What's Wrong At Jiffy Lube?

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This web site is about customer-oriented problems at Jiffy Lube. 
The purpose is to identify and expose these problems.  This may ultimately help form the right solution(s).
 

Customers Did you have a problem at a Jiffy Lube store?
Employees Are you familiar with problems at a Jiffy Lube store(s)?
Franchisees Are you concerned that actions like those described here could ultimately threaten your income?
Shell Oil Stockholders Are you concerned that your business may not be properly managed?
Corporate Brands:  Jiffy Lube, Shell Oil, Pennzoil, Quaker State, The Outlaw, Snap Products, Gumout, Slick 50, Blue Coral, Axius Products, Black Magic, Fix-A-Flat, Westley's, Rain-X , & Medo Products.


 


 

 


I. Personal Experiences
GENERAL PROBLEMS


Email us your experience.  
victim@jiffylubeproblems.com 
 

Include your city and state so that others in your area are aware.  We will likely add it to the following Personal Experiences of others. Show others that they are not alone.  This will also help us create a critical mass which can create appropriate changes.

The following experiences are the most recently submitted unedited and unverified General Problem experiences of others:   

Indexed by State
 


[1464] Jose  Employee

Ive worked for jiffy lube for alittle over 3yrs. they make us scam you and i mean literally........here are some examples
 
1.air filter-we will save old dirty air filters and say its yours to get you to buy a new one take yours which 90 percent of the time it is clean and resell it if not we grab your filter and dirty it as much as possible and then show you to get it
 
2.engine flush-we sell you a damaging engine flush to get rid of supposed sludge which almost 100 percent of the time its moisture in the engine we grab grease from the grease guns get old deizel oil (which is really black) put it in a cup and stir the 2 together then we place this sludge in your old oil filter and show it to you.....
 
3.trans flush and or trans filter replacment- we lie and say we did it 75 percent of the time bcuz really doing one can actually damage the tran ...the old dirt in the trans is actually helping it hold together you cant tell if we did or didnt do it but im telling you we didnt...
 
4.fuel system cleaners..or(fisc)- we put a bottle of power plus connect it to your intake manifold take another bottle and put it into your gas tank and let it  run for 12-15 mins....we back it with 100 percent........it doesnt work plus we wont get your money back you have to send for it and through the manufacture which god knows if they even exist but they wont give it to yo with out proof.....half the time we run out and act like we did it
 
5.upgraded oils- we for no reason shall never and will never give you the right oil it would cost the company to much if we even thought of it we would get fired......bottled oil we just refill it with conventanel oil.....
 
Look im not proud of what i do i just cant find another job and they will fire me if i dont sell..... i have to mantain a $70 ticket average on every car and how can i do that the honest way.......they (corprate) call us c.s.a's or (customer service advisors) so they can ge outta calling us sales people so we wont get comped for it.....i have dozen of e-mails telling us to sell our crap to people and that means any means neccassery and this is coming from corprate.............and to get around it we put in the fine print all that will go wrong with the car and you sighn for it and we are out of an obligtion.........
 
ps...the store would get shut down by osha....the store down stairs is leaking out of the septic tank and also they make us push coolant and antifreeze ,trans fliud, and oild outside....but i dont know if i report them and we get shut down if lose my job

[1462] Rene in Atwater, CA  Will Not Match Coupon

I drove to your Atwater, CA. store today.  I have a coupon for an oil change in Merced, CA. There no customers in your store, there were three employees setting in the customer waiting.  I drove up and asked if they would match another business coupon?  I was told no.  I can see not matching the coupon if your business is busy.  However with the economy the way it is today why would you turn customers away?  The difference was only $7.00 and I was trying to keep my business dollars in town.  Thank You

[1461] Heather  Destroyed Transmission

Not long ago i had my tranny serviced and they put too much fluid in and it blew my seals going down the freeway, then...they took it to good year to fix and they forgot to put tranny fluid in...now i need a new tranny at 3,000 and that comes out of my single parent pocket... i will never go to a jiffy lube again if my life depended on it..do you think they will help pay for my tranny?!!! NO!!!!! i will pass this on to every person i meet in my life time. The employees are rude and dont care what happens to your car as long as you drive off there lot and they get paid. So good luck jiffy lube.

[1460] Frank in Lake Worth, FL  A Greasy Result

I just got my synthetic oil change at your location on 4601 Hypoluxo Rd. Lake Worth,FL. 33463. My interior is a light beige leather that is perfect. It was covered with black grease, the back seats and the front seats, also the headliner had a spot. I noticed the mess while i was driving home. I called the store and spoke to one of the techs and told him. He said to bring it back and that it would be cleaned. I asked him what he would clean it with. The wrong cleaner could do more damage. I am very mad about this.

