1997 Chevrolet Lumina fuel system problems

Filed Dec 20, 2007 · Fuel system · 161,000 miles · IL

I noticed the smell of gasoline. Initial searches for the source of the leak were unsuccessful, but after1 - 2 weeks it got worse and I was able to find it easily. The pressure regulator was leaking. I checked for a related recall and found that universal pressure regulators (upr's) produced after 1/9/07 had been recalled, but mine, I believe, is the original equipment pressure regulator. Nevertheless, it may have a design defect. The car has about 161,000 miles on it. The dealer indicated that failure of a part with that many miles on it would not be subject to a recall, even though it is a safety-related failure. I sought out the federal safety agency site to try to find out if that is the case, or not. The "incident date" noted below is the date I found the leak. No damage was done, and there were no injuries.

Filed Dec 7, 2004 · Fuel system · 53,000 miles · PA

Consumer stated fuel leaked. Dealer indicated that fuel tank rusted which produced a hole. *ak the consumer stated that fuel leaked constantly from the vehicle. Moving or parked the consumer noticed a puddle of gas under the vehicle. The consumer was told that due to lack of driving the fuel tank rusted out.

Filed Aug 17, 2004 · Fuel system · MI

The fuel gauge indicated that the fuel tank is 25% full when I ran out of gas while driving in an unsafe area of detroit at approximately 10 pm on august 14, 2004.

Filed Jun 12, 2004 · Fuel system · VA

The fuel level sending unit stopped working properly on 10-2003. It will show full when empty. In checking the web, I have found many owners with similar problems. This is a serious safety hazard, since someone can run out of fuel in a busy interstate, or local road and cause a serious or deadly accident.*ak this is a serious safety problem that I think the federal safety agency should look into and have gm recall these vehicles and repair these defects. Please let me know if there is any safety recalls addressing this problem.

Filed Jun 12, 2004 · Fuel system · VA

On june 8, 2004 my daugter informed me that she and her mom have been smelling a strong oder of gas in the car. When I checked the car I found large puddle of gas under the car. I moved the car and touched it, smelled it and it was gas, I looked under the car and found the gas tank was dripping. When I got home I checked and found a round rusted area about the size of dime. Because of its location, it appeared to be located right under the fuel pump. There was no visible exterior damage that could have caused this from the outside. Today, june june 12, 2004 I disconnected the fuel lines removed the tank and pumped the gas out and discovered that the fuel pump filter, which is located under the fuel pump, has caused the problem. It rusted where the brass filter screen has been rubbing on the tank.*ak the reason is that because of the design of the fuel pump, once the pump is dropped in the fuel tank the pump is held under spring pressure to the bottom of the tank. In time the changes in temperature, as well as fuel, sloshing in the tank has cause the filter to rub aganist the bottom of the tank and has damaged the special coating that g.m. Literature says the tank is covered with. Once this coating wore off, the tank began rusting and the brass fuel filter shows the discoloration from the electrolisis created by the contact with the steel tank. This is also a serious safety hazard, which can lead to an explosion. In fact my wife was glad yesterday that she was driving with our daughter in our conversion van when she was almost rear ended at a traffic light two days ago. She felt that the car could have exploded if she had been rear ended in this car. This is a serious safety problem that I think the federal safety agency should look into and have gm recall these vehicles and repair these defects please let me know is there is any safety recall addressing this problem.

Filed Apr 26, 2004 · Fuel system · MD

While driving at any speed vehicle stalled. This caused consumer to drift to the side of the road. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer, but dealer could not resolve the problem. *ak consumer experienced loss of engine power while exiting the highway; however, consumer was able to restart vehicle and drive his way home. As consumer inspected the vehicle, gas was sprayed around and were dripping from the hood to the windshield. Also, consumer noticed that the fuel line was loose.

Filed Jan 26, 2004 · Fuel system · 70,000 miles · MN

For years the fuel gauge has not registered properly. Whenever the tank gets to the empty stage the gauge shoots up to the full mark. Having run out of gas has made it very inconvenient.

Filed Nov 6, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · 55,490 miles · IL

I have 1997 chevrolet lumina:I have had this car for alittle ove 2 years and since I got this car I have had to replace the brakes twice the alternator and 3 fuel injectors and the booster pump I was just wondering if there is a recall that handles any of these problems .because then maybe I could get help from my dealer.

Filed Oct 26, 2003 · Electrical, Fuel system · WA

Vehicle's tensioner and power steering failed.*mr the tensioner failed in the driveway. Other failed parts includes fuel gauge, turn signal switch, and alternator ( new battery required and vehicle was towed). These parts failed between 36,500 miles and 42,000 miles. Consumer disappointed with the low mileage failures of his vehicle. *ph

Filed Oct 9, 2003 · Fuel system · MA

Consumer smelled fuel while driving. He examined fuel tank and noticed the top was corroded and rusted. Dealer stated replacement fuel tanks were unavailable.