1999 Dodge Caravan: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Nov 1, 2012 · Fuel system · 190,000 miles · CA · fire

Within 30 mins. After picking up my van from the dealer (cerritos dodge) for the fuel rail recall. I noticed the smell of gas,( I thought was o.k. Since fuel rail had just been replaced) and I looked at the dashboard and noticed gas gauge fluctuating moving back and forth, and smoke started. Coming from under hood. I called [xxx] (cerritos dodge service dept.) whom I had been talking to about my van when it was in shop. I called him to inform him about the gas/gauge. He told me to go to nearest gas station. I did. After that, I took car home, parked it for the remainder of that evening. The next day, same thing (smell of gas)and fluctuating gas gauge), within 15 minutes of driving to get oil changed,fuel bell started ringing. I called mr. Richardson, he said to bring van in, but.he didn't know if they would be able to check it out that day. At that point I was frustrated,because they had the van (3) days more than they promised. Bottom line, is van was again checked out, now he says its the fuel pump. Prior to the fuel rail breaking. I had no problems with my fuel system. I was informed of another recall with the fuel pump with the 1999 dodge grand caravan ( but, was told not with my model.) that clearly is a form of biased discrimination. And, yet my 1999 van has the identical fuel system problems. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 12, 2008 · Fuel system · 45,000 miles · AZ

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the fuel rail previously leaked on the vehicle. On december 26, 2002, the fuel rail was replaced according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 00v268000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). Also, while driving various speeds, the contact would constantly smell gasoline fumes inside the passenger compartment. He looked under the hood and noticed gasoline leaking onto the engine. Chrysler initially stated that there was a lifetime warranty and they would cover the repair costs. They later stated that the contact would be responsible for the repairs. The failure mileage was 45,000 and current mileage was 119,000.

Filed Dec 20, 2004 · Engine · IN

The cross over pipe underneath split apart, allowing the exhaust fumes/carbon monoxide to enter compartment. Fumes were sometimes overwhelming. Vehicle hesitated upon acceleration and stalled. Manufacturer was aware of this problem, and the part was back ordered with 10,000 consumers waiting. *ak.....fiv eother families encountered the exact same problem.

Filed Aug 30, 2004 · Fuel system · 66,454 miles · GA · fire · 1 injury

Vehicle was sluggish on take off quite often..could smell fuel odor in and around vehicle . After cranking vehicle ,,the vehicle caught on fire.burning itself and during ,there were several explosions that came from the vehicle..both from the engine compartment and in passenger area.all within approximately 45 minutes .my husband was burned on his lower leg attempting to put out flames. Our house was damaged from the flames along with other property..we see this vehicle as being a potential death trap..especially possible in a car accident where some one could be seriously injured, and waiting for help. This van is made for familys with kids.as we have 3 kids and a toddler.. It was designed as a 7 passenger vehicle..as we were told by the dealers at dodge that this was an exceptionally safe vehicle and perfect for a family with 2 to 4 kids...we find now ,that we were lied to.and was never told of any recall on this vehicle..or any dangers of this vehicle being suseptable to being a fire hazard.we were never told that these vans had ever had any type of problem..and did not suspect .our children were in constant danger even being near this van,.for we found it would catch on fire in an instant..without warning...nothing was ever done to this vehicle to correct the problem..and we were never warned in any way or form that these dodge caravans had a history of fuel leaks or were fire hazards waiting to happen...

Filed Jun 17, 2003 · Fuel system, Seat belts · 29,461 miles · TN

Gasoline smell in passenger compartment, tires needed to be replaced, car mileage plummeted. *mr dealer found injector leaking and removed and replaced plemuin and replaced injector. Seat belt installed incorrectly. All tires were under pressure. *tt

Filed Jun 3, 2003 · Fuel system · ID

There waqs a strong gasoline odor in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The odor made the passengers feel ill. The dealer replaced the vapor gasket on the gas tank but that cure was short lived and eventually the problem became worse. *mr *scc

Filed Jan 12, 2003 · Fuel system · 20,000 miles · AZ

Since november of 2001, following dealer oil change, I began to experience episodes of strong raw fuel fumes, especially after putting any amount of fuel in van. Many witnesses document fumes. I am afraid of fire risk and of the health risks of fumes. I have a small child and I have asthma, so this is a harmful situation. Anything left in car smells like a gas station. I have reported this to the dealer five times. They say they cannot find anything wrong. Started at 20k miles. Now 30k. Also had cylinder #3 fuel injector fail at 27k. (automatic transmission sensor went at 20k and mold found in vapor canister.) chrysler won't help. Also reference odi complaints #748730, 757182, 886982, 9004682 for similar problems reported. Please, I need help right away.

Filed Dec 18, 2002 · Fuel system · 45,000 miles · DE

1999 dodge caravan: strong fuel oders enter cargo/passenger area of vehicle - oders also noticible outside of van. Fumes are potential for spontanious combustion. Also, exposure to gas fumes (during extended trips and over cumulative time) can be harmful to major organ components within the human body - especially to developing infants. A former complaint was submitted using odi id: 748730 surrounding date: 09/06/2001. "component: fuel: fuel tank assembly: tank summary: smell gasoline coming from the fuel tank, a small amount of gas was leaking down the side of the fuel tank, due to the rollover valve was leaking on the fuel tank, replace fuel tank." the conclusion leads the reader to believe there's potential for ignition if vehicle should be in proximity of an unextinguished ciggarette, ex: at a stop light once a driver/passenger in proximity plucks a butt near vehicle. The findings also lead the reader to believe the roll over valve will fail when capsized contributing to catistrophic ignition/explosion.

Filed Dec 18, 2002 · Fuel system · DE

Consumer notice while traveling intermittent strong gas smell in side vehicle or while fuel tank is full. Please provide further information. Ts

Filed Jan 24, 2002 · IL

A strong gasoline odor is present when air conditioner is being used. Dealer has yet to be contacted. Please provide further details.

Filed Jul 19, 2001 · Fuel system · SC

Your latest information concerning the crash of a 2001 dodge caravan and the fire problem due to a cracked component. Since purchasing my dodge, we have experienced numerous strong gas smells in the cab of the car. We have taken it to 4 dealers and they say they can find nothing. This strong gas smell does not occur all the time, but intermittently. We are concerned for maybe a fire occuring. Where is this strong smell coming from? I called the chrysler assistance number and was told it was my word against the dealers and they would do nothing. I have serveral witnesses to the strong gas smell. We remain concerned, especially since no one will do anything about it. We just wonder if there is a similarity to the recent problem you have reported. We want this corrected, but have hit a dead end every where we turn. We understand it is hard for a dealer to find the problem when it does not happen all the time and there is no specific pattern as to when it will occur. But we don't know where to turn and we are very concerned about a fire in our car. To us, this is a dangerous situation. If you need to call before july 29, we will be at the following phone number until then. 864‑638‑7338. After july 29, we will be at the number given in this questionaire. Thank you.

Filed Apr 27, 2001 · Engine · FL

Consumer was traveling on highway and a gasoline smell was coming from inside of vent area. Also there was a puddle of oil underneath vehicle. Dealership was aware of problem.