Walmart Oil Change Mishap Leaves Driver Fearing for Car's Safety

As of November 15th, 2025, a South Holland woman is embroiled in an ongoing dispute with Walmart over an incomplete oil change that has left her fearful of driving her car.

Yvette Walker says she took her car to a Walmart Car Care center in Hammond, Indiana last month, but the staff never fully completed the oil change. While she wasn't charged for the service, Walmart left a note stating that an "oil straw" used to vacuum out the old oil had become stuck in her car's oil dipstick hole.

Walmart initially told Walker that the plastic part would simply melt, but she remains unconvinced. "I'm afraid to drive the car. Because if that plastic melts in here, it's going to send particles and the breeze to the engine, which is going to harm the engine," Walker explained.

Walmart has provided Walker with a rental car for two weeks and paid mechanics at a certified dealership to investigate the issue, but they were unable to locate or remove the stuck part. Walker says she is keeping her car at the dealership lot until she gets more answers, and she believes Walmart should take full responsibility for the problem.

Mechanic Frank Guske of Wells Automotive Service advises that if an object is found in a car's oil pan, it should be removed immediately. He emphasizes the importance of finding a trusted mechanic when getting routine maintenance done.

As of the current date, Walker is considering taking possession of her car again and looking into an offer from Walmart to potentially cover any related issues within a two-year period. The dispute remains unresolved, leaving Walker wary of driving her vehicle.