What's Wrong At Jiffy Lube?

[25] Corvallis, OR:  Employee

I currently work for jiffy lube in Corvallis. Oregon. The thing I don’t understand is the double standards this place has. #1 I am supposed to do what is right by the customer, but at the same time, they threaten my job because I can’t make $70+ per car for the month. I think these places need to do more advertising, have better services, better warranties. But most of all I think they NEED BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE.

[24] Mike in Raleigh, NC:  Engine

[Parts of the following e-mail have been omitted because of the length.]  I have come to a brick wall and I'm not sure where to go from here.  On Tuesday, February 15, 2005, I took my car to Jiffy Lube on Glenwood Avenue for a routine oil change.  The mechanics some how over-filled my engine with oil and it locked up my car from starting.  The store supervisor asked me where I would like my car to be taken for repair.  I told him I wanted it taken to the dealer, Capital Ford.  He gave me the number for Ryan R. at Jiffy Lube's customer service.  He said that he would be contacting me.  Ryan could be reached at (919) 828-9511, x300.

My mother picked me up from Jiffy Lube and we went to Capital Ford to let them know to expect my car.  Capital Ford said that they had worked with Jiffy Lube before.  They also said that if I needed a new engine, they could provide one with a 3 year warranty.

Later that afternoon, I finally called Ryan myself because I had not heard from him yet. ... A few more hours went by and I called Ryan two times and left voicemails each time.  I finally called Capital Ford myself and was told that my car was their and they would be taking a look at it and would call me and let me know what was going on.  I finally received a call back from Ryan who confirmed my car had been taken to the dealer.  He also gave me the phone number and reservation information for Enterprise Rentals.  ...

On Friday, February 25, 2005, I finally received a call from Ryan.  He stated that Ford confirmed that my car would need a new engine.  ...  I received the fax at about 3pm.  It is basically a short paragraph on letterhead that states they warranty the engine through June 30, 2006 or 75,000 miles.  It also states that I am required to obtain authorization prior to beginning repairs by any mechanic of my own choosing. ...

I wish Ford would service a refurbished engine, but they will not and I cannot do anything about that.  Jiffy Lube should just accept this as their "luck of the draw” and should have thought about that before they started working on my car to begin with.  I do not feel comfortable accepting a Jiffy Lube warranty.  The original warranty on my engine belongs to Ford, and so should the replacement.  Only then, will Jiffy Lube truly be restoring my car to its original condition.

I feel like Jiffy Lube is trying to take advantage of me and wants to get this done the cheapest way possible.  I am afraid that I if I do not agree to their warranty quickly, then they will stop paying for my rental car.  I feel that my request for a Ford engine is well within reason and should be honored.  Ryan stated they were liable for returning my car to its original condition.  To me, that would include providing an engine with a Ford warranty.

I am seeking anyone who can help me get this resolved.  I am available by phone every day and evening at (919) 272-8358.   I really appreciate anyone taking the time to help!

[22] Rob near Camp Pendleton, CA:  Transmission
 
My experience with Jiffy Lube costed me $1,500 once and then $1,500 again because they added the wrong transmission fluid into my transmission. I was in the military (USMC) and was about to come home to IL and MO, after finishing my 4 years of Honorable service. I decided to have my trans. fluid and filter changed at Jiffy Lube. On my way home for some reason my transmission started acting up and eventually, went out and I had to have it towed the rest of the way home. I had never had any problems with the trans. until then.  I know that sometimes a trans. will go out but I thought it was a little co-incidental that right after I had that work done to it that would happen. The first $1,500 was to fix rebuild the trans. and the second $1,500 was because the trans. went out again. Some might say that the second $1,500 isnt Jiffy Lube’s fault but if had been done right the first time then I wouldn’t of had to do any of it. The service was done in California, some town or city next to Camp Pendleton.

[21] Scott in Overland Park, KS: Language
 
I have taken some time since my visit to collect my thoughts so as not to explode in my reaction towards the service that I received.  My visit took place on a Sunday morning as I was driving with my 6 month old and 3 yr old back from breakfast.  I noticed the temperature guage was all the way hot and was concerned and decided to stop at your store because this was my wifes car and I wanted her to be safe with the kids.  I pulled up to the garage where I turned off the car (very cold outside) and waited for the temp guage to go down a bit.  I noticed several mechanics inside and saw them looking at me, no one offered to come assist me.  I went inside with my kids and I could hear the mechanics making fun of the previous customer.  Still no one came to assist.  Finally I knocked on the door and someone came out and asked what I needed.  I explained that my wife's car seemed to be overheating, and the mechanic asked how much I wanted to spend!!!  WHAT?!#@  They took my car into the garage and asked me to sit and wait.  The returned less that 3 minutes later and said that my fluids were low, the radiator needed to be flushed and that I should replace the serpentine belt.  With a screaming baby, and an impatient 3 yr old, I felt pressured to get the work done and agreed.  While waiting, I could overhear the mechanics in the garage talking about the various sexual positions they enjoy, and then I overheard something that absolutely blew me away.  In my wifes car, there is a picture of her with the kids.  One of the mechanics quite loudly said to another, "Wow....this is a Mom I'd love to bend over."

