diff --git a/sys/dev/nvme/nvme_qpair.c b/sys/dev/nvme/nvme_qpair.c
index 8041731099d..6669eeee661 100644
--- a/sys/dev/nvme/nvme_qpair.c
+++ b/sys/dev/nvme/nvme_qpair.c
@@ -1010,7 +1010,8 @@ again:
 		 * controller.
 		 */
 		nvme_printf(ctrlr, "Resetting controller due to a timeout%s.\n",
-		    cfs ? " and fatal error status" : "");
+		    (csts == 0xffffffff) ? " and possible hot unplug" :
+		    (cfs ? " and fatal error status" : ""));
 		nvme_printf(ctrlr, "RECOVERY_WAITING\n");
 		qpair->recovery_state = RECOVERY_WAITING;
 		nvme_ctrlr_reset(ctrlr);