Aug. 5 2022—The Automotive Oil Change Association is urging federal regulators to investigate malfunctions in certain Hyundai and Kia models that cause drain plugs to fall out unexpectedly.
In a statement, the AOCA says it has conducted three years of research into reports of the plug-out events. The statement read in part:
"...the Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) discovered this unique malfunction, which occurs without telltale leakage or malfunction indicator lights and most often while driving thousands of miles after service, is likely the result of (1) double-gasketing due to a paint-camouflaged factory gasket fused to either the plug or the pan; and/or (2) overall flimsy pan material that expands and contracts under pressure such as the kind of intense pressure and vibration associated with Hyundai/Kia’s pervasive engine defects (connecting rod bearing wear, improperly heat treated piston rings, excessive oil consumption, etc.)"
The AOCA has joined The Auto Care Association, Tire Industry of America, Service Station Dealers of America and Allied Trade, and the Automotive Services Association to ask the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to investigate potential defects.
Furthermore, the AOCA reports that another group, the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association, is working to establish a rebuttal for claims that plug-out events are due to technicians not applying the correct torque pressure during service.
