Valvoline Instant Oil Change — Local services in Sedro-Woolley

I recently had my oil change at this location and have encountered a serious issue afterward. The mechanic at the shop I visited for my most recent service informed me that the threads on my oil pan, where the drain plug is threaded, were stripped during the previous oil change. Due to this, I was advised to see a mechanic for further evaluation and potential repair.

Additionally, I’ve experienced problems with the oil filter being overtightened during previous services at your shop, which has made it difficult to remove. This has been a recurring issue, as I’ve been a regular customer of Valvoline for my oil changes.

I’m deeply saddened that this is how Valvoline cares for cars and I recommended NOT going here! I filed a case through Valvoline, I didn’t even get to reply before they closed it, I asked them to open it back up and was told maybe the area manager will contact me. They can’t tell me they didn’t cause the issue on my car when they hire people who are to incompetent to wipe their own 🫏

Edit: I initially gave this Valvoline location another chance despite a previous issue where they stripped my oil drain plug. However, my most recent visit on March 16, 2025, confirmed their lack of accountability.

During this visit, they claimed I had an oil leak and replaced my drain plug gasket—despite the fact that they drained the oil from the top and had no reason to touch it. My car was not leaking before this, and their actions only further prove that they caused the original damage. When I confronted them, they denied ever touching the drain plug during my previous visit, even though I had to get it replaced due to their mistake.

This experience has completely lost them my trust. Instead of taking responsibility, they tried to cover it up. I have filed a complaint with the BBB and would not recommend this location to anyone looking for...

My first frustration under the newest management was they have a new system place, but there is no signage to direct you where to go. As a result, another person ended up in line in front of me because I parked in the Dairy Queen parking lot to get out and ask what to do. I was not welcomed and the worker barely acknowledged me. There is no waiting room. You have to stay in the car the whole time you wait...which was more than 40 minutes before they even had me move my car to the shop door. While I was waiting, I asked the closest worker to please make sure that they replace the crush washer, which for those who don't know, is meant to seal the surface between the head of the bolt and your oil pan. It's made of a softer metal like copper to deform to the surface and seal it (we had previously had trouble at this same place and they didn't replace it, which resulted in oil leaking from our car). Instead of just telling me yes, he asked me where I had had the oil changed and when I told him "here" he proceeded to blame the previous manager, which I didn't feel was very professional. When they went to show me that the dipstick was at the full mark, I couldn't see the oil line. When I got home, I had my husband double-check the oil level, and it was just above the top fill mark. At least it was full. My husband took our Dodge there, and they tried to short him a quarter of oil, and they did the same thing to my son. We have just had too many issues and will be going to the dealership...

Had an issue right after Valvoline bought out this location. Took my vehicle back and they fixed it. Inconvenient but understandable. The shield under the engine had fallen off. Fast forward to last week. Had an oil change on my other car. Took a while. Requested full synthetic. Not sure I got that because they insisted the oil change interval was the same as Dino oil. While driving down the freeway we had a sudden noise coming from the front of the car. We pulled off the freeway to find the under engine shield had come off at the front and was dragging. Got the car home to find that only one of the fasteners of the five remaining was tight. There are supposed to be twelve. The shield is destroyed. An hour of my time has been wasted and my confidence in this location is gone. For the more than a hundred dollar oil change, I expect the entire job to have been done well.

Update: there was a request that I contact Valvoline Instant Oil Change with my complaint. I did as requested and have not had a response at all. I believe this response from Valvoline was only to make a bad review appear as if they cared about the issue. DON’T BE FOOLED! I don’t believe they intended to do anything, so if you don’t care about damage to your car go ahead and get your oil...