2004 C5 fuel cross over issues
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 137
Likes: 15
From: darnestown md
2004 C5 fuel cross over issues
I test drove a 2004 C5 that I really liked today, but it seems like the 2004 C5 has fuel cross over issues based on some threads. Is this common to all C5's? How about C5Z's? Is this a car I should stay away from?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 137
Likes: 15
From: darnestown md
GM had some issues with the gas tanks in a range of VIN's made between Oct 8 2003 and March 18, 2004. VIN range is 45110258 through 45125500.
Many cars in that range developed fuel tank leaks like this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/albu...ictureid=42084
Potentially any car in that VIN range can still have the problem.
NHTSA let GM off the hook by allowing them to issue a "Special Coverage Adjustment" rather than forcing a recall of vehicles in the VIN range. That special coverage was a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, which ever came first, on failure of the fuel tank. The 10 years has gone by so now anyone that has a failure pays out of pocket for repairs. Typical dealer charges will be around $2500 for replacement of the tank and associated parts. Usually only the drivers side tank fails.
There were a couple recent threads by members whose car experienced the problem after the 10 year period and GM refused any help on payment for repairs.
Basically you take the risk of having to pay out of pocket for this repair should it happen to a car in the suspect VIN range if you purchase one that has NOT already been serviced. GMVIS will have info if the repair HAS been done on any car you may be interested that is within the suspect VIN range
Many cars in that range developed fuel tank leaks like this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/albu...ictureid=42084
Potentially any car in that VIN range can still have the problem.
NHTSA let GM off the hook by allowing them to issue a "Special Coverage Adjustment" rather than forcing a recall of vehicles in the VIN range. That special coverage was a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, which ever came first, on failure of the fuel tank. The 10 years has gone by so now anyone that has a failure pays out of pocket for repairs. Typical dealer charges will be around $2500 for replacement of the tank and associated parts. Usually only the drivers side tank fails.
There were a couple recent threads by members whose car experienced the problem after the 10 year period and GM refused any help on payment for repairs.
Basically you take the risk of having to pay out of pocket for this repair should it happen to a car in the suspect VIN range if you purchase one that has NOT already been serviced. GMVIS will have info if the repair HAS been done on any car you may be interested that is within the suspect VIN range
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 60
From: Artesia NM
Mine had the problem when I bought it. Fortunately the dealer saw it just before they shipped it to me and fixed it. It is a $2500 job, so just keep that in mind. Mine only had 11,500 miles on it.
Pro
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 692
Likes: 13
From: Lithia Springs Georgia
I did mine myself (right tank, but ended up taking both out). Was quoted $2200+ from the dealer, cost me ~$300 in parts (got a used tank from a 2007 Vette, a new crossover, and new in-tank lines).
I wouldn't let it keep me from buying a 2004.
I wouldn't let it keep me from buying a 2004.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 137
Likes: 15
From: darnestown md
GM had some issues with the gas tanks in a range of VIN's made between Oct 8 2003 and March 18, 2004. VIN range is 45110258 through 45125500.
Many cars in that range developed fuel tank leaks like this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/albu...ictureid=42084
Potentially any car in that VIN range can still have the problem.
NHTSA let GM off the hook by allowing them to issue a "Special Coverage Adjustment" rather than forcing a recall of vehicles in the VIN range. That special coverage was a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, which ever came first, on failure of the fuel tank. The 10 years has gone by so now anyone that has a failure pays out of pocket for repairs. Typical dealer charges will be around $2500 for replacement of the tank and associated parts. Usually only the drivers side tank fails.
There were a couple recent threads by members whose car experienced the problem after the 10 year period and GM refused any help on payment for repairs.
Basically you take the risk of having to pay out of pocket for this repair should it happen to a car in the suspect VIN range if you purchase one that has NOT already been serviced. GMVIS will have info if the repair HAS been done on any car you may be interested that is within the suspect VIN range
Many cars in that range developed fuel tank leaks like this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/albu...ictureid=42084
Potentially any car in that VIN range can still have the problem.
NHTSA let GM off the hook by allowing them to issue a "Special Coverage Adjustment" rather than forcing a recall of vehicles in the VIN range. That special coverage was a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, which ever came first, on failure of the fuel tank. The 10 years has gone by so now anyone that has a failure pays out of pocket for repairs. Typical dealer charges will be around $2500 for replacement of the tank and associated parts. Usually only the drivers side tank fails.
There were a couple recent threads by members whose car experienced the problem after the 10 year period and GM refused any help on payment for repairs.
Basically you take the risk of having to pay out of pocket for this repair should it happen to a car in the suspect VIN range if you purchase one that has NOT already been serviced. GMVIS will have info if the repair HAS been done on any car you may be interested that is within the suspect VIN range
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 211
Likes: 8
From: Honolulu Hawaii
thanks for all the info on this thread. I just bought a used 2003 C5Z with a production date on 09/2002 and vin 35106885. The car has 59,000 miles on it. I don't fall into the category described in your 04 gas tank issue posted so I'm wondering why after I fill my tank the garage smells like a gas station. I checked after I moved it and there was no gas on the ground. My wife kicked the car out of the garage permanently (said I'd have to do all the laundry if I left it in there) lol. I just replaced the gas cap so I'm curious if that will help at all.
Pro
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 692
Likes: 13
From: Lithia Springs Georgia
thanks for all the info on this thread. I just bought a used 2003 C5Z with a production date on 09/2002 and vin 35106885. The car has 59,000 miles on it. I don't fall into the category described in your 04 gas tank issue posted so I'm wondering why after I fill my tank the garage smells like a gas station. I checked after I moved it and there was no gas on the ground. My wife kicked the car out of the garage permanently (said I'd have to do all the laundry if I left it in there) lol. I just replaced the gas cap so I'm curious if that will help at all.
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 211
Likes: 8
From: Honolulu Hawaii
Filled tank today and once pump cut-off that was it. No topping off...with the addition of new gas cap and not over filling tank lets hope the gas smell goes away. So far so good.
Pro
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 692
Likes: 13
From: Lithia Springs Georgia
Next time you fill up, put the cap on and push down on the rear of the car a few good times to see if any fuel sloshes out. You'll have to get down and look under the rear of the car at the metal pans that hold the tanks in. You should not see or smell any gas.