Fram Filter Recall + Blown engine

[JamesfromDFW]

Went and got an Oil change like I always do from Wal-mart and left to go back to my apartment complex, where the parking lot is on a slope. The next day went to use the car and noticed oil trail running down the drive. So I took it back. 2 days later I drove the car over 120 miles without oil in the engine (tho this time I didn't see any oil leakage). It wasn't until i tried restarting the car (after taking my girl shopping) that i knew something was fatally wrong.

So i went to Wal-mart and they had to replace the filter 2 more times and on the fourth try we (me and walmart crew) finally figure out what was wrong.....

The thread should have had been internal rather they are all external threaded filters causing the leak around the seal...

I threw a rod and Walmart's claim department is handling the case and told me that FRAM would have to take care of all damages to the vehicle and all payments for what I've paid to get the car fixed...

I took out several loans to cover a replacement engine and installation and missed several days of work (not to mention having to cancel Christmas) because I lost all that i've saved up to get my vehicle fixed...

I'll keep updates to this story and let y'all (yeah i'm from Texas) know what happens.

James from DFW ('95 Camry XLE)

[JohnGD]

Sorry to hear about that. Fram just doesn't have good reputation, but a lot of places use them because I guess they're cheap. I hope with Walmart's filing that Fram quickly honors your warranty claim.

In the future maybe do your own oil changes or just bring an OEM Toyota filter to Walmart. You can buy them online cheap. Otherwise it's Purolator PureOne or Bosch filters, which I actually prefer.

[Owner_of_2_Camrys]

Man, that's terrible! I can only imagine your level of frustration and aggravation. Good luck with the claims process. Don't be afraid to have a lawyer on the ready just in case they lowball or try to screw you in any way.

[JamesfromDFW]

The funny thing is I've had Walmart put FRAM oil filters in my 96 Geo Metro(sold to a friend), 96 Izuzu Pickup coupe(totaled in '00 side on collision) and now my 95 Camry, never had 1 problem with FRAM and their oil filters, air filters or fuel filters...

[JamesfromDFW]

Originally Posted by Owner_of_2_Camrys

Man, that's terrible! I can only imagine your level of frustration and aggravation. Good luck with the claims process. Don't be afraid to have a lawyer on the ready just in case they lowball or try to screw you in any way.

Thank for that, I'm hoping it doesn't come to that, I'm just glad to have her home. I walked 11+ miles in 8 days to just do the normal everyday things...

[jandrews]

Im having the same problem after changing my oil. I figured it was the oil pump seal or something in that area. This happened right after changing my oil. How did u escalate that issue with Fram. My engine is ok just leaking oil like crazy. What year camry do u have. Im also in Texas.

[Jonate]

Holly S**t and I buy Fram whenever there is an oil special at Auto Zone and its included... Imma have to watch out for that... Sorry to hear bro. Thanks for the heads up, Glad I read this!

[OceanView]

who sells Toyota oil filers?
I looked it up on Rock and it doesn't look like they have it there.

[TC01]

My 2001 Camry is turning 150,000 and I've always used Fram filters for the oil, air and fuel. Never had a problem with them. I'm thinking, Walmart should have tested the car and checked for leaks before after they finished the job. Surley they would have noticed something wrong if you had that large of a leak.

Walmart will not admit any wrong but blame it on Fram. Fram will probably try to shift the blame back on Walmart. It's the old "blame shame" game that everyone always play when something goes wrong. No one is ever responsible.

Hope everything works out for you. Keep us posted.

[JamesfromDFW]

Originally Posted by jandrews

Im having the same problem after changing my oil. I figured it was the oil pump seal or something in that area. This happened right after changing my oil. How did u escalate that issue with Fram. My engine is ok just leaking oil like crazy. What year camry do u have. Im also in Texas.

I have a 95 Camry XLE 3.0L

[JamesfromDFW]

Originally Posted by TC01

My 2001 Camry is turning 150,000 and I've always used Fram filters for the oil, air and fuel. Never had a problem with them. I'm thinking, Walmart should have tested the car and checked for leaks before after they finished the job. Surley they would have noticed something wrong if you had that large of a leak.

Walmart will not admit any wrong but blame it on Fram. Fram will probably try to shift the blame back on Walmart. It's the old "blame shame" game that everyone always play when something goes wrong. No one is ever responsible.

Hope everything works out for you. Keep us posted.

Oh i agree on the "test" part....now i can't wait to clean her up on Tuesday(payday!!!) Why is it when a car gets worked on it smells on the inside. I'm taking it to a car wash that has the carpet cleaner foam, unless anyone has a better suggestion?

[ghettosled]

i dont understand this comment:

"The thread should have had been internal rather they are all external threaded filters causing the leak around the seal.."

if the threads are on the outside of the filter rather than the inside, how did the walmart installer not realize it wasn't screwing into place?? i think fram will fight this and point blame to walmart and i would too. i wouldnt let them off the hook. they did the oil change and should have realized the problem so they are responsible for any wrongly-instaleld parts.

[JamesfromDFW]

Originally Posted by ghettosled

i dont understand this comment:

"The thread should have had been internal rather they are all external threaded filters causing the leak around the seal.."

if the threads are on the outside of the filter rather than the inside, how did the walmart installer not realize it wasn't screwing into place?? i think fram will fight this and point blame to walmart and i would too. i wouldnt let them off the hook. they did the oil change and should have realized the problem so they are responsible for any wrongly-instaleld parts.

Okay here's a pic of both types, BUT THEY AREN'T the FRAM brand, just using pics as example!!

External Thread:


Internal Thread:


The screw up is that fram put the external one in the box for the internal screw by mistake. It leaves a small gap between the engine and the filter causing oil to slowly leak out when the car is not moving, but faster leakage when the motor is running.

[ghettosled]

Oh, gotcha thanks for the explanation!

[JamesfromDFW]

Originally Posted by ghettosled

Oh, gotcha thanks for the explanation!

Sure no problem!