This is totally rude, and quite frankly, I now fear for the safety of my wife in her vehicle as these dirty men knew my address and the make and model of my wifes car.  I hope that this letter reaches the CEO of your organization and that these offenders are all apprehended.  I want all of my money back from this transaction and want assurance via e-mail or phone call from someone guaranteeing that this behavior goes against all corporate integrity policies.  I am disgusted and embarressed with/for you, that you have personell that feel it necessary to be as filthy as the ones in the stated location.

RE: Jiffy Lube #578 , Heartland Automotive Services, 7000 W. 95th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212

[update] I just received notice that Jiffy Lube will not pay or be responsible for any problems Midas reported.  In fact, their vice-president Bryan Scarlasky said that even though I had taken my car to Jiffy Lube ($40 oil job) 4 days before my car was diagnosed without oil and I had multiple problems as a result of driving without oil; he didn't care and he was rude to me as well. So now $3000.00 later and still without my car I'm looking into a lawsuit, civil suit or reporting Jiffy Lube to the Better Business Complaint Bureau.

[19] Kent & Tammy in Eagan, MN:  Unneeded Parts
 
Just this past week [Dec 27 04] my son that lives in Eagan Minn. now, took his car to a Jiffy Lube to get a {oil change only}  which he thought was going to cost him around $23.00 when they finished and told him it was $55.00 he was shocked they told him he needed other things replaced like a $12.00 radiator cap. Come On that's a bunch of bull and they didn't even ask him if he wanted these things fixed they just did it. There isn't much I can do for him because we live in Southeast Iowa but I swear they will be seeing me next time I go up there to visit him. Thanks for the outlet hope it helps you fuel the flame.

[18] Peter in Long Beach, CA:  Check Engine
 
On November 20, 2004(Saturday), I stopped at nearest Jiffy Lube #2688, 4155 Long Beach, CA 90807 at 3:23 pm to have my Oil Change done.  Also, I received a $7 discount on oil change. There was nothing wrong with the car except it was time to have oil change.  When it was time to leave (after approx 45 mins) the place, I notice that the "Check Engine Light" was on, and I know this was not on when I took it in.  I told the  Assistant Manager (DJ) that I was not going to leave until they figure out why this happen.  They (DJ and a Mechanic) could not figure out what happen; I inform  DJ that I was not going to leave till they write something on my bill stating the problem. Also, I inform them that I will now need to take it to the Dealership on Monday (Nov 22) to have them "Reset"; and that if I have to pay anything out of my pocket to have it reset, I am coming back to them for "Reimbursement".   I left the Jiffy Lube and there were jerking motion and a few back firing when driving, which was pissing me off.  On Sunday, I just happen to open the hood and notice that the something was not connect (I am not a Auto Mechanic) but I cannot believe the Jiffy Lube Mechanics did not catch this, so I clip the Sensor (??) to the Air Filter, and guest what no problem with back firing or jerking motion but only that the check engine light was still on.  That Monday, took the car to dealership to have check engine light reset, it cost me $45.00.

I contact Jiffy lube and inform them that I need reimbursement, and they only stated I need to talk to Manager.  I contact Jiffy lube on 23Nov and left a voice mail for the Manager to contact me and waited patiently, he never contact me. I finally got a hold of him on 29Nov04 by phone and he wanted to know what the codes were that the dealership found.  I had to wait 3 days before the Service Advisor gave me a call back with the codes, which has to do with the Mass Air Flow Sensor. I have this feeling that I am going to have to eat this $45.00.

My suggestion to all who reads this, you are taking a chance with using Jiffy Lube because by the look at all the problem with Jiffy Lube, they don't seem to know what they are doing.  "IT WAS ONLY A OIL CHANGE", HOW HARD IS THIS?  A problem here and there..

Also, they need to change their Commercial AD too "If you Lube it at Jiffy it not our Fault".

Now I am going to take my car back to this same place in San Pedro, CA, which I normally (usually take 20 min and they also do a complete check on everything - free of charge) take the car and van for oil change but was looking for some place closer to when I live now, Long Beach, CA.  .

