Shannon Gerdauskas thought she was going for a routine oil change. Instead, the DeLand, Florida resident was left with a repair bill of nearly $20,000.
Gerdauskas took his Mercedes to a Tech 5 oil change location in October, hoping to get it in and out quickly. Instead, she says a technician mistakenly drained her transmission fluid instead of engine oil and let her walk away.
Within minutes the problem started.
“It was shifting by itself. So, when I was driving down the road it was like trying to go into reverse and neutral,” she told WFTV’s Action 9 Consumer Investigator (1).
Gerdauskas immediately took the car back to the shop, where workers admitted the error.
But then there was a familiar and often costly consumer dispute: Who is responsible when routine maintenance goes wrong?
According to Gerdauskas, his dealership later reported that the vehicle was being driven without any transmission fluid, which could have caused serious internal damage to the car. The estimated cost to replace the transmission and complete all related work is over $18,000.
Tech 5 told Action 9 that it paid for the transmission flush but later closed the claim when the dealership did not need to replace the transmission.
Meanwhile, Gerdauskas said she was told the transmission would eventually fail.
“My transmission was not damaged before entering their shop,” she said, “just pay for the damage you caused.”
In a statement, the company said that while cases like Gerdauska’s are rare, they “strive to resolve cases fairly and transparently”. But his case is not as unique as it seems.
Action 9 found a similar complaint involving Tech 5 Nationwide.
WFTV’s sister station in Charlotte, North Carolina spoke with Ben Brown in 2025 after a visit to Tech 5. He said he pulled over, opened the oil reservoir and smoke was coming out. His car eventually needs a new engine.
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In Georgia, Robin Porterfield reported a similar experience. She said the technicians drained her oil but never refilled it before sending her on her way.
In Jacksonville, Florida, a city report listed 45 complaints of “substandard” work on police vehicles (1).
Car service disputes often come down to documentation. Shoppers can argue that the damage was pre-existing or unrelated to what they did. Without clear evidence of the vehicle’s condition beforehand, consumers may face an uphill battle.
Some state attorneys general, including New York, also advise drivers that documentation is required to prove negligence, not just sudden symptoms (2).
And it’s not just an oil change. Any regular service carries the same risk and exposure.
So what can consumers do?
Gerdauska’s story reinforces how important it is to protect yourself; Before, during and after the service. Here’s what consumer experts like the Federal Trade Commission and AAA recommend (3, 4).
before serving
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Make sure the repair shop has liability insurance
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Ask how claims are handled if something goes wrong
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Take a photo or short video of your dashboard, mileage and any warning lights
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Keep a recent service record showing the condition of the vehicle
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Ask clarifying questions about exactly what will be serviced and how
During the service
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Request a written work order listing all tasks to be performed
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Do not verbally authorize additional work and obtain written approval before making changes to the estimate
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Watch for pressure to approve repairs quickly
After the service
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Watch for any changes in performance
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If something feels wrong, stop driving immediately and return to the shop
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Get any admissions or clarifications in writing
If there is a dispute
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Keep all documents, receipts and communications
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Contact your state consumer protection agency
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Consider an independent inspection
Gerdauskas eventually avoided paying out of pocket, but only after extensive documentation helped prove his case.
For other drivers, the lesson is clear: Before heading to your next checkup or appointment, take time to prepare, get everything in writing and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
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WFTV 9 (1); New York Attorney General (2); Federal Trade Commission (3); AAA (4).
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
