NHTSA INVESTIGATION : CHEVROLET EXPRESS

Vehicle Make / Model/ Year(s):
CHEVROLET / EXPRESS 2003
CHEVROLET / EXPRESS 1500 2003
CHEVROLET / EXPRESS 2500 2003
CHEVROLET / EXPRESS 3500 2003

Manufacturer : GENERAL MOTORS LLC

NHTSA Action Number : PE11040
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Date Investigation Opened : December 14, 2011
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Component(s) :
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Summary:

NHTSA has received five complaints alleging fuel leakage while refueling on model year 2003 Chevrolet Express vans (subject vehicles) equipped with a left hand door(s) behind the driver's door. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire. All five complaints originate from salt belt states. In the subject vehicles the fuel filler pipe is located farther back/rearward than on vans not equipped with a left side passenger door. As a result the filler pipe routes through the rear wheel well which exposes the filler pipe to road debris and water kick up (spray) by the rear tire. According to some complaints, the debris and water collects between the fuel filler pipe and a protective tubing that covers it, which causes the pipe to corrode and leak fuel. One of the complainants indicated that the plastic tubing on a service replacement filler pipe has a slit that may minimize debris and water collection. ODI is opening this preliminary evaluation to evaluate the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.