you could always check the drain plug and the dipstick before you leave the dealer after every oil change. that way if there is an issue, its much easier to prove the dealer is at fault and very unlikely of any engine damage or oil starvation issues.

i do all my own work, but holy hell, i had no idea some of these toyota dealers are this bad. if i didnt do my own work, these threads would be enough to motivate me to learn. these dealer issues cant be limited to just toyotas, correct?

No..

I wouldn't and never do. It is not worth a) the risks (see original post), b) spending time driving to the dealership and waiting x hours for them to perform a simple service, c) having to reset my seat position (no memory seats here) and radio, and d) just being in a dealership that gives me the willies.

I also [gasp] enjoy working on my own vehicle

I ****ing hate wrenching with my bad back and knees yet it's still worth it for said reasons.

I took my new 4R in to the dealer for the first four services with two free oil changes. I checked it over after each service. And found problems every single time. I went back and confronted the service manager each time and got a resolution, more or less. He said they put the least experienced, greenest new guys on the oil change and tire rotation jobs. So they learn. They have to, for economic and training reasons. All the best techs do the hard and more interesting jobs.
It’s no wonder so many mistakes are made.
And it happens at all dealers, all makes.
I do my own maintenance now.

they have to learn somewhere, but at the very least they could have the shop manager or someone Sr do a quick QA before the vehicle is sent out the door.. oil fluid correct, plug in pan, check, no leaks..that would take less than 2 minutes.

Sounds like apprentice training, a concept lost on much of the automotive repair industry except for some diesel/heavy shops I have seen over the years.

People have posted before that they remove their skid plate before going in for their free oil change. Then they make a thorough check before leaving the lot. This prevents the dealer from stripping the skid plate bolts and they can see if there are other issues.

I was in the same situation wanting the free oil changes but definitely leery of dealer service. Went ahead and got them but always, always checked for obvious mistakes afterwards before driving away. Dipstick replaced, oil leaking from underneath, oil spilled on engine, oil level at proper level, etc. Then check underneath for oil leaks in my garage for the next couple of days of use. When warranty was up I got myself hooked up with a great shop that does great work.

As for the original posters issue I’m just kind of scratching my head why a big puddle of oil wasn’t noticed under the rig when picking it up. Even the shop people should have seen it after he drove away.

In any case a really bad situation for the OP. I hope it gets worked out correctly for him.

@whitetiger - any update since your conversation with the manager?