Gas fill overflow on my 06 durango
Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,822
Likes: 4
From: Indiana
[head knock]
It is easier to biatch I guess. And it is a safety and sux issue. But I agree at the concept of fixing it DIY if available instead of leaving it alone wishing for a recall. If it is still in warranty, fine... otherwise why not do something in the near term yourselves?
IndyD
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
After 3 weeks in the shop got my 05 Durango back. Chrysler is basically paying for all the parts (filler neck and gas tank, around $1050.) I'm paying for about $400 in fees and labor.
As some here suggested, I've asked why they treat customers differently--some get reimbursed the whole bill--why not me? The answer was to the effect that I'm not as loyal customer as others: I don't bring in my Durango to the authorized dealer for service.
My answer was I didn't have any problems with the vehicle prior to this and I can change oil, brakes, tires elsewhere. Apparently, you need to bring your Dodge for any little routine thing to the authorized dealer to be considered a loyal customer.
As some here suggested, I've asked why they treat customers differently--some get reimbursed the whole bill--why not me? The answer was to the effect that I'm not as loyal customer as others: I don't bring in my Durango to the authorized dealer for service.
My answer was I didn't have any problems with the vehicle prior to this and I can change oil, brakes, tires elsewhere. Apparently, you need to bring your Dodge for any little routine thing to the authorized dealer to be considered a loyal customer.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Green Ohio
In regards to fixing the check valve yourself you need to be aware of the following.
The tanks are made out of plastic and it's competely impossible to mold them in one piece and get a check valve in it. However, when you look at it, take it out of the D, it is in once piece. This is accomplished by molding a top & bottom to the tank, placing the check valve in it and then plastic welding the 2 pieces together.
Due to the tank being plastic welded and the check valve with it's spring just inside the tank (right inside where the filler tube attaches, makes it unserviceable. If you do get to it that would mean you cut the tank, then it no longer works as a tank.
My D is fixed, I took the stance of purchasing the tank retail and paying a non-dealer shop to install it. This means Chrysler will eventually have to refund me what i paid the shop to troubleshoot the issue, labor for the repair work and the retail price of the tank. It was pricier but this way they get no more of my business until this is resolved for everyone.
The tanks are made out of plastic and it's competely impossible to mold them in one piece and get a check valve in it. However, when you look at it, take it out of the D, it is in once piece. This is accomplished by molding a top & bottom to the tank, placing the check valve in it and then plastic welding the 2 pieces together.
Due to the tank being plastic welded and the check valve with it's spring just inside the tank (right inside where the filler tube attaches, makes it unserviceable. If you do get to it that would mean you cut the tank, then it no longer works as a tank.
My D is fixed, I took the stance of purchasing the tank retail and paying a non-dealer shop to install it. This means Chrysler will eventually have to refund me what i paid the shop to troubleshoot the issue, labor for the repair work and the retail price of the tank. It was pricier but this way they get no more of my business until this is resolved for everyone.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Dodge Durango Fuel Overflow Safety Issue
The NHTSA sent me a letter this week thanking me for my comments on the fuel tank overflow issue. They have looked at the information/data available and said that there is not enough evidence to open an investigation on the issue.
My guess is that they are only looking at the complaints on the Model Year 2006 Durango which is what I have and collectively there have only been 62 complaints since January of 2011.
Overall, there have been 138 complaints to the NHTSA for Model Year 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Durangos since January of 2011.
During 2010 there were nearly 500 complaints so I just for the life of me can not figure out what criteria they are looking for to open an investigation and make this right.
They all are second generation Durangos with the same fuel tank setup but I am frustrated that they do not recognize this as a problem on the second generation Durango and are only focusing on the Model Year problems.
I am going to keep pushing, keep making my case with them (NHTSA and Chrysler) each week.
I ask you all to please do the same and express the frustration that it is to own a vehicle that has a pretty serious flaw.
Since my unexpected call from someone at Chrysler (Dodge) due to the response from the State Attorney General, I have had zero follow contact with either him or anyone from the dealership asking me if I am going to bring mine in for repair.
I can only speak for myself here but I can assure you that Chrysler (Dodge) will not get any more of my business and I have owned a Dodge vehcile since 1992.
Exerp from safercar.gov
IN ITS LETTER DATED JANUARY 6, 2009, CHRYSLER INFORMED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL EXPAND THE SCOPE OF RECALL 05V-034 TO INCLUDE APPROXIMATELY 19,000 ADDITIONAL MY 2005 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES BUILT FROM 10/13/04 THROUGH 11/30/04 (REFER TO RECALL 09V-003). DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INLET CHECK VALVES AND REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY. IN MARCH 2005, CHRYSLER INITIATED A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 24,000 MY 2005 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES BUILT FROM 3/1/04 TO 10/12/04 (REFER TO RECALL 05V-034). THE RECALL WAS CONDUCTED TO REMEDY FUEL-SPIT BACK PROBLEMS CAUSED BY STUCK INLET CHECK VALVES IN THE FUEL TANK FILLER TUBES. AT THAT TIME, CHRYSLER STATED THAT THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL TANKS HAD IDENTIFIED AN EARLY OCTOBER 2004 MANUFACTURING CHANGE THAT SHOULD HAVE ELIMINATED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, HIGHER RATES OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR THE MY 2005 DURANGO VEHICLES BUILT FROM 10/13/04 TO 11/30/04 COMPARED WITH THE REMAINING MY 2005 DURANGO VEHICLES BUILT AFTER NOVEMBER 2004 INDICATE THE SPIT BACK PROBLEM CONTINUED IN THE FIELD FOR VEHICLES BUILT FROM MID-OCTOBER THROUGH THE END OF NOVEMBER. CHRYSLER REPORTED PROCESS MODIFICATIONS WERE IMPLEMENTED ON 11/24/04 TO ADDRESS SPIT BACK PROBLEMS AND BELIEVES THESE PROCESS CHANGES WOULD HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED IN ALL VEHICLES BUILT AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT AS OF 11/30/04. BASED ON CHRYSLER'S EXPANDED RECALL, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Wake up NHTSA and Chrysler (Dodge) The issue still exists!
My guess is that they are only looking at the complaints on the Model Year 2006 Durango which is what I have and collectively there have only been 62 complaints since January of 2011.
Overall, there have been 138 complaints to the NHTSA for Model Year 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Durangos since January of 2011.
During 2010 there were nearly 500 complaints so I just for the life of me can not figure out what criteria they are looking for to open an investigation and make this right.
They all are second generation Durangos with the same fuel tank setup but I am frustrated that they do not recognize this as a problem on the second generation Durango and are only focusing on the Model Year problems.
I am going to keep pushing, keep making my case with them (NHTSA and Chrysler) each week.
I ask you all to please do the same and express the frustration that it is to own a vehicle that has a pretty serious flaw.
Since my unexpected call from someone at Chrysler (Dodge) due to the response from the State Attorney General, I have had zero follow contact with either him or anyone from the dealership asking me if I am going to bring mine in for repair.
I can only speak for myself here but I can assure you that Chrysler (Dodge) will not get any more of my business and I have owned a Dodge vehcile since 1992.
Exerp from safercar.gov
IN ITS LETTER DATED JANUARY 6, 2009, CHRYSLER INFORMED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL EXPAND THE SCOPE OF RECALL 05V-034 TO INCLUDE APPROXIMATELY 19,000 ADDITIONAL MY 2005 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES BUILT FROM 10/13/04 THROUGH 11/30/04 (REFER TO RECALL 09V-003). DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INLET CHECK VALVES AND REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY. IN MARCH 2005, CHRYSLER INITIATED A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 24,000 MY 2005 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES BUILT FROM 3/1/04 TO 10/12/04 (REFER TO RECALL 05V-034). THE RECALL WAS CONDUCTED TO REMEDY FUEL-SPIT BACK PROBLEMS CAUSED BY STUCK INLET CHECK VALVES IN THE FUEL TANK FILLER TUBES. AT THAT TIME, CHRYSLER STATED THAT THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL TANKS HAD IDENTIFIED AN EARLY OCTOBER 2004 MANUFACTURING CHANGE THAT SHOULD HAVE ELIMINATED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, HIGHER RATES OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR THE MY 2005 DURANGO VEHICLES BUILT FROM 10/13/04 TO 11/30/04 COMPARED WITH THE REMAINING MY 2005 DURANGO VEHICLES BUILT AFTER NOVEMBER 2004 INDICATE THE SPIT BACK PROBLEM CONTINUED IN THE FIELD FOR VEHICLES BUILT FROM MID-OCTOBER THROUGH THE END OF NOVEMBER. CHRYSLER REPORTED PROCESS MODIFICATIONS WERE IMPLEMENTED ON 11/24/04 TO ADDRESS SPIT BACK PROBLEMS AND BELIEVES THESE PROCESS CHANGES WOULD HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED IN ALL VEHICLES BUILT AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT AS OF 11/30/04. BASED ON CHRYSLER'S EXPANDED RECALL, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Wake up NHTSA and Chrysler (Dodge) The issue still exists!
