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9/13/2023
MERCED VOLKSWAGEN KIA HYUNDAI
ATTN: RYAN MELGOSA, SERVICE MANAGER
1530 W. MAIN ST.
MERCED CA [protected]
RE: CUSTOMER COMPLAINT - OIL FILLER CAP LEFT OFF FROM VEHICLE SERVICE
PHONE - 209.384.2000 | 800.833.0325 | SERVICE HOURS - MON-FRI 7:45A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
B.A.R. REG. #ARD195932 EPA#CAL000147186
Dear Service Manager,
My name is Karla Moreno. Yesterday (9/12/2023) I took my Kia Sorento 2019 for a regular engine oil and transmission oil change to your dealership. My appointment was at 9:30am. I arrived there at 9:21 a.m. where Mr. Johnny Avila helped check-in my car and gave me the service “estimate” papers.
After waiting for three and a half hours I decided to check on my car. I saw my car parked outside. I went back to the office where you drop off and pick up your car. Mr. Avila helped me again and another advisor took me to the cashier. We reviewed that everything was OK per the technician according to the KIA multipoint inspection checklist. I paid $380.14 and left.
I arrived back home around 2:28 pm and parked my car on the driveway. Around 4:05 p.m. when I was leaving to take my kids to their Karate lessons my son went out to the car and told me about a burning smell. I went to check on it. I didn’t find anything immediately, but my son found oil on the driveway under the car.
This was strange since I just got back from the car being serviced. Oil was still spilling and dripping on the ground. I opened the hood and found oil everywhere - like an oil explosion in the engine compartment. I noticed that the oil filler cap was missing and realized the dealership service department neglected to replace it after the service. The service technician must have left the engine oil filler cap off. We checked the engine dip stick and there was not any oil indication showing oil in the crankcase. That was concerning.
I called the KIA Merced dealership service department immediately and was very upset. I got in contact with Mr. Avila around 4:10 p.m. and explained to him what happened - that I had taken the car home (without the oil cap) approximately 45 miles away. Mr. Avila gave me his personal phone number and told me to send him photos of the engine compartment. I sent him pictures around 4:11p.m. and he told me he would call me back. After a while of not hearing anything back I was concerned so tried calling him several times. I tried to reach the service manager but I was connected again with Mr. Avila.
Mr. Avila offered to send a mechanic early this morning to our home to: 1) replace the engine oil cap, 2) check on and replace the missing oil, 3) thoroughly wash the car, and 4) take the car for an engine car wash. Don’t think this vehicle work should be done at our home but the driveway should be cleaned.
After further thought, we decided to call early this morning and ask to speak with a manager. What we’re requesting to remedy the situation –
1. Have the incident and the remedy put in writing
2. Clean the oil off the driveway
3. Have the dealer to tow the car back to the Merced dealership to do the service work there
4. Scan the engine and transmission for any possible damage, as well as any future or negative consequences resulting from running the car without oil
5. Have the dealership take full responsibility for all future engine/transmission consequences to the car related to the car being driven without oil (full responsibility for me means i wont be financially responsible. dealership will have to be financially responsible for engine repairs fees, parts, labor or any resulting fee) we are not sure if this will lead to a engine failure if engine needs to be replaced we do not want to be financially responsible
6. If the engine of my KIA SORENTO has problems that cannot be correctly resolved by a certified KIA dealer and this affects the transmission and correct operation, i would like my vehicle exchanged for another vehicle of the same model that is in excellent condition as mine was, whether new or used. I paid for my car this year with a lot of financial effort ahead of time and it is unfair that I had to have another car debt due to this tremendous mistake. I don't want car debt since you know that the interest is through the sky. I financed my car more than 4 years ago at 0% interest, and since January or February I paid it off with a lot of sacrifice. I have all the necessary documents to verify all of this that I am saying.
This car is essential for transportation for our family. We depend on it and intentionally keep it in great working condition. This was an unfortunate mistake by the service department and we just want it corrected in a satisfactory fashion. We have been customers since 2018 and I have all my service receipts and photos if needed.
Please let us know our next steps to resolve the situation.
Thank you,
KARLA MORENO BARRETO
[protected]
[protected]@gmail.com
JOSE MORENO GARCIA
[protected]
[protected]@hotmail.com
I don't want to pay anything out of pocket due to this mistake, if my car engine is damaged due to this i don't want to pay for parts, labor or any other resulting fee related for this issue. if this cannot be resolved satisfactorily we want a new or used car same year , same conditions like it was i don't want any car debts.
