Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:SUMP/TANK:DRAIN PLUG
16 NHTSA complaints about engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:sump/tank:drain plug issues across 5 makes and 12 models.
The engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:sump/tank:drain plug is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 16 filings from 5 manufacturers and 12 distinct vehicle models, a footprint large enough that defect engineers can isolate part-family patterns across different platforms that share the same supplier or the same federal motor vehicle safety standard.
Among filings citing this component, owners have reported 0 crashes, 1 fire, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the HYUNDAI SANTA FE with 3 filings, followed by KIA SORENTO and HYUNDAI SONATA. These severity counters are what separates a nuisance complaint trend from a pattern NHTSA is likely to escalate into a Preliminary Evaluation.
Component-level analysis is how the Office of Defects Investigation spots cross-manufacturer supplier issues — the same airbag inflator, the same takata-style ignition switch, the same brake hose material — before they become industry-wide recalls. When you see a single component accumulating large complaint volume across several unrelated nameplates, that is usually a signature of a shared supplier or a shared federal standard being stressed by real-world conditions. Use the affected-vehicles table below to see whether the pattern is concentrated on a handful of models or distributed evenly, and cross-reference each model's full recall and investigation history before drawing conclusions about any one nameplate.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HYUNDAI SANTA FE | 3 |
| 2 | KIA SORENTO | 2 |
| 3 | HYUNDAI SONATA | 2 |
| 4 | NISSAN ROGUE | 1 |
| 5 | KIA SOUL | 1 |
| 6 | KIA SELTOS | 1 |
| 7 | KIA OPTIMA | 1 |
| 8 | HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID | 1 |
| 9 | HYUNDAI KONA | 1 |
| 10 | FORD MUSTANG | 1 |
| 11 | FORD F-150 | 1 |
| 12 | AUDI Q3 | 1 |
Recent Complaints
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance at the local dealer, it was determined that the plastic oil pan drain plug was leaking around the gasket. T
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that after an oil change, the technician informed the contact that the metal drain plug on the oil pan had been over tightened, and while remov
Daughter driving back to college from home in her new 2024 Kia Seltos. We leased this vehicle for her for reliability and dependability throughout her years at college. 9 months into lease, 10,000 mi
Oil leak from oil pan area. Took the car to the dealer twice to get it fix and the problem temporarily stop but now is continuing to leak again. All they did was retighten the oil plug the first time
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine seized due to a missing oil plug How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?
Driving down the road I heard a loud noise when I stopped I noticed oil under my car. When I was 0.1 mile from my house the oil light came on. I arrived home called Hyundai and they towed the vehicle
Vehicle not moving transmisión fail after u turn off the engine it will work again Oil leak by bolt in the oil pan
Engine oil plug backed out while driving causing loss of all engine oil in the mountains. Drive time was one hour when oil lamp turned on as we reached our destination. Oil check stick had no oil on i
3 Months post oil change June 2022, oil plug fell out on highway and motor seized. Dealership advised motor no longer manufactured and recommended used motor supplier. Purchased a used motor with 80K
The contact owns a 2020 Audi Q3. The contact stated that while driving or idling, the electrical system started malfunctioning. The contact then stated that the rear-view camera screen became distorte
My car started leaking oil from the oil drain bolt area. I took it to the dealer and they said the oil pan had a defect, they called it a âweld crackâ. A quick internet search shows that this is a
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle was shaking with unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over safely and smoke started
Oil plug loosened and fell out resulting in engine failure.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while reversing, she noticed a trail of oil on the ground. The contact parked the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated she was informed at the service inspection that her vehicle was low on engine oil however, the oil had recently been refilled. There were no wa
Related Vehicle Components
Learn More
Related Safety Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints involve engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:sump/tank:drain plug issues? ▼
How dangerous are engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:sump/tank:drain plug defects? ▼
Which vehicles have the most engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:sump/tank:drain plug problems? ▼
Where does PlainCars get its safety data? ▼
Data Sources
Vehicle complaint data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database. Includes consumer-reported safety issues filed with NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Severity counts cross-reference NHTSA FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) for fatal incidents where a corresponding FARS record exists.
Component categories are standardized by NHTSA. Crash-test ratings where shown are drawn from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Complaint counts, crash reports, fire reports, and fatality data reflect consumer-submitted reports and may not represent all incidents.
Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for vehicle purchase decisions. NHTSA complaint data is self-reported by consumers and has not been verified or investigated. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a defect. Always consult a qualified mechanic and check official NHTSA recall notices before making safety-related decisions.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.