2001 Saturn LS: gas smell in the cabin

Filed May 21, 2021 · Fuel system · 226,000 miles · MO · 3 injuries

The contact owns a 2001 Saturn L200. The contact stated while driving, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with the fuel pump needing to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired however, the contact removed the fuel tank. The contact was relating the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was informed that a tow truck would pick up the vehicle and transport it to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 226,000. THE CONUMER STATED THE PASSENGERS HAD HEADACHES, STOMACH ACHES, COUGHING AND BREATHING ISSUES WHILE RIDING IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.

Filed Oct 6, 2016 · Fuel system · 125,000 miles · DE

Gas fumes are coming from the rear of the vehicle. A mechanic told me that the plastic gas tank has a small crack. Gass appears to be vaporizing. There is no leakage of liqid gas that can be identified. Gas vapor permeates that interior to varying degree but is usually evident on the vehicle exterior. I cant rull out that the leak may originate from a ruptured line, fitting, or failed filter. Availability of new oem fuel tanks is a problem probably related to the discontinuation of the saturn line by gm. I have read several other accounts of saturn gas leaks on internet bulletin boards. Given the potential catastrophic consequences including property loss and human injury and death, the government should launch an investigation to identify the defective component (s) and initiate a recall to correct the problem. Of all the vehicles I have owned this is the only one where in the face of multiple reports by consumers of gas odors/leaks from the saturn l series, no action has been taken to investigate and initiate a recall. This is a problem of the highest order. Investigation should be fast tracked and relief should be granted to saturn owners who have to shoulder the burden of repairing/replacing unsafe fuel system components.

Filed Jul 18, 2014 · Fuel system · 73,000 miles · MD

Smell of gasoline r/s rear had filler neck and cap replaced; still able smell gas; crawled under car and noticed a small amount of gas on side of tank passenger side.

Filed Apr 10, 2014 · Fuel system · VA

I began to smell fuel, took to a mechanic and they couldn't find a hole where fuel was leaking so I thought I maybe was wasting gas on the outside of my car, but I began to smell a stronger gas smell so I was concerned and I took to a new mechanic that pulled the car a part and found that the welded seem of the fuel tank had a crack all the way down the weld, so I had to replace the fuel tank and I needed it immediately because it was my transportation to and from work so I had to replace at my own cost, $800.00.

Filed Feb 19, 2014 · Fuel system · 54,620 miles · HI

I started to notice the smell of gas coming from my car, but I could not identify where the leak was. I took it to my mechanic and he identified the fuel pump assembly, pressure line, return line, and sending unit all needed to be replaced. The mechanic said that the fuel pump was difficult to get to and the entire gas tank needed to be removed. Parts alone cost $793.53 while the labor was $382.00 for a total after tax and shop supplies of $1257.28. It was pretty shocking to me how this car needed to have a fuel pump replaced at such a low mileage but I did not want to risk a car fire or explosion. There is another complaint on this website that also mentions the same issue.

Filed Nov 29, 2012 · Fuel system · 137,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn l-series. While the vehicle was parked in a garage the contact smelled a strong fuel odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated the fuel cap and fuel filter had to be replaced. After the vehicle was repaired the failure continued to occur. The vehicle was taken a mechanic twice who stated the emission control module seal on the fuel tank would had to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure and stated the fuel tank had to be replaced because the emission control module seal was not sold separately. The mechanic replaced the fuel tank. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000. Updated 01/02/2013*lj the consumer stated after the fuel tank was removed, there were gas streaks found where the gas leaked out around the emission seal and on top of the tank. Gas had ran down the side of the gas tank causing fire hazard. Updated 1/7/2013

Filed Dec 16, 2010 · Fuel system · 110,000 miles · SC

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn lw300. While the vehicle was parked and turned off the vehicle was filled with a gasoline odor. The failure occurred when the vehicle was off or on for long time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the fuel pump was repaired due to a leak. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Apr 19, 2007 · Fuel system · 116,000 miles · FL

Strong smell of fuel around rear of car. Fuel pump leaking fuel. Fuel pump replaced, old fuel pump part available. 2001 saturn l-200, 116,000 miles. Smell was so strong at times a spark or lit cigarette would cause explosion or fire. Dealer said this is a commom problem at 100,000 miles.

Filed Oct 10, 2006 · Fuel system · 59,500 miles · CT

Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, gas fumes were noticed and the gas gauge dropped at an accelerated rate. This has been an ongoing problem for a few months. Once while pulling out of the driveway a leak was observed under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was determined the fuel line clip needed to be replaced.

Filed Aug 9, 2005 · Fuel system · FL

During the month of july 2005, while driving my 2001 saturn l300, I noticed strong gasoline fumes entering the interior of the car and also on the exterior. The mileage had dropped drastically and I was using half tank of fuel to drive 120 miles. Thinking it could be a torn or loose fuel line, I took it to my mechanic of trust for an inspection. He found the fuel tank leaking and advised me to replace it. I consented because I needed the car to commute to work in tampa on a daily basis. He removed the tank and found the fuel pump module cracked and needed replacement. Again I consented to repairing the vehicle. My wife called mitsubishi motors of hernando, where I had purchase the vehicle and reported the problem. She was told that we needed to contact saturn of port richey dealer. I called that dealer and explained the problem and was referred to gm saturn (1‑800‑553‑6000) and spoke to mary from customer service. I told her that I had information on a recall for the saturn for that particular problem. I even read her the campaign number and the date (00v309000 - 2000 oct 12). She put me on hold and after a few minutes she told me that she could not find any recall for that model but she would check and call me back when she did find it. She has not done so to this date. The repairs (replacements, parts, and labor totaled $1,010.71. I am sending the federal safety agency copies of the recalls and the repair estimates. I would like for gm saturn to reimburse me for the unnecessary expenses incurred due to the failure of the fuel tank and fuel pump assembly.

Filed Aug 1, 2003 · Body, Tires · 196 miles · CA

Consumer states that front door seal fell off resulting in gas fumes coming inside vehicle. Also the steering wheel shakes and vibrations starts at highway speed. Dealership refused to fix. *ak