Dodge Repair: 2 ABS sensor failures at same time, dodge grand caravan, oil change shop

Question
Hi Roland-

Last week took my wife's 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan in for a oil change and tire rotation. Yesterday the ABS warning light and the "TRAC OFF" light came on and both quit working. This was less than 100 miles from when the oil change/tire rotation was done. Took the van to the place that did the brakes about 6 months ago and had them look at it. They said both front ABS sensors were bad and needed to be replaced so we had it fixed today. The bill said "ABS sensor scan" along with the parts and labor. Was this pure coincidence that 2 sensors failed at the same time? Or could it be related to the tire rotation? The brake shop's only explanation they could think of was driving through deep snow might have ruined them which could have happened a few weeks ago. If it makes any difference the van has the TPMS option.

Thanks,
Jim

Answer
Hi Jim,
Absent a sign of external physical damage to the sensors when viewed by the brake shop mechanic, and given that they could offer no other explanation than the deep snow experience, I would believe that there is not much of a chance that the place that did the oil change/rotation would except responsibility for the sensor failures. So while there was coincidence, it is doubtful that you would gain any recompense by pursuing this with the oil change shop. If the sensors show signs of some sort of mechanical insult (did the brake shop return those parts to you?) that is plausibly something that would happen when removing or installing the wheel then you might have a case. But even then, why there would be a delay of some high 10's of miles rather than immediately after the faulty rotation would be a question.
That is my opinion, for your consideration.
Please "rate" my answers (see the PS below).
Thanks,
Roland