Toyota Serviced My Corolla Transmission and Used the Wrong Fluid, They Said It May Cause Issues In the Long Run, But Don’t Worry, We’re Getting It Fixed Up Right Now

We used the wrong fluid in your vehicle. 

That's what Leilani Boring (@leilanii_02) was told by the Toyota dealer when she picked up her Toyota Corolla after getting the transmission fluid changed. 

Imagine taking your Toyota Corolla to the dealer to get the transmission serviced. You want to keep the car running well so you get all the recommended services. Your car has 60,000 miles, and it's time for a transmission fluid change. 

You bought the car with your own money, and you can't afford to have it break down. When the Toyota service department tells you your vehicle is done, you get a ride and pick up her car after completing the work.

However, you get a call when you leave to pick it up. The service advisor tells you they need to keep your car longer. You can't believe what the advisor tells you. 

Here is Leilani's story of how the Toyota dealer put the wrong fluid in her transmission. 

Leilani says, "I went to Toyota to have my transmission fluid changed or replaced. Whatever they do with transmission fluid. I'm just a girl. I don't know what they do." 

"But what I did know was wrong is that they called me and said, Miss Boring, your car is ready to be picked up. And, I was like, ok, can y'all send me an Uber?" 

"I don't have my car with me, obviously, so I need a ride to go pick up my car. They were like, yeah, they would send me an Uber. My Uber was here, and they sent me a text. They said, hey, Miss Boring, please head to the curb or whatever." 

"So, I go to the Uber at the curb, and as I'm walking to the car, I get a call from the dealership. So, I answer it, and they're like, hey, Miss Boring, just a heads up. We used the wrong transmission fluid in your vehicle."

"I was like, I don't know much about cars, but transmissions seem very pricey to make mistakes. And they said, " No worries, we are getting it fixed up right now." 

"And I asked if that was going to cause any transmission issues. And they're like, It might in the long run, but don't worry, we are fixing it right now." 

"Should I be worried, y'all? I'm just a girl. I don't even know what the transmission does, but it sounds important. Is my car going to blow up?"

What should Leilani do next?

Toyota recommends that the Corolla automatic transmission fluid be changed every 60,000 miles, which she has done. Changing the transmission fluid regularly can help ensure that the Corolla's transmission system performs optimally and lasts longer. 

Through no fault of her own, the Toyota dealer used the wrong transmission fluid in her Corolla. Should she be worried?

In Leilani's case, the dealer realized they made a mistake and immediately drained the wrong fluid they put in and installed the correct fluid. They should have used a transmission flush to ensure they removed the incorrect fluid. However, we don't know if they did this.

AAMCO says, "A transmission flush is where all of the old fluid from your transmission is removed via a cooler line flush machine or pump inlet flush machine. Once all of the old fluid has been removed, entirely new transmission fluid is added. In the situation where you have put the wrong transmission fluid into your car, a transmission flush is going to be a better option than a transmission change."

The Toyota service department warned Leilani that she could potentially face problems with her transmission due to their mistake, underscoring the importance of caution in such situations. 

What should Leilani do now?

Since the dealer did not tell her they flushed the transmission before installing the correct fluid, she could have issues with her Corolla's transmission. Since they caught it immediately, it will likely be ok. 

However, Leilani, taking a proactive approach, should obtain written documentation from the Toyota dealer's service department stating that they installed the wrong fluid. This will ensure she has a recourse if problems arise later. 

Edmunds says there are key steps to take if a dealer is at fault when fixing your car. 

• Document everything: Keep detailed records of all communication with the dealership, including dates, times, names of people you spoke with, and the specific issues you are experiencing with your car. 
• Get a second opinion: Take your car to another reputable mechanic for a written report detailing the damage and confirming the dealer's fault. 
• Contact the dealership: Clearly explain the problem to the service manager and request a reasonable solution, such as a full repair, replacement parts, or a refund. 
• Escalate to the dealership management: If the service manager is not responsive, speak to a higher-level manager at the dealership. 
• File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB): Report the issue to the BBB and provide all relevant documentation. 
• Contact your state's consumer protection agency: Many states have consumer protection agencies that handle complaints against car dealerships. 
• Consult with an attorney: If the issue is complex or the dealership is not cooperating, consider speaking with a lawyer specializing in consumer protection to discuss your legal options. 

Conclusion.

The Toyota service tech made a mistake, which can happen, and the service technician caught the error in time before Leilani drove her Corolla. She may not have problems, but she needs to take measures to ensure she is not liable to pay for a new transmission if there are problems. 

Have you had a dealer make a mistake on your vehicle when making repairs or doing a routine service? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Read my report here on Toyota's damaged reputation. Toyota is Desperately Trying to Stop Their Brand Image From Taking a Straight Dumpster Dive.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Toyota dealer