Canyon first oil change GONE WRONG

[Giuseppe Carella]

I have a new 2016 GMC Canyon and I am pissed!

Yesterday on my way back from the first service to get my oil changed, i was left stranded, when the vehicle broke down due to the oil having leaked entirely from the engine. By the time I was able to safely stop the car, the engine was making a distinct metallic noise. I was left waiting in the heat (it was 95 yesterday) for almost two hours while Earnhardt GMC here in AZ tried to figure out what to do. Eventually a tow truck came and my truck was taken back for service.

I was eventually told that the oil filter was not installed correctly leading to the engine being left with no oil.

Today the Service Manager Joel called to say that here are no issues with the truck and that all is fine. I am not entirely convinced that this is the case and they did not offer to guarantee that the car will not have a problem in the future as a result of this. They told me that I can rest assured that all is well with my truck.

I called GMC customer service as I was hoping that someone could advice if I can trust the advice I am receiving from the dealership is correct. I was told that I should go back to the dealership to seek that kind of reassurance and that in the words of Ruben, one of GM Senior Advisor, "this is not an issue for GM".

I was really excited about my truck and in the space of less than 24 hours I have come to lose trust in Earnhardt and GM.

What should I do? Do you guys think that the engine is shot? Or should I just be ok with it?

Thank you for your advice!

Joe

[NASCARWheels]

Did the oil pressure light come on? Was the metallic noise what prompted you to pull over?

[Shawn5800]

 

• First off, how is this NOT an issue for GM? Your GM "tech" did not tighten my oil filter correctly and all my engine oil drained out causing a metallic sound.

 

Second, I would not in any way shape or form settle this without some guarantee that if the engine is to fail within a certain amount of years that its covered by THEM.

 

This is what really pisses me off about GM, we bail them out..and this is how customers are treated?

 

I would even go as far as to leave the truck on the lot, hand them they keys and tell them you don't want it. You will take it off the lot when they agree to give you something in writing.

 

Edited April 7, 2016 by Shawn5800

[dirtfan21]

I would document every visit to a T. Only way to have a case if something goes wrong is to have as much documentation possible on the situation. I have a hard time believing that your truck puked most of, if not all, it's oil out and there is nothing wrong with the engine. I highly doubt they tore the motor town to inspect.

[Rock1500]

I would have this documented and written up with them about this. Also take it to a trusted mechanic for a third party evaluation as a peace of mind.

 

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

[RyanbabZ71]

document and do an oil analysis. Sounds like a lawyer may need to be contacted.

[Thomcat]

That's exactly why I have been changing my own oil for the past 45 years and haven't used Chevy's two years free oil changes either. My guess is that corporate GM is not responsible and you'll get nowhere....it's all on the dealer.

 

And running a tight "green" engine without oil is guaranteed trouble with future if not immediate damage, especially with an OHC engine. Since the service manager indicated all is well.....my 2 cents advice is to see the dealership owner/head coconut and ask for an accommodation for their screw-up, indicating willingness to trade for another new one that is upgraded requesting a heavy discount in depreciation and price differential. Should be a win-win since you get a new vehicle that you don't have to worry about in the future and according to them they get a low mileage recent trade in "perfect" condition. And never use them for service again.

 

Even if it hurts, a few more bucks spent now balances the potential years of worry and aggravation.

Edited April 10, 2016 by Thomcat

[Silverado Steve]

I'd ask them to throw on a 7yr 100K extended warranty to cover you in case and to compensate you for your inconvenience at a minimum.

[Imcrazy]

I agree you need some remedy. For me I'd want a new truck.... I think I'll go back to changing my own oil...

[diyer2]

I buy used vehicles and this is the first one for me that has a warranty on it.

X2 Thomcat,

A dealer will never touch my truck unless it's warranty work.

[Giuseppe Carella]

Thank you all for the responses. Earnhardt has now "repaired" the truck but I have refused to take it back just yet.

 

Here's why:

 

1. I have have received a call from Sharon in the Executive Office. Left a voice mail on Friday. I called back but got her voicemail. She called me back yesterday, but I was on a work call. Called back, but no call yet.

 

2. Earnhardt has offered to pay for half of my 100,000 miles guarantee. I am not sure that it is fair especially since in one of the email exchanges we have had the Service Manager seems to imply that he is not sure how damaged the truck really is (I am thinking he is trying to cover his behind).

