After discovering an exhaust leak performed a visual inspection of the engine. I have a 2004 silverado with the 6.0l. I ave discovered that there are an abundance of these vehicles out there with the same problem. This is causing exhaust fumes to enter the engine compartment and cab of the vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado fuel smell problems
13 of the 8,746 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Silverado describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 1999 model year.
- owner complaints
- 13
- worst model year
- 1999
- typical mileage
- 90,500
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20141
- 20101
- 20081
- 20041
- 20031
- 20003
- 19993
- 19982
Often reported together
What owners say
Shortly after starting truck and departing to local store I noticed a strong fuel odor. After driving approximately 3-4 miles my gas tank went from 3/4 full to nearly empty, around the same time passerby's started flagging me down stating that my truck was leaking fuel and smoking from underneath. I immediately pulled over to closest parking lot to realize the truck was massively leaking fuel from different areas and was indeed smoking as if it was about to catch fire. I turned the truck off and moved away. The fuel leak stopped and the smoke eventually dissipated. It was been towed back to dealer by chevrolet road side and is currently being checked for the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that the exhaust manifold studs detached from the cylinder head causing exhaust fumes to leak from the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
There was a very strong gasoline smell with the vehicle running. While looking for the source, I noticed fuel spraying out under the passenger side of the vehicle. The dealership determined that it was the high pressure fuel line that was leaking. I do not know if this is a deign flaw, a defect in the part or poor workmanship, but it could have had serious consequences if the fuel had ignited, which was possible with the pressure and volume of the leak. It was replaced without charge due to it being a "safety factor". The truck is not driven in extreme conditions. I had not run over anything, and cannot think of any reason for the fuel line to rupture.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated while parking the vehicle he smelled a fuel odor. The contact inspected the engine and observed fumes which started a small fire. The fire was extinguished with a water hose. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test was not performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 90,500. The VIN was not available. Updated 08/15/13*lj
Started my truck one day and heard a noise I haven't heard before. Looked under hood to see where it was coming from and noticed noise was coming from the exhaust manifold. The bolts have broken off leaving the manifold leaking exhaust fumes. Came to find out that this is a common but very dangerous problem on chevy trucks. Many chevy vehicles have this issue and if not corrected could lead to more engine troubles or worse yet a fire.so now my vehicle is a safety hazard! Chevy should recall this safety hazard, which could become dangerous.
Engine exhaust manifold bolt nearest the firewall broken allowing raw untreated engine exhaust to be expelled into atmosphere. Exhaust smell in passenger compartment at slow speeds.
While idling at a red light the smell of exhaust fumes became prevalent inside the passenger cabin. Upon inspection of the exhaust system it was determined 5 of the exhaust manifold bolts had prematurely failed allowing exhaust gas to escape from the engine into the engine compartment and into the passenger cabin. The vehicle is currently used sparingly where family members or friends are not allowed to ride in the truck until the exhaust manifolds are repaired.
While traveling at any speed fuel smell are was coming through the vents. Vehicle was taken to an independent shop, and mechanic determined that fuel rail was leaking gasoline.
Rough idle, exhaust burning black, smell of gasoline in oil
Related recalls
Fuel system, diesel
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, equipped with 6.6L diesel engines and dual fuel tanks. In the affected vehicles, the transfer pump which moves fuel from the rear tank to the front tank could malfunction and cause the fuel gauge to indicate an inaccurate reading.
- Risk
- If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- General Motors will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel transfer pump, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 and GMC at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 13420.
Recall number 13V615000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with 5.3l (rpo l59) v8 engines, the engine fuel rail crossover tube retainer screws were not manufactured to specifications and may break.
- Risk
- If the tube retainer screw breaks, fuel could leak from the fuel rail crossover joint, the engine may stall and, if an ignition source were present, an engine compartment fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the fuel rail crossover tube and, if necessary, replace the retainer screws. Owners were notified by telephone on july 30, 2004, with a followup owner letter began august 5, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463. Note: the gm bulletin lists the tahoe and yukon models because canadian vehicles are included in the bulletin. No u.s. Tahoe or yukon vehicles are included in the u.s. Campaign.
Recall number 04V376000 · Recall details
Fuel system, other: delivery
- What is wrong
- Some 2wd and 4wd pickup trucks, converted to either dedicated or bi-fuel compressed natural gas (cng) fuel usage, were assembled with a throttle cable that can contact and rub through the flexible pressurized fuel line creating a pinhole leak of natural gas to the atmosphere.
- Risk
- A strong odor of natural gas may be detected from inside the vehicle, possibly accompanied by a hissing noise. If the natural gas were accidentally ignited, serious injury could result.
- Remedy
- Dealers will secure the throttle cable to eliminate the possibility of contact with the cng fuel line. The cng fuel line, throttle cable, and cruise control cable are also to be inspected and replaced if necessary. Owner notification began on december 11, 2003. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 03V435000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Silverado fuel smell
Which Chevrolet Silverado years have gas smell in the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1999 (3 complaints), 2000 (3 complaints) and 1998 (2 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Chevrolet Silverado?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history