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Jiffy Lube - Damage Allegations

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Jiffy Lube • Jousting with Jiffy Lube   • The Company's Pledge   • If All Else Fails --- Consumer Complaints • Alleged Damages • A Consumer Victory • Billing & Pricing • Inside Jiffy Lube

DIANA of TORRANCE, CA September 9, 2009

I took my 2003 Chevy Impala to get transmission oil change on Wednesday August 19, 2009 to Jiffy Lube # 2219 3209 W. 190th St., Torrance, Ca 90504. At the time I took my vehicle, there was nothing wrong with it. I took my vehicle because it is suggested to change the transmission oil and filter after it reaches the 70,000 mile mark. So I did.

On the fourth day my car started to jerk. When it changed gears it would jump on me like if the gears couldn't change on time and it wasn't running well. I called Jiffy Lube # 2219 on Monday August 24, 2009 and informed them about the problem. Christopher is the person I spoke with, he said that the reason for my car acting up was because it was getting used to the oil change. So I told him that my car didn't do that before I took it to them. So, he replied that same thing with the addition for me to drive my car for a few days more and if my car remained the same to bring it back to them.

I checked the transmission oil and noticed that it wasn't the color that is should be when the oil gets changed (which is red); it was brownish/black. I called a mechanic for advice and per the advice given to me, my car either didn't get the oil change or Jiffy Lube # 2219 simply didn't change the transmission filter.

I called Jiffy Lube # 2219 on Wednesday August 26, 2009 and had my uncle talk to Christopher from Jiffy Lube # 2219; he informed my uncle that there was an oil change but never a filter change. Per Christopher Jiffy Lube # 2219 doesn't do transmission filter and oil change, they only do a transmission oil change (but that is not what their website states and what I was told over the phone prior to taking it for that service). Per what I know about oil changes is that you always change the filter when making an oil change.

Chris told my uncle for us to take the vehicle back and we did. When my uncle and I arrived he couldn't service my vehicle because there were too many vehicles to service before he could get to mine. Instead he gave us the oil for us to make the oil change. The service engine light on my car turned on that morning on the 26th of August. I informed Chris about it he said that the light was going to go away.

For the amount that Jiffy Lube # 2219 charged me (119.99 + tax) I thought they were going to do service correctly. Per Christopher they used a suction machine to remove the oil. Per mechanics comments using a suction machine is not good for the transmission as it sucks up everything including little metal particles that the transmission releases and so the little metal particles get stuck on some areas of the transmission causing the transmission to start failing.

As a consequence my transmission needs to be repaired. I've taken my vehicle to get checked at three different mechanic locations to see what they suggest and what the problem was. There are two trouble codes that show up on the computer: 1. P0401 - EGR Flow Insufficient Detected. 2. P0742- Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On.

To get this fixed the mechanics are giving me an estimate of 1,350.00. Based on what I have told the mechanics as to the service that Jiffy Lube # 2219 did on my vehicle, they suggested for me to file a claim and have Jiffy Lube # 2219 pay for the damages.

Kate of Lynbrook, NY August 22, 2009

I took my car to Jiffy Lube for an oil change yesterday. The car stalled out and the oil light came on. I called Jiffy Lube, and T. Caetano, the manager came to look at the car. He said that the oil filter had fallen out of the car. He added oil and another filter, but the car would not start. He made arrangements for the car to be towed. He said that they would accept full responsibility and would pay for the repairs.

I informed him that the car was under warranty, and would have to be fixed at a Suzuki service station. He said that would be fine, that they would have it towed to a station they work with to diagnose the problem, then transport it to a Suzuki service station to fix it.

Today, the service station said that the engine needs to be replaced. The district manager of Jiffy Lube, L. Berggren refused to pay for Suzuki to fix it. He said that he would have the service station, Neighbors Auto fix it. Again, we told him that our warranty would be nullified if a non-suzuki station fixes it.

He said that he would give us 2000, but when my husband asked him how much it would cost to replace the engine, he said it would be about 6000. He expected us to pay the difference, or we could take him to court. We paid 71.67 for the oil change and air filter. We rented a car at 68.89 a day (including insurance). The car will cost up to 6000 to replace the engine- we are back and forth on the phone to get Jiffy Lube to take Responsibility.

