NHTSA complaint #11753648

Owner complaint summary

Subject: Vehicle Safety Incident Report – Fuel Pump Disconnection and Oil Leak To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Date: July 27, 2026 I am submitting this report to detail a recent vehicle malfunction that posed significant risks to my safety and that of others on the road. While driving to work, I experienced a situation where my vehicle was unable to shift gears properly or accelerate as expected. This loss of acceleration and responsiveness created substantial control problems, making it difficult to maneuver safely in traffic. Notably, no dashboard warning lights were illuminated at the time, which gave me the false impression that the vehicle was operating correctly. Initially, I perceived a dragging sensation in the car, which I believed was manageable. However, the situation quickly escalated when I observed smoke coming from the vehicle. The presence of smoke not only impaired my visibility but also posed a serious risk of fire or engine failure. The danger was heightened as I attempted to drive uphill; the car struggled even more, increasing the potential for an accident or collision due to impaired maneuverability. Following this incident, I had my vehicle towed to an auto repair shop for a diagnostic check. The diagnostic report revealed that the fuel pump was not attached to anything and that oil was leaking into the pan. These findings confirm that the issues were real and not just perceived. The disconnected fuel pump and oil leak represent systemic failures, which could have had catastrophic consequences if not addressed promptly. In conclusion, this experience highlighted grave risks to both personal and public safety. I urge vehicle manufacturers and regulatory bodies to prioritize detecting and preventing such malfunctions.