[17] Tom:  Wiper Blades
 
I always check my car prior to taking it to be inspected. Yesterday I did the same, The attendent came out to greet me while another person sat in the door way with her dog. He told me there were two inspections ahead of me. I said OK  He turned around mumbling and walked away. About 45 mins. later he ask me to move my vehical around to the back line. I did. He did the inspection, then told me I needed new wiper blades. Not because they were dryrotted or missing,but because they would leave stricks. I had been there so long already I told him to go ahead and replace them. When he told me how much I was shocked ( $62.20 ). Then when I gave him the money he acted very strange and had a hard time counting me the correct change. Please tell me whats wrong with this.

[16] Lad in Trenton, NJ:  Pricing
 
I took my car to a Jiffy Lube on Lexinton Ave in Trenton for just an oil change. As I was sitting in the waiting room I noticed that there was no price board for services posted anywhere. One of the service guys walked in and told me that my rear third lite was out and they could change it for 9.99. Although the price was kind of steep, I agreed to let them do it. When the car was finally done, the bill came to $55.00. As I looked closely, they charged me 31.95 for the oil change, which I thought was way more than other local places. If I knew that going in I would have gone somewhere else, but I was charged twice for the bulb change. When I questioned that item, the manager told me that there were two bulbs in the same socket, so they charged me twice. What a rip-off. Goddbye forever Jiffy lube. Next time I will go to my local garage.

[15] Scott in Worcester, MA:  Theft
 
On two occasions, I've had Jiffy Lube employees steal money from my car, including from the glove compartment (which should never be opened by a Jiffy Lube employee).  They also told me that my PCV valve desperately needed replacing; however, it was replaced at the dealership (for about 1/3 the cost) 3 months earlier.

Full details are at http://www.rscott.org/jiffylube.htm .

[14] Aspen in Portland, OR:  Transmission
 
On Sunday November 14, 2004  @3:15pm  ,My husband Rick Heard went to Jiffy Lube  521 NE 181st , Portland Or.store #2527.and got a basic Lube and Oil.. Cost was 42.98 total. On Monday morning Nov, 15,2004 I get ready to take a trip to Sacramento Ca.  I was driving around the Eugene area on I5 when my transmission started to slip and my RPMs would reeve up..so I knew something was wrong.. I pulled into a Mechanical shop to have someone look at it.. At that time 1:30pm approx. the mechanic discovered I was  low 3 quarts of transmission fluid. I had him check for leaks and he couldnt find any..He put 3 quarts back in and I turned my car around and drove back to my home in Fairview ,Or. I knew my car was not right. Tuesday Nov 16th 2004 I drove my car to AAMCO  18130 SE Division St, Portland,Or 97236, and they told me that my by driving my car that many miles low on trasmission fluild would certainly ruin my transmission and that it needs to now be rebuilt. I called Jiffy Lube immediatly and they say they are at no fault. Rocky the management<from what I was told> asked me to drive my car over to Jiffy Lube so he can investigate. I drove there on Monday Nov22nd 2004 and Rocky got under car and says he sees nothing wrong, I should go back on what the mechanics have all told me.. I called 4 randomly and then AAMCO and Napa Autocare told me that most likely what has happened was that the Lube Worker that day must have accidently pulled the plug to drain oil but instead drained the 2-3quarts of my transmisson oil by mistake , then proceeded to change our oil.  Im sure he  Meant to add transmission back But forgot in his busy schedule. But on my reciept it states Rick left that shop with a full amount of transmission fluid. Now Rocky is dening to fix our transmission and says he cannot say where the Transmission fluid went.. When he got under my car he stated that he could tell that our transmission plug had not been pulled , But my question is.. If I drove 400 miles after it was pulled would it not be dirty and full of road grim.. It makes no sense to me and this is why I need someone else to hopefully listen to my case,, I have tried over and over very nicely to ask for their help.. They are refusing..I do have paperwork from Sutherland,OR shop stating what they found that day, I have Jeff from AAMCO who states he will back me up in court..and Im sure I could get more if needed. 

