Consumer stated fuel leaked. Dealer indicated that fuel tank rusted which produced a hole. 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.

- Greensburg, PA, USA

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. 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 NHTSA 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.

- Manassas Park, VA, USA

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

- North Andover, MA, USA

My wife had been complaining about a strong odor of fuel that she could smell while both in her vehicle driving, as well as, when the vehicle was parked and she was outside of it. I investigated and detected a strong odor of fuel as well. We then had our mechanic investigate the problem further and he discovered that the top of the fuel tank was severely corroded, as well as, in the area of the tank's seam. The more fuel in the tank, the worse the release of fuel vapors becomes, as the tank itself becomes saturated due to the severe corrosion. My mechanic tried to locate a new fuel tank through a local dealership but soon discovered that the fuel tank for this vehicle is not available. There are no after market, new or salvage tanks available for the 1997 Lumina - nationwide. I filed a report with General Motors 1(800) number on December 23rd, 2002. The dealership also opened a spac case through their parts network. I have followed up with GM's 1 (800) number twice since. There are no fuel tanks available for this vehicle. I am being told that there may be a tank available in late February or March but no one can give me a date. All I'm being told is that everything that can be done is being done. My log number with GM's 1 (800) number is 1-57851557. I have now been without a vehicle (due to safety and environmental concerns) for over five weeks. Researching existing complaints, the following exhibit the same or similar problem or could be somehow related: 567617, 725489, 769287, 785477, 816599, 8013382, 8020645. Today, with no fuel tanks available, I can only imagine how many problems have gone unreported.

- North Brookfield, MA, USA

Consumer found gas leaking from the top of the gas tank. The gas tank is degrading because snow, rain and road salt accumulates on the top of the tank.

- Charlton, MA, USA

My gas tank on my 1997 Lumina was just replaced because of a leak. My wife's work vehicle which is a 1997 Lumina had its gas tank replaced this summer. I think there is a gas leak problem with the 1997 Lumina.

- Gaylord, MI, USA

There was gas leaking from the vehicle's fuel tank. The consumer stated that because of the design defect, snow sand and road salt was allowed to accumulate on the top of the gas tank causing it to rust and degrade.

- Charlton, MA, USA

When vehicle is parked or being driven, there is an excessive gas odor present. Dealer says that gas is seeping from gas tank due to tank rusting. Dealer insists fuel tank needs to be replaced. The tank is rusted all around the tank where the seam is.

- Nottingham, NH, USA

Vehicle has a long crank cycle after warm up, these symptoms may be intermittent, consumer had computer upgraded, but condition still exists, dealer found the fuel pressure drops at the tank and recommended replacing fuel module/fuel pump assembly and the fuel filter.

- East Boston, MA, USA

Vehicle has a long crank cycle after warm up, these symptoms may be intermittent, consumer had computer upgraded, but condition still exists, dealer found the fuel pressure drops at the tank and recommended replacing fuel module/fuel pump assembly and the fuel filter.

- East Boston, MA, USA

Fuel gauge did not read accurately. Indicated full when it was empty.

- East Bend, NC, USA

The fuel guage componets will cost over 500 for parts alone. On the engine check light problem the O2 sensor at manifold was replaced and it drove fine for 1.5 months. It has done it again. Can humidity play a part. The car runs ok after a few minutes.

- Norfolk, NE, USA

When we stopped the car it would not start again. The reason I am writing is to find out if there have been a large number of individuals who have reported this part's failure. It cost nearly $800 to replace this one item. I do not know if this part has failed before. I do not have a history of the car. Can you assist me? no, safety defect mentioned in summary.

- Mandeville, LA, USA

When we stopped the car it would not start again. The reason I am writing is to find out if there have been a large number of individuals who have reported this part's failure. It cost nearly $800 to replace this one item. I do not know if this part has failed before. I do not have a history of the car. Can you assist me? no, safety defect mentioned in summary.

- Mandeville, LA, USA

Fuel gauge isn't working properly, and the consumer can't determine how much fuel is left in vehicle. Dealer can't determine the cause of the problem.

- New Martinsville, WV, USA

The fuel guage always indicates that vehicle has a full tank when it doesn't. also, once before the speedometer was incorrect. Currently instrument cluster needs to be replaced.

- Greensboro, NC, USA