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
Filed with NHTSA
I have filed my complaint with the NHTSA today. I do not know what to expect from them or Dodge since I am a second owner and do not have a warranty with them. I will probably price it out for new parts and install it myself, especially if I can find aftermarket parts that will fit.
I do hope that there is some action on this, because of the seriousness of the safety hazard.
I do hope that there is some action on this, because of the seriousness of the safety hazard.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
Possible Petition Option
Reading throught the NHTSA site, there is another way to get an investigation started. I do not know how many it will take, but if you read below, there is an option to start a petition to have a particular defect investigated. They can still say no, but it may light us up on their RADAR if we band together all the Chrysler 2004-2008 vehicles with fuell tank issues.
2. Petition Analyses:
Any person may submit a petition requesting NHTSA to open an investigation into an alleged safety defect. After conducting a technical analysis of such a petition, ODI informs the petitioner whether it has been granted or denied. If the petition is granted, a defect investigation is opened. If the petition is denied, the reasons for the denial are published in the Federal Register. Similarly, a person may submit a petition requesting NHTSA to hold a hearing on whether a manufacturer has reasonably met its obligation to notify and/or remedy a safety defect or noncompliance with a Federal motor vehicle safety standard. If the petition is granted, a hearing is held to assess the matter and decide what corrective action should be taken. If the petition is denied, the reasons for the denial are published in the Federal Register.
2. Petition Analyses:
Any person may submit a petition requesting NHTSA to open an investigation into an alleged safety defect. After conducting a technical analysis of such a petition, ODI informs the petitioner whether it has been granted or denied. If the petition is granted, a defect investigation is opened. If the petition is denied, the reasons for the denial are published in the Federal Register. Similarly, a person may submit a petition requesting NHTSA to hold a hearing on whether a manufacturer has reasonably met its obligation to notify and/or remedy a safety defect or noncompliance with a Federal motor vehicle safety standard. If the petition is granted, a hearing is held to assess the matter and decide what corrective action should be taken. If the petition is denied, the reasons for the denial are published in the Federal Register.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Dodge Durango Fuel Overflow Safety Issue
Greetings to you all
As April 2011 comes to a close, we are still getting no support from the NHTSA to open an investigation and no support from Chrysler (Dodge) to address this issue.
We close the month of April and the new totals for complaints posted at www.arfc.org is now 162. That is 162 complaints from consumers just since the 1st of January 2011.
There are 58 complaints for 2005 owners
There are 70 complaints for 2006 owners
There are 22 complaints for 2007 owners
There are 12 complaints for 2008 owners.
Until the NHTSA stops looking at this by Model Year and as a 2nd Generation Durango problem we are forced to continue to log complaint after complaint to the NHTSA and to Chrysler.
Reach out to other Durango owners in your cities and states and ask them if they have the issue and whether or not they have reported it. My guess is that there is still a small number of people who may have just learned to settle with this issue.
Keep records of your phone calls, email correspondence and don’t' let up.
I am thinking about holding a rally and driving to Detroit to Chrysler headquarters and letting them take a look at this issue first hand and dispute what the case managers told me was not a safety problem.
Best wishes
As April 2011 comes to a close, we are still getting no support from the NHTSA to open an investigation and no support from Chrysler (Dodge) to address this issue.
We close the month of April and the new totals for complaints posted at www.arfc.org is now 162. That is 162 complaints from consumers just since the 1st of January 2011.
There are 58 complaints for 2005 owners
There are 70 complaints for 2006 owners
There are 22 complaints for 2007 owners
There are 12 complaints for 2008 owners.
Until the NHTSA stops looking at this by Model Year and as a 2nd Generation Durango problem we are forced to continue to log complaint after complaint to the NHTSA and to Chrysler.
Reach out to other Durango owners in your cities and states and ask them if they have the issue and whether or not they have reported it. My guess is that there is still a small number of people who may have just learned to settle with this issue.
Keep records of your phone calls, email correspondence and don’t' let up.
I am thinking about holding a rally and driving to Detroit to Chrysler headquarters and letting them take a look at this issue first hand and dispute what the case managers told me was not a safety problem.
Best wishes