[1459] Pramod in Beaverton, OR  Irresponsible & Dishonest

I bought a used 04 BMW 325i and took it to JL to replace all the fluids bcoz was not sure how good has the previous owner has maintained it. As soon as I said that I am new to the car the attendant kept on suggesting me for everything possible. Finally, I ended up paying $500 for all the fluids (Transmission fluid not included as it had a life time Transimision fluid). After I got the servicing done, When ever I started my car wierd odour blew from the AC. when I went back for a check up, the A$#%^ there said that " it might be because of the AC maintainance . sometimes we have the risk of the smell when we change the AC fluids." then why did they even change the fluids ?

Never trust these guys ...they are thiefs in blue uniforms..I have never come across such irresponsible and dishonest people..Jifft Lube sucks

[1458] Dan in Chicago, IL  Destroyed Transmission

I recently took may car to Jiffy Lube located at  2801 N Harlem In Chicago Harlem & Diversey  for a transmission Oil Change

I drove the car back  home wich is about 1 mile away with no problems ...Two days later i drove the car to one of the suburbs about 20 miles away the transmission seemed two start slipping in neutral ....on may way home the transmission  started to act really weird going in neutral then back to normal ..I finally made it home. I opened the hood to check the oil level ( with the engine running) and the dip-stick was dry.....Went back to Jiffy-lube and they added more oil.....they said the transmission should be fine now....drove the car a few blocks still the same problem.I took my truck to Aamco for  a check up and they found out the transmission fluid was burned. It costed me $1400 dollars after negotiations to fix the transmission.....I went back to jiffy -lube asking them to pay for the transmission and the manager said he will call the district manager ....I didn't get any answer...after i made a complain to BBB they gave The district mager phone number ..I called him and he  knew abut the problem and then  he started to deny any wrong doing saying  may car had problems before and bla,bla ,bla and the will not pay for the repair.Would never go back to any jiffy lube again and I Told that to all may friends and people i know to Stay away from jiffy lube .

[1456] Rita in Birmingham, AL  Gift Card Invalid

My 82 year old mother was sent a jiffy lube gift card for Christmas from her Nephew who lives in Missouri. She lives in Alabama.  So we called customer service to see where the nearest location to us would be.  They  told us they had one in Gardendale Al. and one in Birmingham Al.   So I drive my mother to Gardendale which is about 60 miles one way.   We get there and find out there has not been a jiffy lube there in six years and there is not one in Birmingham either.  I call customer support and they say we do not live in a state where you can redeem the card you will just have to send it back where you got it.  Now that would be very nice to send a Christmas gift back to the person who gave it to you. (Which I will not do).  I asked the customer service agent  Ms Victoria  if I could speak to a supervisor who might could help us.  She said no!   They did not seem to care that I was given information that caused me to drive 120 miles round trip for nothing, just that there was nothing they could do about it.

[1453] Farook  Mazda 3 Problems

I m having problem with my Mazda 3. The engine ideal fluctuate at times and while driving I could feel that the car jerk at times too. This happened after the engine was charged. We have done our best yet no sign of improvement.

[1452] Mike in Kansas City, MO  Cracked Windshield

I first started going to Jiffy Lube in the 90s.  It seemed like everytime I went in there was always something that needed to be replaced.  The final straw was when I had replaced my PCV valve just a few days before my oil change.  Imagine my surprise when they came in and told me that the PCV valve was really in bad shape and I needed a new one.  In fact the PCV valve that they showed me was old and dirty so I knew it couldn't be mine.  This was the Jiffy Lube at 7025 N. Oak Trafficway in Gladstone, MO.  I never set foot in a Jiffy Lube again for almost 15 years.  I started going to one which is located at 7100 NW 83rd St in Kansas City, MO after my usual oil change shop was closed one day.  I really didn't have any complaints until I went in and tried to get a windshield repair.  I had a small rock chip that could have been covered with a dime.  After waiting for about an hour I was called out to the garage by a mechanic.  He told me that he was having a lot of trouble gettng the chip repaired.  When I looked at the windshield the small rock chip was now a long crack almost 4" long.  The mechanic told me that Jiffy Lube didn't have "the professional tools" that regular windshield shops have to do an adequate job.  I asked to speak to the manager but was told he was busy with oil changes.  So I took the car and called the next day.  I talked to a assistant manager and explained the problem with the windshield.  He told me he didn't know what he could do but maybe they could give me a couple of free oil changes and that I would have to speak to the manager who was at the bank.  I left my number but never got any calls back.  I called several times but couldn't get a hold of the manager.  I ended up leaving my name and number each time.  Finally got a call from some sort of region manager.  He told me that he felt that Jiffy Lube had tried to do their best in good faith to get the windshield repaired and that they weren't responsible for any damage.  He told me that this particular Jiffy Lube was one of their best with few complaints.  He acted like I was the problem.  He also said that they have "state of the art" tools to repair windshields.  After this experience NEVER AGAIN will I go to Jiffy Lube.  I have to say that I don't have any complaints on their oil changes at this last location.  I was always treated fairly in that aspect.  I think that just their attitude on the windshied experience soured me.  Because of their bungling I had to go and spend $185.00 for a new windshield because of the crack they created.....not because of the rock chip.

