February 10, 2026 2:32 PM, EST
Key Takeaways:
- Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers supports the EPA announcement regarding DEF system failures.
- “Consumers have the right to repair their diesel equipment to ensure they function properly and safely,” says Suzanne Gage at the Nebraska AG office.
- Consumers are also advised to contact manufacturers over safety concerns.
Nebraska is asking truckers and farmers to report problems with diesel exhaust fluid systems in order to hold manufacturers accountable for service issues, while telling consumers they have a right to self-repair for safety reasons.
State Attorney General Mike Hilgers on Feb. 4 issued a public alert supporting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent announcement regarding DEF system failures.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin on Feb. 3 set a 30-day deadline for the top 14 on-road and off-road diesel engine manufacturers — which account for 80% of all equipment used with DEF systems — to provide data about system failures. EPA plans to use the data to independently evaluate ongoing system failures and help inform a rulemaking later this year.
“Consumers should note that their current DEF equipment may present safety risks, such as sudden speed loss and shutdowns,” Hilgers’ office stated. “Our office will help ensure these safety risks are addressed by manufacturers. Farmers, truckers and everyday consumers deserve safe, reliable diesel equipment and vehicles.”
Suzanne Gage, communications director at the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, explained to Transport Topics that the state has a large population of people who drive diesel vehicles or operate diesel equipment, especially in rural areas.
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“Especially for farmers and truckers, diesel equipment and vehicles support livelihoods and help put food on the table. It’s critically important for many Nebraskans that the reported DEF issues get addressed,” Gage said. “We hope to work with the manufacturers to get these issues resolved quickly and effectively. Our office will take appropriate action to ensure the manufacturers address these issues.”
The attorney general’s office stressed its commitment to protecting Nebraskans’ safety and urged consumers having DEF system failures to report those issues to ProtectTheGoodLife.Nebraska.gov.
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When asked if the state had received consumer complaints about DEF system issues, Gage replied that specific investigatory information is confidential.
She noted that in August the EPA urged manufacturers to, where appropriate, address DEF system issues via software updates. “Six months later, DEF system issues are persisting and continue to affect consumers,” she said.
The Nebraska alert also noted that the EPA announcement permits users to self-repair their DEF systems. Gage said, “In some cases manufacturers cited the Clean Air Act as restricting or preventing repairs by farmers and other consumers of their own diesel equipment, [but] consumers have the right to repair their diesel equipment to ensure they function properly and safely.”
The attorney general’s office advised consumers to:
- Contact diesel engine or equipment manufacturers to ensure diesel trucks and equipment meet EPA guidelines. Software may need to be updated to resolve ongoing safety concerns.
- Consider self-repairs on equipment to prevent safety issues.
- Ensure their DEF systems are not low or at risk of running low of fluid, especially when operating in conditions or at distances that would be unsafe if a slowdown or shutdown happened.
“My office ardently supports the EPA’s efforts to get these issues addressed and applauds the agency for its persistent leadership in standing up for diesel consumers,” Gage said.
