NHTSA Rejects Hyundai/Kia Oil Leak Recall, Cites Improper Service Procedures as Cause
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined that a recall does not need to be issued for certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles experiencing oil leaks, according to Car Complaints.
The vehicles in question include several Hyundai and Kia models spanning between model years 2005 through 2021, containing 1.6L T-GDI Gamma, 2.4L Theta II GDI, 2.4L In-Line GDI Theta II, Kappa, and 3.8L V-Shaped GDI Lambda-II engines.
A defect petition was opened by NHTSA after receiving a petition to investigate that alleges over 5.2 million Kia and Hyundai vehicles pose a risk of engine oil leaks. Vehicle owner complaints within the petition cite cracked oil pans and faulty oil drain plugs as the cause for oil loss.
However, upon further investigation, NHTSA decided a recall was not needed. The agency found that none of these issues originated between the vehicle’s sale and its first oil change, making it likely that the problem stems from an oversight during vehicle service rather than a problem with the vehicle itself.
“If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made,” the agency explained in a statement.
