Dealership May Have Miscalculated Engine Replacement Cost for Woman, Charging excessively $40,000
In a concerning incident reported by WSB-TV, Jacquelyn Gamble, a car owner, experienced a catastrophic engine failure in her 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. The incident raises questions about the importance of proper car maintenance, particularly when it comes to oil changes.
The story unfolds when Gamble took her vehicle to Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead for an oil change. Weeks later, the vehicle started making loud knocking noises and eventually stopped working altogether. Upon inspection, the dealership discovered a large hole in the bottom of the engine, with the lower part of the engine block having imploded.
The cause of the engine failure remains unknown, but two other mechanics have suggested that the vehicle may not have had enough oil or any oil at all during the oil change. Being low on oil could potentially be the cause, but it's hard to prove after the fact.
The cost quoted for a replacement engine was nearly $40,000, almost as much as a brand-new GLA. However, a third-party warranty agreed to pay roughly $15,000 for a used replacement engine.
Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead provided Gamble with a loaner car after she spent more than $2,000 on a rental car. The dealership is reportedly still investigating the issue.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of not having enough oil during an oil change. Many people choose to do their own oil changes to avoid such incidents, but it's crucial to ensure that the process is carried out correctly to prevent catastrophic engine failures.
It's also worth noting that Hyundai, in a separate report, has stated that they will not replace a car's engine because the owner didn't keep oil change receipts. This underscores the importance of maintaining proper records of car maintenance.
In conclusion, the incident involving Jacquelyn Gamble's Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 serves as a reminder to all car owners to prioritise regular and proper car maintenance, particularly oil changes, to prevent costly and potentially dangerous engine failures.
