Oil pan and drain plug...How often do these need to be replaced? (vehicle, gasket)

[sideman]

My daughter took her vehicle, a 2004 Toyota Highlander, in for an oil change on Monday. She expected it to be a 20 minute process so of course got anxious when it took over an hour. She called me and I went in to ask what was going on. Apparently the threads were stripped on the pan and they couldn't replace the plug. The owner of the shop took me back and showed me the stripped threads. Of course I asked how this had happened. He said that it had been stripped over the years and finally would not secure the plug without leaking. Now this is my wife's old vehicle and we religiously changed out the oil every 3000 miles (half at the dealership and half at this shop). The vehicle has over 170k miles on it and in overall good shape. The owner tells me that this stripping is not unusual when you have an aluminum pan and a steel drain plug. He took no responsibility for the problem but did fix it at a cost of ~$500.

My question is: Is this common? Is the guy just pulling my leg here to avoid responsibility? I have a fleet of eight cars in my business that I let them service all the time and I want to stay on good terms with them since they've been honest up to this point. What do you think?

[Nodpete]

I think you were ripped off ! They make replacement drain plugs that will cut new threads in the pan. If the car wasn't leaking oil before you brought it in, then they stripped it.

[topher5150]

Aluminum oil pan????

[WyoNewk]

I've been driving for 50 years and have never had that problem. To be honest, I've only had one car that I put that many miles on, but it sounds odd to me. 170K/3K=56 changes. If Toyota can't make a drain plug/pan to last longer than that, something is wrong.

[cignalife]

I have a 2003 Toyota Highlander that had the same problem that was repaired last year, though it cost me about half of what they are charging you (Fletcher's Auto).

Apparently, this is normal wear and tear that can be exacerbated by careless oil changes.

[Teckeeee]

On my 96 corolla I only replaced the drain plug once about 2 years ago and never changed the pan on either engine or trans or have them taken out and cleaned and I have 212k runs like new.
You can buy an aftermarket plug of $7 at autozone.

[ghostrider7811]

Originally Posted by cignalife

I have a 2003 Toyota Highlander that had the same problem that was repaired last year, though it cost me about half of what they are charging you (Fletcher's Auto).

Apparently, this is normal wear and tear that can be exacerbated by careless oil changes.

This very common. Alloy pans, steel plug, quick lube/oil techs in a hurry and scared of leaks.
Not just a Toyota Issue.

[ghostrider7811]

Someone above did talk of a Fix It Kit. They cut a slightly larger hole, and a new plug.
Works well, many shops have this kit.

[brian571]

Originally Posted by topher5150

Aluminum oil pan????

I've never had to replace a pan (a pan gasket, yes) and have kept multiple cars past 200k miles. It sounds like someone (likely them if they do the oil every time) cross threaded the drain plug and are trying to pass it off on you. Regardless, there's no way this should be a $500 job. The pan is available online for $65, the pan gasket less than $10, and a new drain plug around $5. It's an easy job. Absolutely no more than an hour of labor. I hate to say it, but you were taken.

[00molavi]

It is not common. It is a problem from previous oil changes, when they tighten the drain plug too much. If I ever change my oil at a shop, the drain plug and the filter are always put back in way too tight. If done properly, the pan and plug would outlast the rest of the car. Another reason I do my oil changes.
The fix kit is an option, but honestly, if the same shop has done the previous oil changes, they have to own up to it and fix it for free or parts only cost.