2003 rotting gas tank

[jpm1145]

We began to smell gas arounf and inside the car in the last few days. The weather has been very cold here so I couldn't check anything as I normally would. Got so bad we took it to 2 different repair shops and both reported that the fuel tank was rotten on the bottom somewhere and leaking fuel. The vibe is a 2003 with 50,000 miles and always kept in an unheated garage. In all the years(40) that I have owned cars, I've never seen a gas tank go in such a short time. They said there was no damage just a rotting spot on the tank. Is this what I can expect from GM in the future? My 2001 Aztek has already gone thru rotting transmission lines and the infamous check engine light for a leak in the emissions that the dealer cannot say that he can permenately repair.I am considering calling GM on the what I consider early tank failure. Does anyone think I have a chance or should I just start looking for a new line of cars. No wonder GM is in such bad condition.

[NibCrom]

Well, it is basically a Toyota vehicle, so it would be tough to blame GM for this.Sorry that is happening. Never heard of that on a Vibe (or really any modern car).

[prathman]

Does seem very early for a gas tank to corrode through in the absence of any impact damage. Can't hurt to try complaining to the corporate customer service folks. I'd also suggest letting NHTSA know at:http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ since a leaking gas tank could certainly be a safety issue. That way they can see if there's any pattern of failures like yours.But I wouldn't put the blame on GM for this issue. The gas tank is undoubtedly made to Toyota specifications and is the same one used in Corollas (Vibes and Corollas share an assembly line and most parts are interchangeable).

[jimincalif]

Is it rusting through from the outside in, or the inside out?

[nate06]

Quote, originally posted by jpm1145 » No wonder GM is in such bad condition.No GM is in such bad condition cause the UAW pushed too hard and forced the cost of labor to unreasonable levels so that GM couldn't make a profit and had to cut back in other areas just to stay alive.Quote, originally posted by jpm1145 » Is this what I can expect from GM in the future? You should be able to expect great things from GM in the future. They have been working with the UAW to help make the company profitable again. Last October they handed over the retires health care benefits to the UAW and today they said they would offer pension buyouts to 74,000 workers. They will also be able to hire new workers at a starting wage of $14 which is half the current average wage.http://news.moneycentral.msn.c...ol=GMI also heard somewhere that GM was buying half the worlds viagra supply for the retired workers health care plan.It will take awhile for the cost savings to really kick in but the future looks a little brighter somewhere down the road.

[micbarric]

Do 2003 Vibes have a metal fuel tank? I know the 2005 and newer Vibes have polymer/plastic tanks made by this Toyota supplier:http://ftsca.com/index.html

[kevera]

That seems real early for a tank to rust out.Most of the rusted out gas tanks I've had were on 15+ year vehicles.

[jpm1145]

Thanks to all for their replies. As of now I've left the car to be repaired with a used tank from a salvager as we need the car asap. The shop doing the repair is going to give me the replaced tank, so I can make a determination of what to do after I have talked to them and inspected the tank. I will as prathman suggested, enter the information at NHTSA. I also will need the car manual to look for the rust warranty but don't expect it to help much with the dealer as a we have had them deny rust spots before that were clearly from something other than damage. I intend to call GM if after inspection and speaking with the shop, it appears that it looks like premature failure.

[djb383]

Is the tank not plastic?

[joatmon]

the warranty would only apply if you had GM do the work. Since you are having some other place replace the tank, you took it out of the dealer's hands. Maybe, ond only a thin maybe, if you had taken it to a dealer and had them deny the repair, then could show that the repair should have been covered, then there may be some chance that you might have some argument.But the bottom line is that a leaking gas tank is uncommon (first reported here), unusual in a car so new, and dangerous to ignore, so I hope that they fix it well, soon and at low cost. Please be sure to tell us what you find out about the old tank when you get it back.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by nate06 »I also heard somewhere that GM was buying half the worlds viagra supply for the retired workers health care plan.It will take awhile for the cost savings to really kick in but the future looks a little brighter somewhere down the road.The cost savings is that these retirees are going to die way early!

[jake75]

I had a 1968 VW bug where the gas tank rusted through in about 8 years.

[jpm1145]

Well, Pontiac called me yesterday and guess what, they didn't want anything to do with it. Did not even want to look at the tank. They offered me what they called a smart package consisting(haven't seen yet) of oil changes and tire rotation. I must admit it seemed as though they have a bunch of people who respond to these things with this canned response. If I didn't accept the smart package, there was nothing else to do but put my tail between my legs and go away. The more I look at what I did, I should have gone to the dealer right away with the problem as I think I might have gotten a little further. It is such a difficult decision knowing that if you are refused there, you can expect to pay $300-400 more for your repair. I don't know what else to do, I'll have to see what the dealer says when we use the oil changes, that will determine wether I buy GM next time. I know, it can happen to any car, but its the response that shapes your decisions. They claim the obvious....winter conditions, etc(even though the car is kept in an unheated garage. The tank is covered with rust spots, I wonder how many other Vibes in this area are in the same condition. My Aztek is 2 years older and the tank looks great. It sits right next to the Vibe in the garage, must not be contagious. lol.

[spark123]

I've got a 03 vibe also. It is a total rot box. Rusted almost all the way through above the windshield, rust bubbles all around the body. Front rotors rusted away rear drums are not far behind. Just changed the passenger front wheel bearing. The knuckle was so rusted I had a heck of a time getting the old bearing out. I would not doubt If my tank were on its way out too. I will check this weekend for rust and post.I am very disappointed in my car it is my newest car and it is in the worst shape.

[LUVROK]

Sounds like the people having rust problems are all in NY. I'm not blaming the manufacturer but I know I have problems with my older vehicles if I don't prep them before the snow flies. I wash and wax all year, including winter and spray a mix of bar and chain oil and diesel on the chassis, axle housings and floor boards to keep the salt off my jeeps.

[Vibe_dude]

Sounds like a major toyota problem.oh wait toyotas dont have those.HAHAAHA ya right.As you stated yourself if your aztek seems to be in mint shape.why would you blame Gm for a bad car.Yes all car companies make some bad cars..but iam so tired off ppl blaming GM for all there problems...I blame toyota and honda for making ppl believe that there cars are so awesome.

[BlueCrush]

Makes me glad my bottom was rust proofed.

[northvibe]

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »Makes me glad my bottom was rust proofed. i just sold mine to my sister, now she can deal with it hahah...jk. I took extreme care of the car. I dont think the rotting will happen to everyone. just like anything humans make, cars have defects.

[jpm1145]

Yes, there are always a number of vehicles that have problems. My biggest problem with what happened to me is that GM did not want to even look at the tank. This tells me that they have seen this before or that creating good will by acknowledging that 5 years is too soon and helping me deal with the problem in some way is not something they want to do. I don't care if it was a Toyota car, GM sold it. For a problem that might cost them $100, they have lost my next car purchase.