Looking for some Advice...

[Wheelin98TJ]

Lots of folks have provided thoughts on how to handle this situation .. my 2cents: I would post the whole episode on Yelp and other social media to get the attention of the dealership owners (and maybe even Stellantis). This explicitly names which dealership it was. Oh, and posting helps others in your area decide where NOT to go for service. Just another pressure point.

That’s not at all how I’d approach it.

Talk to the dealer first.

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[RHINO79]

I wouldn’t accept anything short of a complete long block and a loaner for the entire time they have it.
Every vehicle I’ve ever bought that included x number of oil changes, I’ve told them no thanks.

Absolutely ? ? %

 

[Bevo67]

That’s not at all how I’d approach it.

Talk to the dealer first.

I agree - talk to the dealer first. But if no joy - then I would post the incident, to include their response.

 

[Koolcarguy]

Well I will just jump right into it. Now I do drive a Gladiator, however My wife has a 2023 Jeep Wrangler and today she went and got her "Jeep Wave" oil change (2nd oil change of the vehicles life). Upon leaving everything seemed ok, until I got a phone call that her wrangler just broke down on her and my 2 year old kid in the middle of a major road after hearing an extremely loud "knocking & Ticking" sound. Just to be clear I have worked on cars my whole life an ex Manager of Goodyear, Merchants/NTB. So I instantly knew the issue.... Oil change and knocking eh? I showed up pulled the stick it is BONE DRY I mean nothing on there at all. Slid under the Jeep and wouldnt you know it NO OIL DRAIN PLUG AT ALL. Assuming they screwed it on there loose and it vibrated its way out. Now the issue is in my mind the motor on this brand new vehicle is ruined, I don't care what they will tell me which is sure will be "the engine is fine" which we all know is BS especially since I traced the road back and saw the spill which looks to be a little over a 1/4 mile she drove with 0 oil before the oil pressure sensor kicked in at a stop sign and shut her down.

Now the advice is how do I handle the dealer, you see I feel like I shouldn't accept anything other than a new vehicle as I know and everyone knows that years and countless miles have been lost on this motor today. Basically Am I actually going to have to get a lawyer? Are there any dealership people out there that can help with a bit of advice on how to handle this situation? I don't want to barge in there and be a complete jerk, But I do want what is right here and not to spend over 60k on a brand new Jeep only to have its life cut short.

I would ask to have a meeting with the GSM and service manager and nake sure they understand the situation. I have been the GSM at several Jeep store's this happens more then you think. A reputable store will get you a brand new engine . It will nit hurt the value if the Jeep if it's a new Complete engine and you'll still have your warranty

 

[ShadowsPapa]

That’s not at all how I’d approach it.

Talk to the dealer first.

Absolutely!
Go in with guns blazing and bad reviews, you have given them reason not to trust or work with you. Reviews are later. They may come through very easily. One bad tech or mistake doesn't make the whole business bad. Too much assuming that they will be nasty right away. Don't give them that excuse!

 

[Rdizz]

All great advice, and I am so glad I was able to get different points of view. I Guess my next logical course of action is to just show up. Currently the Jeep was picked up by the dealer and brought to their service center. They are closed through the weekends so maybe its best If I just walk in there on Monday.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I would ask to have a meeting with the GSM and service manager and nake sure they understand the situation. I have been the GSM at several Jeep store's this happens more then you think. A reputable store will get you a brand new engine . It will nit hurt the value if the Jeep if it's a new Complete engine and you'll still have your warranty

Ten likes for that one.

 

[Rdizz]

Absolutely!
Go in with guns blazing and bad reviews, you have given them reason not to trust or work with you. Reviews are later. They may come through very easily. One bad tech or mistake doesn't make the whole business bad. Too much assuming that they will be nasty right away. Don't give them that excuse!

Just so everyone is aware I am a FIRM believer of you get more bees with honey. I always make the person I am dealing with want to help me not resent me. Getting mad and going the attorney route would be a final ditch effort and not the first step. I am really just hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.

