NHTSA Complaint #11542271 — 2017 KIA OPTIMA

Vehicle had oil change & filter service done on April 27, 2023 for the purpose of hoping the service would rectify an Oil Pressure Sensor Light illuminated on the dashboard. It did not. Sensor was subsequently replaced by the dealer. Vehicle taken into the dealership today (September 2, 2023) for Pennsylvania State Inspection and Emissions, along with another oil change service. Dealer technician in the course of performing the oil change, noticed after he put the new oil plug washer and bolt back in place, a minute crack in the oil pan, itself. He took a picture of it, that I will include with this complaint. Unfortunately, the definition of the photo leaves a bit to be desired. The dealer service writer suggested that too much force (pneumatic socket driver) was employed when tightening the oil pan bolt. I stopped at the location where the April 27, 2023 was done. The General Manager assured me they use a power torgue ratchet and not a pneumatic socket driver. He went under the car and detected a minute leak and said he would forward his report to their Quality Control Department. He asked me if I could bring the car back on Tuesday or Wednesday, September 5th or 6th for a re-inspection. I said I would do that. He did mention there is a possible Class Action Suit that might be filed over Kia/Hyundai Oil Pans and Bolts. It cites the use of poor materials used in the pan construction. Reports range from leaks to the oil bolt plug falling out due to expansion/contraction under duress. Don't know where or when any Class Action will manifest itself, but this oil change facility needs to step up and replace the oil pan, since they were the last ones to do a change before today.