Location: Portland, Oregon.
I got an oil change on April 19. The tech said I had a “little bit” of an oil leak before service, but the invoice afterward said “severe.” They also claimed my skid plate was already loose, but during the service they spilled oil everywhere, making it impossible for me to tell what was leaking.
About 10 minutes after leaving, my skid plate came loose, damaged the underbody, and oil was dripping in my driveway. I called the shop immediately. The tech admitted they spilled oil while filling it and told me to drive it back, but I was closer to home and the car sounded unsafe.
The company delayed my complaint for 48 hours because of an optional field, then missed four inspection appointments over two weeks. When a tech finally came on May 1, he used a jack too small to reach the proper lift point, didn’t use jack stands, lifted only one side, and dropped my car at full speed.
They promised a report but never sent it. DOJ mediation started, and only then did they agree to tow the car to a dealership. The dealership confirmed heavy oil contamination and underbody damage.
I had no car for 79 days, lost my job, and my family had to take the bus to my father’s cancer‑related appointments.
The company is refusing to pay the $210 diagnostic. The dealership says my car is ready tomorrow, but I can’t afford towing or bus fare, and I’m worried driving it home could hurt my case.
Questions:
Can I wait for the DOJ mediator to get back to me with the company's response before picking up the car?
Is “loss of use” reasonable to ask for, even without rental receipts and other out of pocket expenses?
Does job loss and medical hardship count toward damages?