Kelly of Chesterton, IN August 3, 2009

They did not perform the oil change correctly my car continued to leak oil 3 days after the oil was changed on the car i took it in at my earliest convienence monday afternoon 8/3/2009. They refused to replace the oil because they stated it was full and also they would not refund me my money. I had to take time out of my day waste gas and also not have anything resolved. I am very up set with the people that i dealt with.

thomas of phoenix, AZ July 30, 2009

i went in on saturday july 25th, 2009 for an oil change. about 30 minutes after getting the service done, i started smelling smoke and noticed oil dripping on the exhaust. I returned sunday moring to have the vehicle inspected and the manager said the oil was a result of leaking valve cover gaskets and not a result of the oil chage. i had the valvle cover gaskets replaced the following day and still had a leaky engine compartment.

I went back to jiffy lube on July 30 and they stated they could not isolate the leak, but were sure it was not a result of there work and told me my land rover always leaked.

I was supposed to drive to Florida on July 27th. today is july 30 and i have already spent over 700 dollars since visiting jiffy lube. My household goods and other vehicle have already been shipped to my new house in florida and i am now stranded in Phoenix with only my dogs waiting for a vehicle so i can drive to my new house.

Edward of Scranton, PA July 23, 2009

Got stuck in a four hour traffic jam on I95, decided to replace oil. Pulled into Jiffy lube, asked abot price to change oil, and flush radiator... was told 39, and 89 repectively. I decided the oil change would do, since 89 dollars for antifreeze seems ridiculously high, 39 for oil was high, but I'm in the south, and wasn't going to risk losing my car... they take my car in and call me over for a pow-wow, I'm told matter of factly that my radiator is empty, none of my lights work, wiper blades etc... they had run up hundreds of dollars in bogus maint.

I walked out to the bay, opened my radiator overflow cap, stuck two fingers in and pulled them out wet and slick, caught them flat out FRAUD!!! This is criminal! All lights worked upon MY inspection with the manager. I tell them Just change the oil and filter, since they already sucked the oil out. They put on a new filter, and filled the oil. Then one of them walks up to the front left corner of my car and starts turning a screwdriver- deliberately mis aligning my left headlight!!! That is criminal mischief at least, if not risking a catatstrophy at worst. The oil is still filthy. I have a ten hour to twelve hour drive home from here...

Kathy of Chesapeake, VA July 16, 2009

I entered Jiffy Lube for a basic oil & air filter change. Upon leaving the establishment and entering a gas station a few blocks away, I realized my door handle was broken and the broken part was thrown under the driver's seat of the car. I returned to Jiffy Lube and the manager on duty immediately assessed the damage and wrote an incident report. The report stated that the store would reimburse me for the part and they would replace it. Upon calling the dealer I was informed that the electrical system would be involved when replacing the part therefore I decided to have the dealer to do the work. I had the part replaced at the dealership, faxed the bill to corporate and was told that all that the store could offer was the balance in gift checks to any Jiffy Lube location.I declined the offer explaining my dissatisfaction with my experience and requested full reimbursement. The reponse was "sorry thats all we have to offer you."

Kenny of Grand Prairie, TX July 15, 2009

I need to let you know what happened at Jiffy Lube #3288 on Saturday 6/20/09 at 1:15 PM. I have been getting my 2 new cars oil changed at this location since Day one of these cars. 2008 Toyota Corolla and a 2008 Kia Optima. I could not help questioning the speed at which the oil changes were getting done. I actually loved it until today. I marked on the side of the oil filter with my son’s initials on the Optima before getting the oil changed. I just wanted to make sure the job was actually getting done. I received the oil change in the same speedy manner. I returned home and lifted my hood. To my surprise and disappointment the initials were still there! I could not believe my eyes.

I went back to the store and told them what happened. They took me underneath to show me today’s date was put on the bottom of the filter not realizing my sons initials were on the side. Which made me even more disappointed that they would not only avoid changing the oil filter, but would try to hide this by putting today’s date on the bottom of the filter. The assistant manager ( Willie ) apologized and gave me my next oil change free of charge. Can I really except this offer? Will they really do the job I am paying for everytime? Do I really have to mark my oil filter every time I return?

Carol of south burlington, VT June 27, 2009

On 6/19/09 @ 3:59 PM with 188,334 miles on my 1998 Toyota 4-runner, I asked Jiffy Lube #1261, Shelburne Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403 to do a high mileage oil change & tire rotation. The invoice (Attachment A) reflects that the tires were not rotated but that the oil & filter were changed and various other checks were made to my vehicle. 40.83

While driving south on Route 116 on 6/20/09 at approximately 1:15 pm with 188,372 miles on my SUV, the engine oil light came on, my car shut down & I coasted to the side of the road. Checking my oil, I found that it was bone dry & a film of oil coated the entire backside of my car. AAA provided the tow to Heritage Toyota in South Burlington, VT. 114.00

I spoke with Jiffy Lube (Andy, manager) & provided notice that I would be making a claim. There can be no question that the life span of the engine was compromised by running the vehicle without oil. Andy advised that he would arrange for a car rental on Monday, June 22, 2009, so that I would not have to incur out of pocket expense.

