0W-16

[OilMan]

Situation Overview

I recently completed the first oil service on my brand-new 4th-Generation Toyota Tacoma at approximately 1,000 miles, performed by a Toyota dealership. When reviewing the service invoice prior to payment, I noticed two concerns:

1. The listed oil viscosity was 0W-16, which is not the specification for my vehicle.
2. An oil additive charge was included, something I did not request.

I immediately questioned the discrepancy. Both the service advisor and the manager insisted that the viscosity listed was a typographical error, and the additive charge was removed upon request. I was also given the opportunity to speak directly with the technicians who performed the service, and they stated that they always follow what is indicated on the oil cap, claiming they clearly remembered filling the engine with 0W-20.

At that point, I had no verifiable proof of which oil actually went into the engine, aside from the corrected invoice. I paid the revised bill and parked the vehicle.

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Corrective Action Taken

Still concerned, I contacted a different Toyota dealership located 17 miles away. I drove the truck:

• Very gently (W/Eco mode)
• Under ~1,700 RPM
• Under ~60 MPH
• No towing
• No hills
• Ambient temperature ~65°F

Upon arrival, the second dealer performed a complete oil change and provided video documentation of the drain/refill process, confirming 0W-20 was installed.

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Questions for the Community

1. Oil Viscosity Concern
   Considering a maximum of 17 miles potentially driven on 0W-16 under extremely light load and normal temperatures, could this realistically result in any measurable long-term engine wear or reliability concerns?
2. Dealer Accountability
   Is there a reasonable process to request reimbursement or customer service support from the original dealership for:
   • The inaccurate service record
   • The inconvenience and additional cost of correcting their potential error
3. Follow-Up Advice
   Are there any signs, monitoring items, or early-ownership checks I should prioritize going forward?

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Additional Notes

During the short drive to the second dealership, oil pressure and temperature readings were fully normal according to the dash gauge. While not precise, nothing appeared out of the ordinary.

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This Tacoma was a significant investment, and I want to ensure it is cared for properly from the start. I’d appreciate any professional insight, technical perspective, or advice on next steps.

Thank you in advance.

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[Miqie]

Many Toyotas use 0W-16. You could have run that for months without an issue, esp. in the winter. So, you paid for two oil changes? I would have insisted that the first dealer drain out what was in there and refill with 0W-20 while I watched. Any issues, I would have told them I'm forwarding the original invoice to Toyota and expect corporate to make things right on my $40,000 vehicle!

 

[LincolnSixAlpha]

I wouldn't have sweated the 0-16, again per other's comments, it's being used on other Toyotas. My guess is that the dealer probably gets that 0-16 in bulk delivery, and that's probably what they threw into your truck.

 

[Lando]

Very likely could have been a typo or mistake on paperwork as they use that viscosity as well on Toyotas. So all good.

if it was a mistake, I do not think 0-16 will affect it at all, especially if you are in a colder place in fall /winter. These oils are so thin anyways now. So all good.

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