NHTSA Complaint #11691760 — 2023 TOYOTA MIRAI

Summary of Issue: I am the owner of a Toyota Mirai that suffered a sudden loss of power due to contaminated hydrogen fuel. The incident rendered the vehicle undrivable and raised serious safety concerns, as loss of propulsion in a fuel-cell vehicle can occur without warning while in motion. The vehicle was taken to Toyota of [XXX] for diagnosis and repair, where Toyota confirmed the presence of contaminated fuel. Toyota’s Stance: According to Toyota, the contamination issue was addressed by flushing the contaminated hydrogen from the system and refueling the vehicle. Toyota has stated that this process has restored power and that the company does not accept responsibility for any damage caused by the contamination. They have not disclosed any data on the type or level of contamination found, nor have they provided a written service report detailing inspection results or long-term corrective actions. Owner Concern: Independent research and fuel-cell engineering references indicate that contaminants such as sulfur compounds, carbon monoxide, or heavy metals can permanently degrade or “poison” the fuel-cell stack. Flushing alone cannot reverse such chemical or structural damage. As a result, there is a risk of future performance loss or total stack failure. Without transparency from Toyota regarding contaminant analysis or verification of system integrity, I cannot consider this vehicle safe or reliable to drive. Request for Resolution: I am requesting that Toyota: Provide complete written documentation of the contaminant analysis and testing performed on my vehicle. Disclose the long-term plan for ensuring the fuel-cell stack and related components have not been compromised. Offer either a full buyback/repurchase under applicable consumer protection laws or a complete fuel-cell stack replacement verified by engineering inspection. Until Toyota provides a documented, technically valid repair or an official buyback offer, this issue remains unresolved INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT