets face it, the van wasn't going to last forever so don't go in expecting a new car but don't leave with a giant paperweight either.

Good luck.

garyk10

Thank you for reply. It helped. Spoke with Honda NA and have meeting with zone rep on Monday. Talked to a Honda tech and he feels that the mechanic never checked Oil pump screen. He says that is the first step to the job. Van was not leaking any oil before and no warning lights. Ran perfectly. I know what your saying about dealers. They would not give her a rental. Filed complaint with BBB and spoke with lawyer. Owe 5,000 on it and a new engine would cost about that amount. Will sue if have to. Thanks again. So unjust. They caused problem through faulty service.

gentek1145

iTrader: (1)

Sorry to hear that!

If you plan on selling the heap, let me know!

garyk10

Thanks for reply. Well just had meeting with zone rep and he is basically collecting a check. Would not get involved. The service manager stated that it is not in there job procedures to check the screen on the sump. The piece that he presented was the butterfly from the heli coil that he stated blocked the oil flow to the oil pump. Again he stated that they don't have to check screen. My girlfriend is devastated. She still owes for van. Contacted Honda NA and they are passing it on to regional manager. Don't expect much. Waitin for lawyer to call and filed complaint with Attorney General. I will not accept their answer. Why would'nt you check that screen. Anyone else that reads this post tell me why you don't check that screen. Thanks.

garyk10

Follow up on latest events. Have receipt showing that oil change prior to blown engine they were the ones that swapped out heli coil with a Accord 14mm washer and drain plug. Why didn't they know about broken piece in original oil pan. Why did they use a plug for her Van that was a plug for a Accord?

luckyboy

Hello garyk10,

Which dealership was it?

Thank you for your time,
Lboy.

garyk10

Don Davis Honda in Amherst NY. This is the latest. They refuse to accept all responsibility. BBB of WNY left case unresolved. We expected that. The dealership refused to respond to her insurance company inquiry. Atty General of NY referred case to DMV Auto Repair claims. Filing a claim with Insurance company investigators and waiting for response from DMV. Will go to Small Claims Court as last resort. Stealership is deceitful and irresponsible. She should never had work done by them. I feel that The Honda company should have stepped in and tried to resolve this even though it wasn't a warranty issue. Stearlership does not represent Honda very well and after 16 yrs of owning Hondas she will never own another one.