[1450] Joan  Destroyed Starter

I have been a loyal customer of Jiffy lube for about 2 years getting my oil changed every 3000 miles.  My last experience with them will be my last because I found out that they are not tightening the oil filter which caused a steady stream of oil to drip on to my starter.  I just replaced a rebuilt starter on my car one year ago this Dec.  I was very surprised when in 20 degree weather in was not starting until yesterday when it would not start at all.  The rebuilt starter was shot because they did not tighten the filter and it was filled with oil.  The last time I was in to get my oil changed, they said my car was losing oil due to the age of the car and to remedy this I should start getting a better grade of oil.  Little did I know I was losing oil because they were not tightening the oil filter.  I have lost all trust in them and will not be going to Jiffy Lube anymore.

[1449] Lisa in Leominster, MA  More Windshield Wiper Scam 

I recently had my oil changed in Leominster, MA.  From the waiting room, I witnessed the employee tamper and break my windshield wiper. I saw him do it.  Moments later he came to tell and show me the broken wiper blade.  I know for a fact it was not broken when I drove in. Upon questioning he said I was incorrect.  All of the employee approached my car and said I was wrong. I intend on calling the better business bureau and contacting the local police department. I would like to be reimbursed for a graphite wiper blade-22 pp + tax.

[1448] Trudy in Oak Brook, IL  A Funny Window Experience

Today Jan 10 i went to get my oil changed at store 1100 17 w 620 butterfield rd , oak brook terrace il.. Receipt # 7235454 invoice # 1100 7345454  bay 7. Transaction # 10010907235454 . My complaint is in regards to "JOSEPH"  whom i assume is the store manager, I brought my car to this establishment for a simple oil change. The drivers side window button is missing from the panel and all other buttons are in place. Someone rolled my window all the way down, on the window that is missing a button, keep in mind we are illinois and its around 18 degrees out. When they were finished with my oil change they drove my car out and were going to leave it with the window down, as the button is broke and never should have been touched. I asked "JOSEPH: if they were going to leave my window down like, that he said "it's not his problem that they rolled my window down and it wont go back up." Asked him why window was even rolled down when the button was missing, he said, its company policy. Advised him have 3 other working windows that he could have rolled down and i need the window rolled up its cold outside, he began to giggle and laugh as though it was funny that my window was down and i was upset that they werent going to put it back up. He sat there grinning asking for payment for the oil change, i told him to get my window up so i could pay my bill and leave. And again he said "getting the window up wasnt his problem" and laughed about it again,I asked "JOSEPH" why he thought it was funny and all he could do was laugh and say it wasnt his problem, At this point i asked all other customers who were in the waiting room if they could see "JOSEPH" laughing at me, When "JOSEPH" realized the woman and three gentlemen in the lobby were watching him laugh at me, he decided to take the situation a little more seriously and said "he'd take a look at the window even though he wasnt the one who rolled it down".  Meanwhile his employees were rushing to try to fix my window.  My fiance finally came to the counter and told me to just pay my bill so we could leave and "JOSEPH" told him to mind his business, I paid my bill and "JOSEPH" noticed his employees got my window up and made the remark "see your window is up now, it's not like we havent had to roll up a window before", again "JOSEPH" is laughing and grinning the whole time. I advised "JOSEPH" I would write a letter about my experience at his establishment.  Keep in mind the lobby was FULL, all seats were occupied. I would like feedback as to what steps have been taken to ensure this not to happen to another consumer. I really wonder what was wrong with "JOSEPH" that this was so funny to him?

[1445] Stacie  Tire Flew Off Car

Last week I had my oil changed and tires rotated.  I normally would never go to a Jiffy Lube because I have heard so many things go wrong, but I am new to the area and was short on time.  As I pulled out the shop, I drove not even a 1/2 mile and my tire flew off my car, nearly missing cars in oncoming traffic.  Thank God no accident happened and no one was hurt, but imagine what could have happened.  This this was simply an act of carelessness and could have been 100% preventable.  I'll never go back.

[1444] Chris in Poway, CA  Destroyed Transmission

Avoid Poway Jiffy Lube at all costs. I've owned and babied my Ford Ranger for 5 years. Never once has my check engine light come on until these people did an Automatic Transmission Fluid replacement. I barely made it to work the next day, with my transmission slipping all the way. I took it back to them and all they did was check the levels and say '..its not our problem..we don't do diagnostics..' Screw these people! I'm calling management...

[1443] Samuel in Miami, FL  No Lube, Less Oil

This  is to complain about the service i got at the Jiffy lube location at 4050 S.W. 67 th. ave. in miami, fla shop #1176.  On 12/22/09 I visited the location for an oil change and lube, I was charged for the lube lube but it was not done.  I got 4 qt. of oil instead of 5 which my pick-up requires ,oil was spilled over engine,the tire pressure was not checked.  Over all I was very dissatisfied  with the service and i will never go there again.

