Man Says He Caught RockAuto Selling Fake OEM Hyundai Oil Filters. Here's How to Check Yours Is Legit

"Only Alibaba links come up."

Photo by: @danielpaytas

By: Mike Hayden

Jul 18, 2025 at 5:00pm ET

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TikToker and gearhead @danielpaytas posted a series of photos that he claims shows RockAuto, a family-owned auto parts retailer, selling “fake OEM oil filters.”

The question sparked a debate among his followers.

The abbreviation "OEM" stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, so what @danielpaytas claims is that the filters he purchased from RockAuto were off-brand but marketed for compatibility with his Hyundai car.

“...The part number on it isn’t even a part number from Hyundai or Kia,” he explains in a comment. “I called the dealership. And when you search that part number only Alibaba links come up.”

Alibaba is a Chinese eCommerce platform.

As evidence for his claim, @danielpaytas shows a series of differences between the filters through photos.

Lettering shows “oil filter” on one beneath the Hyundai logo, and another one says “Kia Motors” beneath it, along with Korean lettering. One filter has white dimples beneath it, and the other one has red dimples. One filter has a seal at the top of it, and the other has a date and timestamp.

‘May Be Gray Market or Counterfeit’

Hyundai told Motor1 that it looks like it could be counterfeit. The company passed along a statement regarding what to do if you suspect you purchased a counterfeit filter. It also urged drivers to buy their filters directly from authorized dealers.

“If a part is not purchased through an authorized Hyundai dealer, it cannot be verified as a Hyundai Genuine Part,” a spokesperson for Hyundai said. “Hyundai does not distribute Hyundai Genuine Parts through third-party sellers or aftermarket platforms.”

“Hyundai strongly encourages customers to purchase Hyundai Genuine Parts exclusively through our authorized dealer network,” the spokesperson continued. “Parts outside this supply chain may be gray market or counterfeit.”

Hyundai added that “non-genuine parts can compromise vehicle safety and result in costly repairs” and noted that such events would not be covered by their warranties.

How to Avoid Buying Counterfeit Filters

An article in Ennoventure echoes warns that counterfeit oil filters are not up to the same standards as the real thing. It also states that this is a “growing concern” in the industry.

Risks of using a counterfeit filter purportedly include poor filtration, reduced engine efficiency, shortened engine lifespan, and sudden oil loss due to it bursting or collapsing. Sudden oil loss can damage the engine and increase the risk of accidents if it seizes or malfunctions during operation.

To avoid inadvertently buying a counterfeit filter, Ennoventure suggests drivers buy from authorized dealers, verify product details (via serial number, logos, and certifications), inspect packaging and quality, and steer clear of “suspiciously low prices.”

A Simple Explanation for the Filter Discrepancy

Motor1 also showed the discrepancies to RockAuto. The Wisconsin-based company essentially dismissed @danielpaytas’ theory. They said that Hyundai does not produce its own oil filters.

“It is common for manufacturers to implement running changes during the production cycle,” a spokesperson for RockAuto said. “Hyundai—like most vehicle manufacturers—does not produce its own oil filters or many other components. As a result, differences in stampings, identification codes, colors, packaging, and similar attributes are to be expected.”

RockAuto said the idea that they sold a counterfeit oil filter does not check out due to the suppliers they use. They distinguished themselves from sites like eBay, which is replete with oil filters hawked by a vast network of independent sellers. Facebook Marketplace also sells oil filters and forums like “Bob Is the Oil Guy” connect users who can potentially trade parts.

“The likelihood that a part we sold is counterfeit is extremely low. RockAuto sources its inventory from the same reputable distributors used by other major retailers. We are not a marketplace platform; only vetted suppliers provide products through our site,” the spokesperson added.

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RockAuto also provided a link to the returns page on page on its site in case @danielpaytas still feels unsatisfied with the product.

Motor1 attempted to reach @danielpaytas for comment but did not receive a reply. We’ll update this if he responds.