I need advice on what to do about my situation.
I drive a 2022 Toyota Corolla hatchback. On January 9, I noticed my front driver-side tire was flat due to a blowout. I didn’t hit anything and don’t know how it happened. I have tire and wheel coverage, so I wasn’t too worried about getting it replaced. Roadside assistance put on my spare tire, and I called Autonation Ford since it was only a 12-minute drive compared to a 45-minute drive to Autonation Toyota. They had the tire I needed and told me to drop off the bad tire and wheel. They would mount the new tire on the wheel, and I could drive my car until it was ready for installation.
Later that day, around 3 pm, they let me know my tire and wheel were ready. I drove there, handed over my keys, and waited in the lobby. After about 20 minutes, they gave my car back. Everything seemed fine as I left the shop.
Not even 20 seconds down the road, my car started making loud noises, leaning to one side, and refusing to accelerate. I barely made it to a gas station and saw the front driver-side tire was completely gone. It wasn’t just flat—it had disappeared. I didn’t see it roll off or anything.
I called my partner, who was 15 minutes away at work. While driving to me, he called Autonation, threatened to sue them, and gave them a piece of his mind. Autonation called me back, apologized, and said, “Maybe the technician forgot to tighten the lug nuts.” Maybe?
Roadside assistance towed my car back to Autonation. My partner and I called the police to file a report, but they said it wasn’t necessary. Autonation dropped off a new F-150 as a loaner for me to use while they fixed my car.
It’s now January 25, and my car is still not ready. They keep texting updates, saying they’re waiting on parts from Toyota. I’m frustrated and stressed. I’m making payments on a car I can’t even use, spending more on gas for this loaner truck I don’t like, and worried about the damage this caused and how long it’s taking to fix.
Should I ask for compensation for this?
TL;DR: Autonation Ford didn’t tighten the lug nuts on my Toyota Corolla tire, it fell off while I was driving, and it probably caused serious damage to my car.