[1442] Katharine in Columbia, MD  Let the Buyer Beware

“Let the buyer beware!”  Jiffy Lube preys on and profits from the ignorance if it’s customers Jiffy Lube does not assist customer with getting what they came in for.  On 3 Jan 2010 I went to the Jiffy Lube in Columbia, Maryland and asked for the cheapest oil change.  When the game began and I was called out to stare at the computer and to decided which level I wanted to be taken advantage of.  When I was asked if I still use Pennzoil I replied yes.  I didn’t realize this would give me the Jiffy Lube Signature Service even though I specified that I wanted the cheapest oil change.  I’ll never use Jiffy Lube again

[1441] Peter in West Olympia, WA  Overfilling Damages Engine

I recently took my care into the West Olympia, Wa Jiffy Lube #2072 for an oil change.  I don't drive my car on a daily basis but started to notice a small oil drip onto my garage floor. Upon further inspection I noticed that they had overfilled my crankcase with too much oil.  I took the car back to Jiffy Lube and pointed it out to the service manager.

He checked the oil and said it was fine and showed me the dip stick.  I said, excuse me sir, but to get a true reading you have to let the car sit for a five minute spell or so to let all the oil drain back into the oil pan.  He quickly pointed out that you always warm your car up before checking the oil and check it immediately after shutting down the engine. And that you will always measure about a quart high if you check the car with the engine cold and had been sitting overnight.  This seemed a little over the top for me, as I have been around machinery since a young person.  When I got home I pulled out the owners manual for my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee which confirms that to get an accurate reading on the dip stick,, it is best to do it on level ground after the car has been sitting awhile, preferably overnight. The manual goes on to say that overfilling the crankcase with oil can lead to serious engine damage due to leaking or blown seals and aeration of the oil caused by the crankshaft whipping up the oil causing foaming from the whipped up air in the oil. Air is not a lubricant.

I called back the service manager at the Jiffy Lube #2072, and pointed out that his procedure of checking the oil level was not in compliance with the manufactures' specification.  He said he had never heard of that before and that's the way they always do it at Jiffy Lube.

I have since sent an email to Jiffy Lube Customer Service and to their Legal Department, informing them of the lack of training of their employees , and that if this leak continues to drip now that the oil level has been corrected, I expect them to repair it at no cost to me, in addition to any other engine damage that may have be caused by their actions.

Indexed by State


II. Personal Experiences
DESTROYED ENGINES


Email us your experience.
 victim@jiffylubeproblems.com

Include your city and state so that others in your area are aware.  We will likely add it to the following Personal Experiences of others. Show others that they are not alone.  This will also help us create a critical mass which can create appropriate changes.

The following experiences are the most recently submitted unedited and unverified Destroyed Engines experiences of others: 

Indexed by State
 


[1463] Noemi in Coachella, CA  Flush Destroys Engine

On November 14, 2009, I took my 1994 Honda Civic to Jiffy Lube located on 84765 Ave. 50 in the city of Coachella, for a simple oil change. I was advised by the shop manager; Rudy that the radiator in my vehicle was extremely dirty and that it needed to be flushed. Being that he was the expert in this field I allowed Jiffy Lube to perform the work that Rudy recommended. I paid Jiffy Lube in full ($115.83) and continued with my day. As I was driving, I noticed that my vehicle was over heating (I saw the gage) and suddenly white smoke started appearing from the back of the vehicle. As soon as it was safe I merged my vehicle to a safe area and immediately turned the vehicle off. I called Jiffy Lube to inform Rudy, but I was informed that he was out to lunch......

As of today February 03, 2010 I have spent

$115.00-oil change and radiator fluid exchange (Jiffy Lube)
$85.00-diagnostic (that Jiffy Lube requested)
$170.00-inspect head gasket (which Jiffy Lube demanded)
$45.00-to have my vehicle towed to my residence (the shop where I had my vehicle from November 09 to January 2010 was nice enough to not charge me a storage fee.

FOR A GRAND TOTAL OF $415.00 AND MY VEHICLE STILL NEEDS A NEW ENGINE DUE TO JIFFY LUBES NEGLIGENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[1457] Micah in Seattle, WA  No Oil Destroys Engine

on jan 18 2010 lake city seattle jiffy lube changed my oil i drove home open the hood oil everywhere i call Dave yawn comes over and finds out he put the wrong gasket on my oil canister their was no oil in my car he fills it back up and we try starting it over and over so he calls a tow truck over and takes it to jeffs on sandpoint way i get a ride there from dave and they start the car its sounds as if it is running on half the cylinders smoking and back firing bad they through me the keys and say by i dont leave and they threaten to call the cops while me and my two year old is standing there no running car dave will not drive me back home i get the gm on the phone and he agrees to do a compresion test and tells dave to give me a ride back i have paper work saying that my cars is running on all cylinders but they havent done the compresion test i pay to have my oil changed and now i have a broken car please help

[1455] Tanya in Seattle, WA  Destroyed Engine

I have been trying to reach Rich Estes- (District Manager) 425.398.0107 ext 201, for about 2 months now.

