Recall - Fuel Tank Adhesive Layer Missing: Overview
Subject: Product Safety - Fuel Tank Adhesive Layer Missing# 06160 - (11/06/2006)
Models:
2007 Buick Allure, LaCrosse
2007 Chevrolet Impala
2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
Condition
General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2007 Buick Allure and LaCrosse; Chevrolet Impala; and Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. Fourteen vehicles have a fuel tank that is missing the adhesive layer that bonds the barrier layer to the outer shell of the fuel tank. With this condition, fuel and/or fuel vapors could seep out between the layers. If fuel leaked onto the ground and a source of ignition was present, a vehicle fire could occur.
Correction
Dealers are to inspect the serial number on the fuel tank and replace the fuel tank if necessary.
Vehicles Involved
For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared and will be provided through the applicable system listed below. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.
-- US dealers - GM DealerWorld Recall Information
-- Canadian dealers - GMinfoNet Recall Reports
The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other than follow-up necessary to complete this recall is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the follow-up necessary to complete this recall.
Parts Information
Service Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.
2. Locate the fuel tank serial number (1), which is on the driver's side of the tank and usually visible through the rear driver's side wheel well.
3. Compare the fuel tank's serial number (1) to the tank serial numbers shown.
^ If the serial number on the fuel tank is not listed, no further action is required.
^ If the serial number on the fuel tank is listed, the fuel tank requires replacement. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement in SI. Do not discard the fuel tank. Refer to the section titled, Fuel Tank Cleaning and Packaging Information shown below.
Fuel Tank Cleaning and Packaging Information
1. Purge the remaining fuel from the fuel tank.
2. Use water to clean the fuel tank and fuel tank components. Keep the fuel components assembled if possible.
3. Drain all of the water from the fuel tank. Allow the fuel tank to dry for a minimum of 24 hours (ideal time is 2 days or more). Towel-dry the fuel tank if required to remove any moisture from the tank.
4. Package the fuel tank and fuel tank components in an appropriate weight cardboard box. The packaging should protect the fuel tank from any further damage.
5. Record the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the outside of the package in large legible letters for quick identification.
6. Include the words "ATTENTION: Brian McElwee" on the outside of the package. Refer to Contact and Shipping Address Information below for the shipping address.
7. Ensure that the normal point of contact in shipping is informed about the package so the carrier will only need to mention VITEC to retrieve it.
8. Contact VITEC to arrange for the pickup of the fuel tank. Refer to Contact and Shipping Address Information below.
Contact and Shipping Address Information
Contact Person: Brian McElwee
Fax: 413-618-9640
VITEC
Attention: Brian McElwee
2627 Clark Street
Detroit, MI 48210
VITEC appreciates your support and will make every effort to pick up the fuel tank assemblies as quickly as possible.
Courtesy Transportation
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation Program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product recall is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for courtesy transportation guidelines.
Claim Information
Submit a Product Recall claim with the information shown.
Customer Notification
General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter shown in this bulletin).
Dealer Recall Responsibility - For US US States Territories and Possessions
The US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides that each vehicle that is subject to a recall of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty days after tender of a vehicle is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time. If the condition is not adequately repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable allowance for depreciation. To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair their vehicle as soon as possible. In the recall notification letters, customers are told how to contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if the recall is not completed within a reasonable time.
Dealer Recall Responsibility - All
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this recall must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is shown in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
Disclaimer