 

Which one of the following do you think I should ask?

 

1. a replacement (is that even possible?),
2. resell them the old and buy a new one
3. ask for a longer guarantee
4. ask for the full reimbursement of the guarantee

Thank you so much for all your help guys! You are an amazing group!

 

Joe

[Giuseppe Carella]

Did the oil pressure light come on? Was the metallic noise what prompted you to pull over?

The light came on only when the metallic noise started and it was to tell me that the engine oil was low and I should immediately stop the truck.

 

I could not stop immediately without endangering those behind me so I had to go another 400 yards or so.

[Giuseppe Carella]

I would have this documented and written up with them about this. Also take it to a trusted mechanic for a third party evaluation as a peace of mind.

 

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

I have filmed all with my phone camera and emailed the SVP of Customer Experience at GM - in case anyone needs it her name is Alicia Boler-Davis.

[Shawn5800]

I would decide how long you actually planned on keeping the truck and then decide upon an "Engine to be covered" warranty by that amount of years or close to it.

 

If they don't budge on that, I would leave the truck at the lot and the service manager can explain to the executives why they are getting voicemails that someone left their brand new truck on the lot. Eventually, the big guys will get tired of hearing from you and heads will start to roll.

 

I don't think that in any way a half payoff of your warranty is worth the headache or possibility of failure. They are just trying to get off without any extra expense checks being written.

 

Quick story...

 

I heard a story of someone who worked at a VW dealership. Tech never put oil in, car drove about half mile before the engine started making some bad noises. He drove it back and the shop knew that it was junk. They ended up using brake lathe shavings to finish the engine off and warranty took care of it....

 

That's how shady these dealerships can be.

Edited April 12, 2016 by Shawn5800

[nibael]

 

 

2. Earnhardt has offered to pay for half of my 100,000 miles guarantee. I am not sure that it is fair especially since in one of the email exchanges we have had the Service Manager seems to imply that he is not sure how damaged the truck really is (I am thinking he is trying to cover his behind).

 

The dealership sells an extended warranty. I would ask them to give you a 100k mile GM powertrain warranty, no deductible. I would also let them do all service from now on, so they have a record of it. I don't think you should have to pay a penny for the extra warranty. Maybe get them to throw in a few free oil changes in the future.

[Thomcat]

Forget an extended warranty....that's only so good as the dealer is ready to diagnose, acknowledge and repair the problem.......and if it craps out 1,000 miles from home what good is the warranty which won't to pay for housing or transportation in the interim.........and you can whistle Dixie waiting for them to repair it while you and/or your family are inconvenienced. And what then if 5 years and 61K later, your dealer has gone out of business and everyone plays stupid about honoring a warranty claiming your received service of the vehicle,any existent damage resulting from wear and tear.

 

I once purposely ran an engine a mile or so after the oil pump crapped....no choice, had to get to a safe area where the only thing in danger of getting killed was the engine. Doesn't take long......Parkerization was gone from the OHC which was deeply scored as were the lifters, main bearings, and crank and the inner surface of the valve cover looked like it was encrusted with coral. Splash lubrication saved the cylinder walls, pistons and rings and the engine actually restarted once cooled. But, no way that I would ever trust that vehicle again...... bit the bullet and threw in a rebuilt engine just to get it in shape for a trade-in because the bottom line is there is no way to tell the actual extent of damage without stripping down the upper and lower ends of the engine. And even then what of possible damage the tranny?- I'm sure the engine overheated which means that the tranny cooler in the radiator may have caused the tranny to run too hot and cause damage.

 

My 2 cents is to ----- Tell GM to make right their mistake......Go for an immediate trade ASAP for another new one with an accommodation in price for consideration of their screw-up, even if it costs you more bucks.....Yes, it's not your fault and it's a rotten deal, but consider......you are not just spending extra bucks for a new undamaged truck......you are buying peace of mind for yourself and family every time you turn the key to start the vehicle and insurance against possible future aggravation, safety of yourself and family, and disruption of your life.

 

And as for taking your vehicle to service at that dealer or asking for free service and oil changes as future compensation should be a no starter.........it's like having a tattoo artist who gave you a lousy tattoo on your forearm to do another one on your back!