NHTSA Complaint #11497988 — 2020 KIA SPORTAGE

My engine seized while driving. I had it immediately towed to the local Kia dealership for inspection. The technician found that the oil drain plug was missing and the engine seized needing a complete engine repair for about $14,000. There was no indication from my vehicle that oil pressure was low or that maintenance was required. My vehicle only had 23,027 miles on it when it seized and I take my vehicle to be serviced as required. Warranty said that they will not cover the repair for my vehicle for (outside influence) because I did not get my oil change at a Kia Dealership. I have been denied by Kia customer care with every attempt to get my car repaired under warranty and I continue to be denied. I had my oil changed three months prior to the drain plug falling out and I did not need an oil change for another 2000 miles. This is a brand new vehicle with very low mileage and as a Kia customer I am not protected and with the oil drain plug just mysteriously falling out months after oil change. KIA Warranty continues to deny this and I am suffering greatly with no resolution. The oil company assured that a serious check and cross check, in addition to other procedures, are performed on every oil change that they perform. And their certified lube technicians will never use a pneumatic/power tool to tighten oil drain plugs, and it is done manually using a torque wrench to the manufacturer's specified torque. Even with this information Kia Warranty has continued to deny fixing my vehicle for outside influence. I am desperately seeking a resolution.