On 11.28.2009 I brought my 2000 VW Turbo Beetle into the Mill Creek Shop.  My invoice number is 25 8 8977586 Bay 3 charges were 67.92.

My car was knocking extremely loud, I new something was terribly wrong- I explained to the gentleman working that I wasn’t sure oil- would help-

(At the point of them starting my car they should have told me to have it towed to a mechanic) Oil would not help at that point, I was told by a certified mechanic~

I explained I only had 70.00 in my bank, and I was a single mom-
The salesman conned me into an oil change told me, the noise it was making was caused by my broken dipstick, once that’s replaced and I have the most expensive oil in my car, it will be better.

I believed him.
I was charged for the signature service, and the store did not even vacuum my car very well., they said to bring it back at another time.

I tried to drive it home and the engine blew about 5 miles down the road-
It will cost me now over 4k for a used engine for my car.
If the sales man would have been honest, (Mechanic said anyone changing oil- would know your engine could not have been saved by oil when I brought it in) and told me to have it towed to a mechanic, my expenses would have been 75% less- because it wouldn’t have thrown the rod and bearings.

I don’t want this to happen to anyone else, especially in my case, where finances are so tight.
I requested to the Shop as well as the District Manager I would like a refund, this will not even come close to the damages caused, however it will make up for the fact that there was no conscious taking my last 70.00, until my next payday- leaving me flat broke.

I truly hope that Jiffy Lube will stand by there customer service and refund my money.

[1451] Paul in Florence, SC  Overfill Destroys Engine

I am from Florence South Carolina. I recently had my oil changed at the Jiffy Lube on Irby St. in Florence, S.C., in my 2004 Ford Ranger 4x4 Edge. I change it or have it changed every 2500 miles, I take really good care of it because its the newest automobile I have ever owned and I like to keep it mint and really maintained. Anyways, like I said, I had Jiffy Lube change it and was charged $32.00 for them to overfill it and mess my engine up.  An engine that only has 85000 miles on it, and has never leaked a drop of any fluid, now leaks oil from both sides of the motor, because it was overfilled. It really pisses me off, that you pay good money to have something simple done and it isn't done right and ends up costing you more freaking money.  My engine has never had a problem, has never had a leak, until now. I started noticing the burning oil smell, the day after I had the oil changed at Jiffy Lube.  It's not Jiffy Lube that Im pissed off at, but the employees that can't freaking read, or know how to read an oil stick!!!!  The overfilling of my engine oil has caused damage to my seals and now leaks oil, and it drips onto my exhaust manifolds causing a burnt oil smell.  I try and take care of something, and I paid someone else to screw it up!!!  Anyways, I won't be going back!!!

[1447] Tom in Algonquin, IL  Destroyed Engine

I took my wife’s car into Jiffy Lube in Algonquin Illinois for an oil change. They failed to put the oil filter on correctly. My god isn’t that what they do? The oil leaked out.

We had the car checked by an independent third party, who verified the filter was improperly installed.  We called Jiffy Lube and told them the problem and they offered to wash the car.  We have $2000.00 worth of engine damage.

[1446] Gail in Raleigh, NC  Destroyed Engine

My daughter had oil changed at Store 2719 (Raleigh, NC) on 11/12/09.  The very next day and 50 miles later, her engine locked/froze and left her stranded on the highway.  We had the car towed to the nearest mechanic.  The top half of the engine had to be rebuilt/replaced.  This took about 10 days (due to waiting for additional parts, etc).  So, when all was said and done, the mechanic stated that there was less than a quart of oil in the engine which caused the engine to lock up.  My daughter then says “well, I had the oil changed the day before at Jiffy Lube.”  So, off we went to Jiffy Lube and the manager filed a complaint.  Two days later, someone from corporate called and stated they would pay ½ of the bill ($2200) and there was no way they could determine the cause of the engine lock, etc.  I told them I would get advice from my attorney and let them know.  Four days later, another corporate person called and stated they were doing an investigation and would let me know something soon.  I informed the gentleman that I felt the entire $2200 should be reimbursed as there was little oil in the car, there was no oil leak and the oil was supposed to have been changed the day before by Jiffy Lube.  Therefore, I felt they were more than 50% responsible.  This was over a month ago!  I called and left a voice mail yesterday and am now awaiting a call back.  Next, I will go to small claims court as I don’t have the time or effort to keep debating and waiting.  If anyone has any advice, I welcome it.

[1440] Dimitre in San Jose, CA  Destroyed Engine

San Jose, California. Jiffy Lube Service Center #2344.
Our 1999 VW Passat was serviced on November 16th at the local Camden (San Jose) Jiffy Lube for a scheduled oil change. The vehicle was driven for approximately 15 miles, at which point all of the oil had leaked out from the vehicle, and the car wouldn’t start. The next morning the car was towed to the JL branch which previously serviced the vehicle.

Without our knowledge or consent, the District Manager personally replaced (which was believed to be the problem) the broken oil filter housing gasket. In the state of California, it is illegal to perform any service repair without the prior approval of the owner and his or her’s verbal or written consent. After the fact… we were informed of the repair on our vehicle and were told that the vehicle was ready for pick-up.

