Last week, 17 Aug 05, I had to replace the fuel tank on my '96 Chrysler T&C [xxx] due to a fatigue crack that was spilling fuel. Chrysler has refused to accept any responsibility since my vehicle is out of warranty. Are there any requirements regarding the longevity and performance of plastic fuel tanks? other than the obvious safety concerns, the replacement cost exceeded $800. At the time of failure my vehicle had 180,885 original miles and has been meticulously maintained. The location of the crack (top, front, left corner) precludes any accidental impact of the undercarriage. According to the servicing dealer, hayes Chrysler, lawrenceville, ga, the defective tank was destroyed per environmental requirements. Please advise if there is a course of action I can take to ameliorate this problem. Updated 07/19/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

1996 Chrysler Town and country had a split seam on the top side of the gas tank. Vehicle had a strong odor of gasoline due to the split. Replaced the gas tank, was charged for new tank and labor. Manufacturer said due to mileage on vehicle, there would be no consideration for reimbursement.

- Garner, NC, USA

The vehicles plastic tank collapsed on the inside. This resulted in incorrect fuel level reading. The dealer replaced the pump at no charge but the sending unit in the tank has the same reading. The dealer had the fuel tank down, and stated that the tank was sagged, and possibly caused the false reading. Chrysler sent out letters about the problem but when the consumer called the dealer, they stated that this was a manufacturer problem.

- Latrobe, PA, USA

The VIN for this vehicle is: [xxx] car suffered fuel line breakage after driving through a large puddle. Was towed to O'hara Chrysler-Plymouth dealer(clinton, mi) for repairs, which the fuel line damage was determined. Inquired with the service rep, [xxx], as to why since owning the vehicle. The maximum tank fill-up was 13.0 - 13.4 gallons, whereas the service manual states 18 gallons. "[xxx]" stated that there was a tendency of the tank to bow-in, that would either reduce the fuel sensor accuracy or reduce the volume. A new tank carried a different part number than the original. Since this vehicle was assembled on January 11, 1996 and there is a NHTSA technical service bulletin #140895 issued on January 1, 1996. Am I covered by this and was I charged for a known defect? I had brought the tsb number to the service manager [xxx], who indicated that the tsb number was something he was not familiar with and did not meet D-C recall three digit numbers. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Tecumseh, MI, USA

The van experienced a leak at the gas tank, which had worsen over time. The dealership was unable to fix problem.

- Lake Havasu City, AZ, USA

Consumer smelled gas, dealer found that fuel was leaking from the vent seal at the top of the tank, dealer replaced fuel tank, the consumer is requesting reimbursement for this repair since it appears to be safety related. Nlm

- Huntington Valley, PA, USA

While driving at any speed and with no warning fuel tank had cracked, causing fluid to leak out. Consumer will have to refill tank more then usual. Dealer notified.

- Huntington Valley, PA, USA

While driving the fuel tank seams and fuel line cracked resulting in the fuel leaking, the dealer was notified.

- Needham, MA, USA

Welding on gas tank cracked, and vehicle started to leak some fuel. Contacted dealer, and the dealer replaced the tank.

- Dumont, NJ, USA

Fuel leaking from gas tank. Took vehicle to Chrysler dealer to be checked. Was advised that fuel tank was leaking at a seam. This vehicle had an earlier recall concerning fuel leaking where the fuel pump was mounted to the tank. Repairs were made according to the recall. It seems that a fuel tank should not just start leaking for no apparent reason (there was no physical damage to the fuel tank). The tank is to be replaced by the local Chrysler dealer for a sum of $700 plus. This is a very serious safety issue in which a fire could easily occur. If this is a common occurence, it should be taken care of by the Chrysler corporation. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

- Hixson, TN, USA

While at the dealer have another fuel system related recall done the consumer informed the technician that she noticed a small leak coming form the fuel tank, but ir only occurred when the consumer fill the tank up. The consumer was hoping that the recall was going to correct the problem. Upon inspection the technician informed the consumer that the leak was coming from the tank. The consumer found out that the tank is made of plastic and sits low to the ground. The clearance between the tank and the ground is about 18 inches.

- Wichita Falls, TX, USA

The fuel tank has compressed due to fuel leakage. The dealer refused to do recall 99V216000 because of this problem.

- Mulberry, FL, USA

NHTSA recall 00V268000/manufacturer's recall 895; O-rings have been replaced 3 times and still continue to leak. Manufacturer was notified. The O-rings and lock nut on the tank has been replaced 3 times within 3 weeks, the leak still continued, service manager stated that the fuel tank itself was defective and that the threaded neck had elongated, consumer had the tank replaced at his expense, Chrysler paid for half of the repairs.

- Dixon, MO, USA

Inside sidewall on left front wheel suddenly split away. On four different occasions while driving the transmission suddenly downshipt without any warning to a lower gear causing the speed of the car to immediately drop from 65-70 mph to 50mph or less and on other occassion the transmission lockup, problem diagnosed as relay control for tcm, replaced, to no avail. Transmission leaks oil and other fluid, replace shat seal, gasket and resealed pan. Replace fuel gas tank to achieve reliable fuel gauge measurement. Steering locks up especially on hard left turn, replace rack and pinion.

- The Villages, FL, USA

I have had this van worked on due to recalls 3 times and with the latest recall # 895, I also have a complaint about the fuel tank leaking from the top in checking other customer complaints, it appears that there at least 50 or more such complaints. Something needs to be done before someone gets seriously injured.

- Murrells Inlet, SC, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Omaha, NE, USA

Plastic fuel tank is warping, this will be the third time the tank needed to be replaced due to this condition. Dealer notified. Consumer states this condition is dangerous because all of the weight in the rear of the tank rests in two small spots.

- Madison, OH, USA

There was a gas leak coming from gas tank. Took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced seal. It only lasted 60,000 miles, and leaked again, vehicle had been back to dealer 3 times for same problem. Consumer felt this was very dangerous, it could cause a fire. Consumer also stated the transmission went out.

- Heath, OH, USA

Plastic fuel tank has developed a crack along the top (per dealer). I did notice on one or two occasions that the tank bottom developed a concave appearance. The dealer has offered to replace the fuel tank for approx. $800 with no guarantee that the replacement tank won't fail for the same reason the original tank has. I would be intereseted in hearing from you about the safety record and longevity of plastic gas tanks. I have never owned a vehicle in which the gas tank has developed a crack.

- Vacaville, CA, USA

Vehicle is leaking fuel from the fuel rail. Consumer was smelling some fuel inside cab when driving before taking vehicle into a dealer.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA