Valvoline Instant Oil Change

They were quick professional and while they didn't have my air filter they directed me to a local AutoZone that did and put it in for free after I bought it there. Didn't even have to pull in. Did it right outside the shop. It's that kind of care and service that keeps me coming back.

**INCOMPETENT AND INTENTIONALLY MISLEADING** I’d like to file a complaint about the service I received at your 3608 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218 location. Based on my experience there on two separate visits, I believe the technicians were either incompetent or intentionally misleading, and I feel I was charged for work that was not actually performed. Vehicle: 2013 Chevy Cruze Visit #1: 08/09/2025 – requested automatic transmission fluid drain and fill Visit #2: 11/01/2025 – requested engine oil change + transmission drain and fill again + license plate bulb replacement ($15 extra) What happened 1. First visit (08/09/2025): I specifically asked for a transmission drain and fill (not a power flush). About 20 minutes later I was told the job was done and that they “found the transmission fluid was low” so they added more. That statement didn’t make sense, because with a simple drain-and-fill on this transmission you can’t accurately tell the total system was “low” — you only remove part of the fluid, so saying it was low sounded questionable even then. 2. Second visit (11/01/2025): I returned to do another drain-and-fill (because with this method you need 2–3 services to exchange most of the fluid, and it’s safer than a power flush). I also approved $15 for a license plate bulb. A few minutes later the tech came back and told me my transmission was “leaking” and “bad” and that I should go to a mechanic. At that point it started to feel sketchy, so I told them to just do the engine oil and the bulb and I would check the transmission myself. What I found afterward - Carfax shows the bulb was replaced — but when I checked the car, the license plate bulb was still blown. So I paid for a bulb that was never actually replaced. - Transmission overfilled: I lifted the car and checked the transmission level at the level plug. The fluid was badly overfilled — it was running out more than it should. If it had really been “leaking,” I shouldn’t be seeing that much fluid at the level plug. This tells me whoever serviced it did not set the fluid level correctly. Their earlier claim about “low fluid” makes no sense for a drain-and-fill on this transmission, and the later claim that it was “leaking” also doesn’t line up with what I saw. My concerns - I was billed for a license plate bulb that was not changed. - The transmission fluid was overfilled, which can damage a transmission. - I was given contradictory/incorrect information about the transmission being “low” and later “leaking.” Overall, this looks like either very poor training or an attempt to upsell/scare customers. I’m submitting this to Valvoline because I don’t want other customers to get the same treatment. I will also be leaving an honest negative review describing exactly what happened. What I want: - A refund for the bulb that was never replaced. - Confirmation that this location will be reviewed/coached on proper transmission drain-and-fill procedures and on billing only for work actually performed. - Your explanation of how transmission fluid could leave the shop overfilled like that.