Being in the automotive industry for most of my life I have seen so many nightmares and truth be told most of these nightmares came to us for a resolution after they were at the dealer so I have a bit of a preconceived fear of what is to come.

(disclaimer: I have been out of automotive for the better part of a decade now in real estate go figure... so anyone who wants free home advice in my area hit me up

 

[MTB58]

There is an old saying. "Most the trouble I've seen has never happened."

I would wait and see what the dealer comes up with before you assume the worst.

 

[Rdizz]

Lots of folks have provided thoughts on how to handle this situation .. my 2cents: I would post the whole episode on Yelp and other social media to get the attention of the dealership owners (and maybe even Stellantis). This explicitly names which dealership it was. Oh, and posting helps others in your area decide where NOT to go for service. Just another pressure point.

This was going to be another step in my mind. I didn't want to go around bashing them yet. Things happen mistakes are made, it is how we handle these makes that matters. But yes come Monday Once I speak to the GSM if they say something to me like the engine is fine and it will cause no issues later down the road then at that point I feel like more steps are going to be taken. Basically as of right now I am giving them the opportunity to make this right. I have already contacted stellantis and reported the situation and technically documented it here as well as taken videos and pictures of the incident.

I just hope It doesnt go that far, I am a nervous wreck. With the cost of living right now and a 2 year old... It cost me about 300$ for about 3 days of food at the grocery store, my property taxes were just doubled, the cost of everything is going up so fast but my wages are not so I am starting to lose it.

 

[Sweetums]

My advice would be to use a lawyer as an absolute last resort. Try to settle it yourself first without a lawyer.

Lawyers don’t help. They just cost money.

A couple hundred dollars for a Demand Letter on a lawyer's letterhead is worth it when you're talking about thousands or tens of thousands in loss.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

A couple hundred dollars for a Demand Letter on a lawyer's letterhead is worth it when you're talking about thousands or tens of thousands in loss.

Last resort if dealer won’t cooperate.

 

[Sweetums]

Last resort if dealer won’t cooperate.

The last resort is to file with your insurance or sue. A letter just says "I think you owe me a new engine and a loaner car at no cost to me" the letterhead is sending the message "you really want to say yes to this request, it's reasonable and I'm willing and able to make a fight of it." It's the legal equivalent of "walk softly and carry a big stick".

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

I dont even think i would be willing to accept an engine replacement. That would destroy the vehicles value and it would also be listed on the carfax and the mileage will not be correct, not to mention the tear down and destruction of the millions of electrical components that will break because of this. But what I will and will not accept is a different story. I am just worried how we will get to that point before I have to hire an attorney.

Man this is a really Crappy situation, to pour salt in the wounds it just got nice weather wise around here and I bought her that Top lift pro... Havent even had the chance to use it

Gonna go back and read the whole thread, however, wanted to share some peace of mind that a dealer replaced engine will not tank the value, or affect it at all. Had a motor replaced under warranty on a 2018 jeep 1 year into ownership, sold it just this year with no issues and no loss in value.

 

[Bevo67]

I just hope It doesnt go that far, I am a nervous wreck. With the cost of living right now and a 2 year old... It cost me about 300$ for about 3 days of food at the grocery store, my property taxes were just doubled, the cost of everything is going up so fast but my wages are not so I am starting to lose it.

I'd be very curious to know what the dealer tells you - from "the engine will be fine, trust us" to "we'll replace your car with a new one". This is a tough situation to be in - I had a similar situation w/ my '85 Grand Wagoneer (absolutely loved that 8MPG beast). I was moving from Texas to Colorado and I decided to get an oil change before the trip. Long story short - I left a trail of oil from the place I received the oil change to where my Jeep eventually died. Me, my two dogs and my son were stranded. I ate all the costs. This wasn't a dealership but a large Jeep-specific shop in Austin. Bottom line - they said "not on us!" I guess that's why I might be more trigger happy than some folks on here. I do hope the dealer treats you right, takes responsibility and does the right thing. Maybe they will..

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