On 6/22/09 while speaking with Andy about the car rental he advised that he went to Heritage & viewed my vehicle and that the oil pan plug was gone. Plugs in oil pans that are tightened properly, do not just fall out. It would appear that it was not tight when I left Jiffy Lube and fell out after driving no more than 38 miles. I was provided with an Enterprise Car Rental. & drove to Jiffy Lube to collect a refund of 40.83 for the failed signature service. Andy stated that corporate would send me a check covering all costs at one time. I missed 4 hours of work. 131.16

Late this afternoon (6/22/09)I received a call from Heritage Toyota. They filled my vehicle with oil and replaced the missing oil pan plug. In addition, they let it run to determine if knocking was present indicating an immediately larger problem with the engine.

Without a borescope inspection or completely examining the engine by taking it apart there is no way to determine the extent of damage that resulted by driving the car without oil. Because the vehicle was empty of oil, a full engine oil analysis to establish if any white metal was present in the oil could not be conducted and any indication of damage to vital bearings could not be determined. Accepting my car back without some type of vehicle service agreement from you would certainly be foolish.

Heritage suggested that for a period of three oil changes (every 3,000 miles) or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, should there be indicators (engine knock, vehicle using oil, oil leaks, metal shavings, or engine failure due to lubricated engine part and component failures) Jiffy Lube will pay for the repair or component replacement resulting from any lubrication-related engine damage.

All lubricated engine parts and components (cylinder heads, oil pump, pistons, and engine) would be covered. Oil changes and repairs, if any, will be performed by Heritage or other certified Toyota dealership. Related costs (tow, car rental, time from work) will be paid for by Jiffy Lube. If I sold or traded my vehicle this VSA is not transferable. TOTAL 382.48

Yesterday I received a call from Jiffy Lube #1261, asking me to pick up a paper to sign so that I could get paid. I picked up the paper today & it was the boiler plate release of all claims past present & future in exchange for 251.32. The manager said that I wouldn't get paid until I signed the release. A copy follows. How absurd. 251.32 is less than the amount claimed & in light of the above recommendation from the Toyota dealership, signing the release flies in the face of common sense. Yet I can not get paid my out of pocket unless I sign the release not knowing what further damages (engine knock, vehicle using oil, oil leaks, metal shavings, or engine failure due to lubricated engine part and component failures) from their negligence may occur.

My recourse is to provide copies of all of this to investors, bankruptcy trustees, boards of directors, national & local better business bureaus, Vermont's Attorney General, general public and anyone else I can think of who may have a direct bearing on the sustainability of Heartland & Jiffy Lube.

michael of aventura, FL June 17, 2009

I took my car in for an oil change on a thursday afternoon. On friday evening, I was driving down the interstate and my engine light came on, the temp gauge shot to HOT and the engine shut off (all withing 3-5 seconds). I opened the hood and there was this blue fluid all over the engine. The radiator cap was missing, but later found in the engine compartment. I pulled out the dip stick to check the oil level, but it melted.

I called Jiffy Lube told them what happened, they sent someone out and they made a cell phone call to the manager. I called a tow truck to take my car to be repaired, so I got hold of Jiffy Lube the next day and they denied the whole thing. I contact teh district manager who said their people did not take the cap off and they are not liable. I contacted corporate who doesn't want to deal with the issue. Basically I was told to bad, so sad, it is not our problem and you can't prove anything.

Carolyn of Pasadena, TX June 13, 2009

I took my Kia in for a oil change on my son's recommendation in Lufkin. I could't find a Kia Dealership service dept. open on Saturday. After I got the oil change I took my car and washed it. When I started to vacumm I noticed that the floor on the front driver's side and the rest of the car had not. I thought that this was odd. It was hot and I was sweating so when I got thru vacumming the rest of my car I reached over and got a couple of Kleenex to wipe the sweat off my face and I flip the mirror cover on my sun visor and that is when I notice that someone at Jiffy Lube broke my mirror cover. They had put the piece of plastice back on so that I wouldn't see. I know that they did it because there is dirt & what looks like oil on the cloth side that doesn't have the mirror. They did'nt flip it because I would have notice.

When I went back and told the manager that they broke my mirror he denided it. I know that one of the guys did it because it was find when I got in the car to take it to get and oil change. Beside me the guys at Jiffy Lube were the only ones in my new car. I want them to replace my mirror. I am filing a complaint with the BBB and the Attorney General and the 4 news stations here. I am single and I am not going to let a biness take advantage of me.

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