Natey2

Toyota dealership mechanic/service department indicates the oil pan plug won't fully torque, and the oil pan needs to be replaced.
They claim it leaks, but I see no oil spots on my garage floor.
Should I replace the oil pan?
They figure it's about $500 for the oil pan and $200 for service.
(2005 Lexus LS430 with 120K miles)

weldthedif

thats a lot of money for a stamped piece of metal. You could probably pick up a used one off ebay for under 100 bucks and just swap it out yourself and save $600

StanVanDam

Tell them you'll think about it, then over the next few weeks, crawl underneath and check the gaskets yourself, and if you see oil leakage through the oil pan gasket, then either replace it yourself or pay someone to do so (and buy the part from Amayama, Parts.com, PartSouq, RockAuto, whereever is cheapest for you). Since this item does not require Toyota-specific expertise, use an independent mechanic if you want.

It doesn't sound like a common problem on these forums, and there are lots of pre-2005 cars here with way more mileage. Could be just that the people experiencing this problem don't post about it here.

Bocatrip

Oil pan replacement is not common and not all that easy. I'd look into it and if its the threads you might even be able to repair that drain plug thread area without removing or replacing the pan. Good luck.

RushNatU

I had my oil pan replaced for free by the dealer when I purchased my 06 two years ago due to a stripped plug. Had every single oil change documented at that dealer since new so they couldn't say it wasn't their fault. Drain plug could be unscrewed by hand and completely stripped. I didnt discover it until 5k miles after purchase when it became due. This is why I do my own work when possible.

Brian05LS

Same thing happened with mine and they just used a bigger bolt. It was like $70 bucks I think. No leaks to date.