[12] Wayne in Indianapolis, IN:  Oil Filter
 
I took my daughters car (a 2000 Chevy Cavalier) into the jiffy lube at 9460 E Washington Street in Indianapolis Indiana to get the oil changed on Saturday, 20 November 2004. The manager said he wouldn't allow the attendant to change the filter because the wrong filter had been installed and they didn't want to risk trying to get it off. They said the car had a fram filter on it and that they "don't install Fram filters", therefore I must have taken it somewhere else (Wal-Mart was suggested). I told the gentleman that I did not take it to Wal-Mart or anywhere else. Jiffy Lube was the last to change the oil, therefore the Fram filter must have been on the car when I bought it (in June, 2004). They changed the oil on 30 July 2004 according to their computer but didn't change the filter. They didn't tell me on the 30th of July that the filter was wrong. Instead they changed the oil and left the old filter on, charging me for a filter that wasn't installed. The upshot of this unfortunate episode is that now I have to leave it at the dealer's (Blossom Chevrolet also in Indianapolis) and try to get an answer. The bottom line here is that if Jiffy Lube had been HONEST on July 30th this dilemma would have been resolved long ago and I would have respected their professionalism. As it happens, they come off like con men and liars and very unprofessional.

[11] David:  Unneeded Parts
 
Sir, on 18th October 2004, I sent my 16 year old daughter to get an oil change and filter at Jiffy Lube #449.  They sold my daughter an air filter and PCV valve which her new car did not need.  I called Jiffy Lube # 449, and requested to speak to the manager, the person on the other end of the phone identified himself as the manager.  When i explained my problem he said " I would have to come back later and talk to the manager", when I said you told me you were the manager he began to use obscene language.  He eventually agreed to put the old parts back into my daughter's car even though he said they have been broken.  At that I let the matter drop.  What should have been a 45 dollar job, cost me $73.34.  I find this very unprofessional.

[10] Bill in Rockville, MD:  Oil Filter
 
A few days after my last trip to Jiffy Lube, I received a very pleasant phone call asking all about my satisfaction with Jiffy Lube ... My responses to all the questions were very positive.  However, I just returned from my local Jiffy Lube #719 this morning where I was denied service because they were out of Oil Filters for 4-cyclinder autos ...  I was also told that they would not have any in stock for the next 2 days ...

Come on now - this is the Washington DC metropolitan area - I'll bet there are thousands of Oil Filters to fit 4-cyclinder autos within a mile of this particular service center ...  Are they going to turn away all customers with 4-cyclinder engines for the next two days ?   If so, how many will ever return for another wave off ...  ???

I'd like to know if this is standard Jiffy Lube policy or just a few lazy individuals with no imagination on how to keep the "Well Oiled Machine" running rolling ...

[9] Ted in Pasadena, CA:  Transmission
 
I took my 1996 Ford Ranger into the Jiffy lube on Hill Street in Pasadena, California for the Signature Service and was told that my transmission oil needed to be replaced.  Since I had over 100,000 miles on the truck, I decided to have them do it.  After leaving the site, I noticed that there was an awful banging coming from the drive train when the gears would change.  A few days later I returned to see if they had put the right fluid in, which I was told by a reliable source that could cause this problem.  The attendant told me that the fluid they put in was correct for my vehicle.  I also checked the level of fluid as imprinted on the dip stick, to find that the fluid was far above the mark.  The attendant at Jiffy Lube saw the same thing and told me to get into the truck and rev the engine while he checked the level.  Now it appeared to be at the right level, as he noted.  I forgot to mention to him that it is clearly engraved on the dip stick to "Check at idle".

Nothing was resolved and I continued to hear the banging.   About a month later, I was in Palm Springs and decided to have a transmission repair person look at it.  He showed me deposits in the pan that he said were forced through the transmission by the system that Jiffy Lube uses.  I had him pull the pan and change the fluid and insure the filter was clean.  He did so and the situation got better.  Now the banging only occurs when the transmission changes from first to second and between the top two gears.

I checked with another transmission shop in Glendale who told me that the transmission solenoids needed to be replaced.  When I asked him if it would be a good idea to have Jiffy Lube change the oil, he laughed and told me to do that if I wanted to replace the transmission sooner.  He, also, told me that their system of replacing the fluid forces any deposits up onto those solenoid causing them to no work properly.

I returned to the Pasadena Jiffy Lube to see what the manager would say.  As expected, he denied any responsibility.  Now I am stuck with a transmission in a truck that I have to use in my work covering a huge area of Los Angeles Metro. 

I was told that it would cost me $1600 to overhaul my transmission.  Good luck.

[8] Karl:  Lights
 
Our last visit to Jiffy Lube for an oil change was the only event preceding a blinker-light and brake-light malfunction on our car.  When we returned to Jiffy Lube to see if they could fix the problem they caused, they did not seem to care, and they did not accept responsibility.  A sad attempt to check for any shorts was followed by a recommendation that we look through the car owner’s manual.  They did not offer to look at the problem again when we printed off the online manual, and they did not offer to reimburse us for the cost of fixing it at the dealership.  The bill that we had to pay for the damage that Jiffy Lube caused to our blinker and brake lights was over $200!

