Valvoline Overfilled My Oil Tank — Now My Car Smokes And Shakes. They’re Only Offering Partial Payment And Using Scare Tactics. Do I Have Any Real Options?

Location: Alexandria, VA

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for advice because I’m completely exhausted dealing with Valvoline and don’t know what to do next.

I have a 2020 Volkswagen Passat SE that was running perfectly before my last oil change. There was a very small oil leak, but the car had no smoke, no shaking, and no mechanical issues whatsoever.

I took it to Valvoline for a routine oil change, and immediately afterward, the car started smoking through the hood and exhaust and shaking really badly.

The Volkswagen dealership inspected it and confirmed the oil was overfilled. The mechanic explained that when oil is overfilled, it creates excessive crankcase pressure, forcing oil into the PCV system and spark plugs — exactly what caused the smoke and rough running. The total repair cost came out to around $2,000.

When I went back to Valvoline, the store manager actually signed a written contract stating that Valvoline would take full responsibility for all costs related to the damage. I even have a video of the manager signing the document.

Now, Valvoline’s regional manager is claiming that the contract “has no merit” because of my pre-existing leak — even though that leak never caused any issues before, and the dealership clearly documented the overfill as the cause of the damage.

They’ve offered to pay only a portion of the repairs directly to the dealership but won’t clarify how much or confirm if it would settle the claim. I’m completely drained from all the back-and-forth and honestly don’t think I should be paying a cent.

Here’s what I have documented: - The car was running perfectly before the oil change. - Smoke and shaking started immediately after Valvoline’s service. - The dealership confirmed the overfill caused the damage. - Valvoline’s manager signed a contract taking full responsibility. - I have video proof of the manager signing it. - Corporate is now saying it “doesn’t matter” because of the leak.

I can’t afford to be without my car or pay $2,000 out of pocket, but I also don’t want to let them bully me into accepting partial payment when they’re clearly at fault.

My questions: 1. Is the signed contract and video proof legally enforceable, even if the regional manager says it’s “invalid”? 2. If they pay the dealership directly but I don’t sign anything, can I still take them to small claims court in Virginia for the remaining balance? 3. Does the small pre-existing leak actually weaken my case, given that the car was running perfectly before the overfill?

I’ve kept all documentation, receipts, photos, and dealership statements. I just want to know if this is something worth pursuing or if they’ll get away with it because they have corporate lawyers.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can shed light on what my next move should be.