I had my engine replaced by MPG Automotive on Dyer Street in El Paso, and the experience was extremely disappointing from start to finish.
First, my truck was in their possession for over two months because the first engine they received was defective. During the process, I was quoted one price over the phone, but when I finally went to pick up my truck, the total was significantly higher than what I had originally been told.
To make matters worse, immediately after picking up my truck, there was suddenly a braking issue that had not existed prior to the engine swap. MPG had to keep my truck for another week to address the issue that appeared after the repair process.
After that experience, I lost confidence in the Dyer Street location and avoided returning there unless absolutely necessary.
Fast forward roughly 30,000 miles later, my truck developed a lean condition. After multiple inspections and diagnostics from different shops, Brake Masters discovered that the exhaust manifold hardware on the engine installation was loose. Four manifold bolts were found loose, with one visibly not even fully seated or properly torqued. The shop explained that this exhaust leak was causing false lean readings from the O2 sensor.
After receiving that diagnosis, I contacted MPG Automotive and brought the truck to their Montana location for inspection. That was when MPG denied responsibility and stated that a cracked exhaust manifold caused the issue instead of faulty installation.
However, every shop I spoke with stated that if the manifold itself had caused the hardware failure, the bolts would more likely have been broken or snapped rather than simply loose and partially backed out. MPG is using the cracked manifold explanation to deny responsibility for what appears to be an installation related issue on an engine with barely 30,000 miles since the swap.
I understand that exhaust manifolds and gaskets can fail over time. What concerns me is that properly installed bolts should not simply back themselves out after such a short amount of use, especially when multiple bolts were found loose at the same time.
I spent thousands of dollars with MPG Automotive expecting professional workmanship and reliability, but instead dealt with delays, additional issues after pickup, pricing discrepancies, and now what appears to be improperly secured exhaust manifold hardware.
I strongly recommend people thoroughly inspect any work performed and get second opinions if problems arise afterward. read more