[6] David in Wilton, NY:  Radiator
 
Recently we returned from a vacation about 4 hours from our home. Before going, my wife decided to get an oil change at a local Jiffy Lube. They talked her into flushing the radiator.

We made it to our vacation destination, but on one of our day trips, the car overheated. We stopped at a local service station and they checked the coolant, and it was basically empty. They figured Jiffy Lube didn't fill it completely, probably due to a "bubble" indicating the system was filled when it wasn't. They filled the system and recommended that we drop the car off the next morning for a pressure check.

I did drop the car off the next morning, everything working fine. The mechanic and I discussed the situation over the open engine compartment. He said he thought it just hadn't been filled and that a pressure check wasn't warranted, since there was no obvious leak. As he was saying this, he looked at the hose coming from the top of the radiator and noticed 2 things:

1. There was coolant below the hose connection on the exterior of the radiator, and

2. About an inch from the edge of the hose there was a compressed mark of where the clamp had originally been attached, and the current clamp was attached at the VERY end of the hose by the radiator. Upon removal of the hose/clamp, it was noticed that instead of a 1.5-2" tube coming off the radiator (upon which the hose is clamped), there was the jagged remains of about 1/4" of tube. This is where the coolant was escaping during operation.

The radiator needed to be replaced (1991 Volvo turbo wagon). Cost $350.

Apparently, it seems possible or likely that either Jiffy Lube broke the radiator or it was damaged and they made it worse. Regardless, if they knew about it, they didn't tell me and sent me off on vacation with a coolant system that was doomed to failure.

Sean, their service manager that I spoke to, insists that they don't remove any hoses during flushing, and that it's all done with a pressure system removing only the cap of the radiator. He says that flushing removes dirt which probably blocked the leak at the broken hose connection. He couldn't explain how the clamp got moved from the original spot to the very edge of the hose.

I don't know for certain what happened but I know I will NOT go to Jiffy Lube again due to this situation and due to all the warnings that mechanics and other customers have given.

[5] Shelia in Garland, TX:  Ignition
 
On July 2, 2004, I stopped at the Jiffy Lube at LBJ/Northwest Highway in Garland, Texas at approximately 3:30 PM to have my car inspected per state requirement(2000 Mitsubishi Galante).  My car was in perfect running condition with no problems.  An hour later, I was having my car towed to the Mitsubishi dealership because it would not start.  Five days and $450 dollars later, I got my car back.  The ignition sensor needed to be replaced, which was obviously tampered with by the "mechanics" at Jiffy Lube.  I sent a letter along with my bills to Ed Martin at Lone Star Lubrications in Plano, TX and received a reply (along with his resume) that Jiffy Lube was not responsible for the damage or repairs to my car.

To date, I have made no further attempts to gain reimbrusement from Jiffy Lube, but plan to sue in Small Claims Court.  I would be happy to be part of a Class Action Suit, if you choose to pursue that course of action.

[4] Rob in CA:  Remedy
 
Is there a website for those of us in California?  I can't begin to tell you what happened to me.  I am going full bore on this.  I don't care if I have to outspend my costs, it is time to shut the doors of these fools.  Please email information back about anything you have for Southern California.

[3] TR:  Pricing
 
I was charged over eighty dollars for a forty dollar oil change and even that was not completed as promised, for example the chassis lube was not completed as a multitude of other checks as specified in the contract. I feel that I should be reimbursed at least fifty dollars as I had to complete the service myself.

[2] Tom:  Transmission
 
My problem with Jiffy Lube is a transmission failure 84.5 miles after having my vehicle serviced by Jiffy Lube. My "story" with Jiffy Lube is continuing to grow. I am currently at the "Ed Martin" level. I don't think I am going to continue wasting my time trying to resolve this problem at the lowest level and continue up the corporate ladder. The bottom line is I am looking at a law suit with Jiffy Lube in the very near future. When I have come to a satisfactory resolution I will share my entire story with the BBB, applicable internet sites and any one who will listen. They pay top $ to advertise their services... I'll do it for free (if I am not prohibited by a nondisclosure agreement or court order).

[1] Aura in Orlando, FL:  Drugs
 
Suggestions for improvement, I was at a jiffy lube in Orlando,S - 6020 S Orange Blossom Trl. Really didn't like the way the manger treated me. I Think you need to test him for drugs, Believe he using them.(red eyes) and talking to a  pergnet  lady about a employee that works with him,in front of customers. not good management 

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