In order to make up for this inconvenience, they offered up the next oil change at no cost and replaced the gasket free of charge. We later have found through other JL branches that it is not common policy to repair vehicle parts, unless they feel directly responsible for the break in the vehicle. Other fellow employee’s confirmed that it is not in their nature to perform repairs, as they can be held liable for improper repairs (also warranty is not issued on any repairs).

Exactly after vehicle pick-up, the oil light had come on indicating that the problem was much deeper than what was originally repaired. The car was brought into a VW dealership later that week to diagnose the extent to which the engine was damaged. According to the engine tear down preformed by the VW dealership, the low oil pressure in the engine resulted in permanent damages to the engine and turbo. There was low oil pressure in the engine caused from the car being driven low on oil. After physically examining the gasket, a VW certified technician, went on record, saying that the damages on the gasket can only be explained by over tightening the oil filter so that the cooler housing begins to spin on the filter stand union causing the housing gasket to break. This is further explained by the inner tabs on the gasket, which were broken (this is only apparent when the oil filter is over-torqued causing the gasket to spin off and the inner tabs to break).

At first the District Manager took a stance, saying that due to the mileage and old age of the car, a rip in the gasket would not be covered by JL, as they didn’t feel responsible for it breaking. They have later tried offering $1000 and $1600 to cover expenses. It has been an ongoing battle with Jiffy Lube’s District Manager and Anthony Fanticola & Joann Fanticola Family LP (Owner) to try and negotiate a reasonable price for the damages caused by the gross negligence in servicing our 1999 VW Passat. We are seeking compensation equal to a comparable engine and turbo, along with any incidentals such as the diagnostics.

[1433] Victoria in Greenwood, MS  JL Stole Evidence

I am an attorney bringing a lawsuit against Shell Rapid Lube SRL in Greenwood, MS. My client, a widow, was regular customer, but engine noise started clanking after last oil change. She went home and checked oil. Saw none, brought car back.

Shell checked oil, said it was so clean she couldn't see it on the dipstick. Her car started burning smell and blew up the engine, the same day. SH525 filter. Wondering if anyone knows about it.

SRL got her a rental car, paid for it, and towed her car to a mechanic and, get this, Shell District Manager stole her oil filter!

He went to client's place of business to state that sometimes an oil filter was defective, and if she liked, he could send it in to be checked. She said no thanks, and called the shop to tell the mechanic to not let anyone get the oil filter, and the mechanic told her that SRL manager had already taken it.

The federal lawsuit has to do with obstruction of justice, removing, concealing, destroying evidence to impair its use in an official proceeding.

Has this happened to anyone else?

[1428] Mike in Largo, FL  No Oil Destroyed Engine

In February, 2009, I took my 2002 F150 to a Largo, Florida Jiffy Lube for oil change and filter.  One week later, as I was returning from a 250 mile round trip, the engine started making very loud noises and could barely be kept running.  After stopping, the engine died.  I check the dipstick and found no oil.  There were no leaks visual.  It was towed to a garage, who said the engine had been destroyed and it would be cheaper to swap for a rebuilt.  It had about 70,000 miles on it.  This was done at a cost of $3800.00.  I learned that Jiffy Lube had been saying my 5.4 liter engine required 5 quarts of oil with filter change.  My manual says 7 quarts.  I'm absolutely certain Jiffy Lube cost  me an engine, but I've no idea how I can prove it.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[1414] Youssef  Transmission Flush Gone Wrong

I went to jiffy lube to change my oil while i was there they talked me into doing a transmission flush which damaged my transmission.The transmission was all good before i took it there.I asked the dealership and they said your car dont need any transmission flush at all.
Jiffy lube are unexperienced and they dont know what they are doing,the "mechanics" were all teenagers.I wouldnt even trust them to clean my windows.A simple oil change costed me thousands of dollars!  DONT EVER GO TO JIFFY LUBE!!!

[1374] Richard in Woburn,MA  Engine Flush Destroys Engine

Took our 2003 Toyota RAV4 into the Beverly MA Jiffy Lube on July 20, 2009 for scheduled oil change. After the usual pre-lube once-over, the mechanic (and I use the term loosely) strongly recommended an engine flush.  A service he assured me was also "recommended by the manufacture for high mileage vehicles." I agreed, service was performed and off I drove $189.79 lighter.

Less than a month later, and without warning, the oil light goes on and the engine began rattling like a jackhammer. The dipstick was dry so I added 3 quarts of oil. The oil light remained on as did the rattle.

Brought the car to a local garage that promptly diagnosed the problem as now having too much oil at the bottom of the engine that either had a "clogged oil pump or worse."

In researching my suspicion of the Jiffy Lube flush and the timing of the problem, I found this web site and the related horror stories. With that information I called a reliable mechanic who was no stranger to this issue. He dropped the pan on the engine and found quarts of settled carbon the flush had stripped off the engine, filling the oil pump screen and not allowing the oil to lubricate. He cleaned out the carbon and replaced the oil.

