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EV battery and fuel system problems and the lemon law
Yes. EV battery and fuel system problems count under the lemon law like any defect the dealer cannot fix: in most states 3 or 4 repair attempts for the same problem, or about 30 days in the shop, inside the protection period. Owners filed 6,514 EV battery and fuel system complaints with NHTSA for 2021 to 2027 models of 35 makes, 6% of all their complaints.
When EV battery and fuel system problems count
- The same problem, again and again. Each repair visit for it is an attempt. Report it in the same words each time.
- Inside the protection period, 12 to 36 months after delivery depending on the state.
- Or about 30 days in the shop in total, for this and other covered defects.
A loss of power while driving, or a fuel or battery fire risk, can count as a safety defect.
What to tell the dealer
Describe what happens: range loss, charging faults, power-limit warnings, reduced propulsion, fuel leaks or stalling.
- Record the range and charge level and any warning on screen, with photos.
- Keep charging session records if the car will not charge.
- EV batteries often carry a separate, longer warranty, often 8 years or 100,000 miles; the lemon law period is shorter, so act early.
Makes with the most EV battery and fuel system complaints
| Make | Complaints | Share of the make's complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai | 846 | 10% |
| Ford | 816 | 7% |
| Jeep | 814 | 12% |
| Chevrolet | 755 | 9% |
| Toyota | 553 | 7% |
| Kia | 516 | 8% |
| GMC | 430 | 8% |
| Volkswagen | 338 | 8% |
| Nissan | 330 | 8% |
| Ram | 226 | 7% |
| Chrysler | 157 | 14% |
| Mercedes-Benz | 141 | 8% |
Latest recalls in this area
- Toyota, October 14, 2026: 2026 Land Cruiser Hybrid, 2025 Land Cruiser Hybrid, 2024 Land Cruiser Hybrid, 2027 Land Cruiser Hybrid, about 105,794 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V673000
- Honda, October 1, 2026: 2023 VT1300CX, 2024 VT1300CX, 2025 VT1300CX, 2025 VT750, about 4,206 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V633000
- Volkswagen, April 22, 2026: 2025 Taos, 2026 Taos, about 38,710 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V258000
- Genesis, April 10, 2026: 2023 GV80, 2024 GV80, 2021 G80, 2022 G80, about 94,760 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V229000
- Kia, April 10, 2026: 2022 Carnival, 2023 Carnival, 2024 Carnival, 2025 Carnival, about 141,032 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V232000
Questions people ask
Does the lemon law cover EV battery and fuel system problems?
Yes. EV battery and fuel system problems count under the lemon law like any defect the dealer cannot fix: in most states 3 or 4 repair attempts for the same problem, or about 30 days in the shop, inside the protection period.
Which makes have the most EV battery and fuel system complaints?
Hyundai (846), Ford (816), Jeep (814), for 2021 to 2027 models in NHTSA's files. Big sellers get more complaints, so a count is not a defect rate.
What should I tell the dealer about EV battery and fuel system problems?
Describe what happens (range loss, charging faults, power-limit warnings, reduced propulsion, fuel leaks or stalling), when and how often, the same way every visit, and make sure it is written on the repair order.
About the data
From NHTSA's complaint files, complaints received 2020 to now for 2021 to 2027 model years, counted by the component the owner named (Fuel/Propulsion System). A complaint can name more than one component. Complaints are what owners report, not findings, and big sellers get more of them. Read on October 26, 2026.
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