Dealership Ruined My Engine

It's been a while since I've been on here! I came on to share my recent experience and see what the real experts think about it.

About a month ago, I took my '17 TRD OR to the dealership for a simple spark plug change. I dropped off the truck since I had other things to do and was due to pick it up in a few hours. Later that afternoon I get a call from the service advisor that they had trouble removing one of the spark plugs and would have it ready by the next morning. I was pissed, but understand stuff happens. The next morning I get a call that a portion of the ceramic insulator broke off into the cylinder. The tech attempted to retrieve all the debris but upon initial crank, an abnormal noise was detected. They put me in a rental and once fully disassembled, it was determined they damaged the cylinder, heads, and piston (pics provided). After a few days I met with the service director and he stated they plan on either repairing everything or getting a used engine with similar mileage (115K). I found this unacceptable and contacted corporate, and 2 hours later I get a call back that they've ordered me a new short block from Toyota. I asked about the heads and the piston, and they stated they would be sent to a machine shop. They've been back and forth unsure of which way to proceed at almost 4 weeks in. Spoke with the mechanic a few days ago and they're still floating ideas of how to proceed, stating they have a mint condition head at the shop. The last phone call I had with the mechanic, they recorded the phone call which I thought was odd. This dealership has been impossible to get ahold of over the phone and refuses to put anything in email and writing. Anytime I want an answer I have to drive 25 minutes and see them in person. What are yall's thoughts on this?

 

Well I feel like a used engine would have been best, you didnt have a new engine to start with and we'd know it was assembled by Toyota.

The tech or apprentice assembling your new full engine will not have the same care as a tech being paid or an assembly worker.

It sounds like they are doing better than most dealers and you're putting a lot of pressure on them. Mistakes happen.

 

A used engine was not unacceptable and not unreasonable repair for a '17. They admitted the problem and offered to make it right. Probably could be back in your truck already. Good luck. At this point, you may have to get an attorney involved, which is only going to make things worse.

 

Thats a refreshing take on it. Everyone I spoke with, including some friends that worked at Toyota previously said I'd be a fool to take an engine with 100k miles on it. Not going to lie, it definitely influenced how I proceeded with this, so I appreciate a different perspective. It is a concern to think that it's being assembled there.

 

It will be fine, but it's how I see it.

My dealer typically buys the truck back and installs the used engine, then whole sales the truck. It's rare but these things happen.

 

I didn't see the pictures originally... That head could probably be fixed, the piston replaced, with new rod bearing. The picture doesn't show the whole cylinder, but what I do see, I don't see anything that couldn't be fixed with a quick honing.

 

I honestly thought that’s how this was going to play out.

 

It’s really hard to tell in the pictures, but it was completely scored.

 

Just out of curiosity, was this the first time the spark plugs were changed?

 

A short block is a complete lower engine, block, crank, pistons.....
So what youre saying really doesnt add-up...
Your head can be sent out to a reputable & completely rebuilt, or use their "mint" head but get the true story behind that head...
Or they can have the mint head rebuilt...

Work with them & dont lose your shit, its great that theyre willing to take care of it...
Ive seen shops that would have spun it & put you on the hook for the repairs at 115k mileage, overdue, we tried our best, etc....

from the pics, that little bit of damage is very minimal, machine shop can easily repair your head to look good as new, but obviously a new engine would be a blessing but no idea how this will play-out...
not going to speculate...

The entire hold-up may be just them attempting to source parts options,
Sounds like toyota has a huge supply chain issue still & sourcing parts takes months & months....

 

I know, I’ve played it real cool with them. It’s just extremely frustrating. This is the same dealer that forgot to tighten the cap after a coolant fluid change and left me on the side of the freeway 2 months prior.

 

A used engine isn’t comparable to yours unless that engine has been rebuilt to factory standards.

If you go the attorney route you might have to go to arbitration based on what you signed.


Stuff happens but that is why they carry insurance.

Be polite and be heard.

 

I have the worst luck. I need to buy a second truck and keep a spare to do my own work.

 

A new short block and a new/reconditioned head would be fine. The head with all the damage could be OK or not, but I'd take a non damaged reconditioned head over that one.

 

ide go in there again in person, talk to nobody but the service manager & ask him what his plan is & are we trying to source parts, are we having a hold-up due to toyota assistance, etc....
try to get some solid answers & game plan.
If theyre spinning their wheels just trying to get you an eta on new parts & its a waiting game till they hear from the highers in the parts resources...
So be it, just tell me.....
Im ok with that & worth the wait...
new or rebuilt is always better than used & who the fuck knows...

tidbit of info,
I dont remember specifics, as been retired a few years, trying to forget...
But if your ford engine fails after the vehicle is a year old, you get a remanufactured engine, theyre not new engines....

 

Huh ??
then why would you go back there ??
More info and details.
Or maybe bs

 

Yup, sourcing parts seems to be the main issue.

 

Go with the used engine. I wouldn’t trust a short block and used heads assembled by a shop that botched the spark plugs.
Get some type of warranty on the work.

 

I bought the truck there and it’s been serviced there since like 2019. They’re typically top notch but recently underwent a bunch of staffing changes. I decided I’d give them another shot. I understand mistakes happen. But twice in 3 months? I’d be more than glad to post the invoice for the coolant service that was waived and the tow fee.

 

can often mean a change in ownership etc etc
beware