Luckily the problem was repaired under $300. However, the flush did cause some engine damage which has reduced the vehicle's life expectancy.

I fully intend to pursue any and all legal recourse to recoup my immediate and potential future monetary loss.  Judging by the amount of similar complaints, I have no doubt a class-action suit against Jiffy Lube is in the works.

[1364] Jill in Middletown, RI  No Oil Destroys Engine

No oil in my engine after a Jiffy Lube oil change resulted in a seized motor. I went to get a routine oil change on July 19, 2009. and on Aug 17 my car seized on the road while I was driving and I can't get any help from the store manager and regional manager and there are no leaks from anywhere...NOW my motor will need to be replace for $2500....HELP CAN ANYONE TELL Where TO GO FOR help AS WELL AS A LAWYER TO GET THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM...

[1361] Darren in Baltimore, MD  Wrong Oil Filter Destroys Engine

I am writing to request that Jiffy Lube pay for all expenses required to repair my 2007 Mitsubishi Galant including rental expenses.  According to Jiffy Lube policy before performing an oil change mechanics are suppose to conduct a 14 point inspection that includes checking for any oil leaks and/or engine problems.  According to the receipt that was given to me when I left the Jiffy Lube on Hartford Rd the only recommendation on it was for tire rotation. This proves that there was no oil leakage or engine problems what so ever before I brought the car in for an oil change.  According to the Mitsubishi owner’s manual when changing the 2007 Mitsubishi Galant oil filter it should be replaced with a size 7317 oil filter the receipt from the date of service indicates that a size 6607 filter was used to replace the filter which is a smaller and less efficient oil filter. According to the engine tear down preformed by Jerry’s Mitsubishi of Joppa Rd the engine failure was caused by the engine not having any oil in it. The oil level was little to nothing because a defective aftermarket oil filter was used in my last oil change.  The tear down also revealed small metal particles in oil beneath the oil filter. (Performed by Jiffy Lube) If what the receipt reads is true and the mechanic did use Penzoil 5W30 synthetic oil for the oil change there is no way that the car should have had absolutely no oil in it. According to numerous sources and previous lawsuits, some Jiffy Lube branches have been sued for not putting any oil and all in cars that were serviced.  According to the Jiffy Lube representative the oil she put in the car should have been usable for at least 6000 miles. The report revealed that there was little to no oil in the car after diving the car for roughly 3000 miles. Rather than contacting the Better Business Bureau of Maryland and engaging Maryland State Delegate Darryl A. Kelly of the 26th district for Prince Georges County as my legal counsel, I’d like to settle out of court for  all expenses required to repair my 2007 Mitsubishi Galant including rental expenses.

[1358] Chris in Moorpark, CA  Pliers Destroys Engine

Our daughter brought her 2003 Mazda 6 with 78,000 miles on it to Jiffy Lube for an oil change three weeks ago.  They quickly completed the job and she drove on.  Five days later her check engine light came on and her motor stopped abruptly.  We had the car towed back to our house and found that the engine was completely seized and wouldn't rotate.  The dipstick showed that there was no oil in the engine.

We contacted Jiffy Lube in Moorpark, who denied responsibility, claiming that our daughter probably ran over something which struck the oil filter housing.  We towed the car to a local independent mechanic who thoroughly inspected the vehicle and found plier marks on the plastic oil filter housing and fresh oil covering the bottom of the car.  Our mechanic gave us a written estimate for $3200 to replace the engine.  We took pictures and told Jiffy Lube that we intended to pursue this in court if necessary.

The manager at Jiffy Lube contacted his corporate office and they sent out their Master Mechanic and insurance adjuster to inspect the car.  The mechanic pulled the oil filter housing off and found it empty and cracked, apparently from using pliers to remove it instead of the approved Mazda tool.  Surprisingly, he admitted responsibility and the insurance company agreed to pay for a new engine. 

A week later a new engine was installed in our daughter's car and she was back on the road.  After reading the numerous horror stories, I think we were one of the lucky ones...

Indexed by State


III. Possible Actions

Also see: http://www.jiffylubeproblems.com/Remedies.htm


  1. Add Your Experience.  We will likely add it to the following Personal Experiences of others. Show others that they are not alone.  This will also help us create a critical mass which can create appropriate changes.
     

  2. Determine whether remedies suggested by others are appropriate for your situation.  People like yourself have offered various remedies. 

    Check-out our newest addition -- Option 11. Go to Small Claims Court.  Jiffy Lube may not show up and you may get a default judgment...  Testimonial
     

  3. Tell others about this website.
     

  4. Send an email directly to Jiffy Lube. 
     

  5. Tell your legislators about Shell Oil.  If they neglect well documented problems here at Jiffy Lube, then how can they be trusted to do the right thing when they want to explore, transport and refine energy.  Shell may pay more attention if the stakes are higher...


 


IV. Noteworthy Comments From Others


[1254] Cliff  No Change Oil @ 3,000 Miles

I am employed at an independent auto repair shop, specializing in German cars.  While I don't have occasion to patronize Jiffy Lube, I do have a problem with their blanket 3,000 mile oil change recommendation.  Most modern automobiles simply do not need oil changes this often.  It's a waste of time and money, and it's also bad for the environment in that excessive waste oil is generated.  All of the new German cars have manufacturer-recommended oil change intervals of 10,000 miles or one year.  This is absolutely not a problem as long as the proper oils and filters are used.

As far as I'm concerned, Jiffy Lube (and the other quick oil change outlets) need to change their business models to reflect changing technology.

[1236] Glenn  Blog Post About Jiffy Lube

I came across your website while researching my latest blog post.  I wrote about positive and negative word of mouth and how Jiffy Lube is creating negative WOM with the tactics they use when servicing cars. 

http://www.hmtweb.com/blog/20012369/01/from-positive-to-negative-word-of-mouth.html

[971] Jason 
          A Symphony of Problems

Abstract...  Complete Experience

  • Drain Plugs
    I have seen dozens of drain plugs left finger-tight, and at least two that were tightened to where the threads stripped and the drain plug was replaced with an expandable rubber stopper. 

  • Oil Filters
    I have seen many oil filters that were left loose, and even one that had two rubber gaskets on it (which causes a HUGE leak) that ran out of oil by the time they got to our shop. 

  • Sticker
    I have seen dozens of cars that have a Jiffy Lube sticker in the window, but still have the filter that we put on 6,000 miles ago. 

  • Tire Valve Stem
    The manager from Jiffy Lube brought us a newer GM truck with the tire pressure sensor in the rim.  Somehow, somebody there managed to break the stem on the valve and they wanted us to replace it before the customer found out.  It is common on a lot of newer cars for the serpentine belt to be routed around the front engine mount.  Apparently, employees at Jiffy Lube cut the old belt off (most tensioner manufacturers warn not to do this) to save time.  They brought us a car that they cut the belt off of, and couldn't figure out how to get the new one back on because the mount needed to be removed. 

  • Replacement of Good Parts
    We have had dozens of customers (that I know of, I don't spend much time in the office with customers) who were told at their Jiffy Lube oil change that "part X" is bad and needs to be replaced immediately because it is a safety hazard.  Often times the part is fine, and sometimes it is bad, but nowhere near what should be considered a safety hazard.  Brakes are very common.  They will tell the customer that the brakes are almost gone and they need to be replaced immediately.  Some of these cars had as much as 80% remaining on the pads/shoes.

 

[932] Vinesh 
          Question the Integrity of All Work

I have gotten so much work done at Jiffy Lube – and after watching the video now, I question the integrity of every work I ever paid for. What is Jiffy Lube going to do regarding this? This is unbelievable!

[919] Employee in Wichita, KS  
          Beware of Black T-Shirts

I worked for Jiffy Lube, as a manager, for a very short time in Wichita, KS. Not only are the people they hire young and inexperienced they are very active in hiring convicts on work release while they are in jail. I cannot tell you how many of the people I managed were work release people. More than off the street folks. They hire the young, who are gullible and well do anything they are told, and they ones who have no choice in the matter but to do what they are told, these would be the convicts. They have to work and they cannot complain. As others have said they are all about the sell, whether a customer needed the service or not. The management acted as if they were the only smart people on Earth and everyone under them were idiots. To become a Jiffy Lube manager was a big event in their life. I heard managers threaten to beat up employees, fire them if they did not do what they were told and the OSHA violations were incredible. The labor board should really look into Jiffy Lube and their practices, at least here in Kansas. I could go on and on but we all do not have the time. OH BY THE WAY, any employee in a black jiffy lube T-Shirt is a new-bee. Do not let them touch your car!!! What also is funny is how many people you see wearing these t-shirts, turn over is horrendous.

[908] Dave in Portsmouth, VA 
          Don't Take Chances

I am a 46 year old engineer who has always done his own oil / filter changes.  Because I have become more and more financially stable and my friends have been telling me to stop "dirtying" my hands, I thought I would finally breakdown and start going to a Jiffy Lube.  So I googled Jiffy Lube and this very complaint website came up.  Now, after reading all of these comments for the last half an hour, I have decided I should continue to do this work for myself.   Why take the risk of putting my vehicles into the hands of potentially inexperienced or poorly motivated individuals.  I have a decent personal garage with ramps, drain pan, and tools.  I know the older ladies across the street have taken their vehicles in to a Jiffy Lube in the past.  I think they are great neighbors and perhaps I should start doing this small service for them also. 

[758] Stephen in Falls Church, VA 
          A Valuable Resource

After reading so many embarrassing, humiliating and disgusting experiences that former Jiffy Lube customers have had, I can honestly say I will NEVER take my car there. What a pity that in the extremely competitive world of auto care, a company could be so anti-consumer.  Thank you to Jiffy Lube Problems for this very valuable resource. You saved me a lot of potential headaches and needless expenses.
 

 
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