According to The Detroit Free Press, NHTSA
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation. It describes its mission as "Save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related crashes."
Is there a fuel leak in my Chevy Cobalt?
DETROIT -- The U.S. government's road safety agency is investigating complaints of fuel leaks in older Chevrolet Cobalt small cars and HHR wagons. The probe covers more than 614,000 Cobalts from the 2008 to 2010 model years and HHRs from 2008 and 2009.
Are there any problems with the Ford cobalt?
The probe covers more than 614,000 Cobalts from the 2008 to 2010 model years and HHRs from 2008 and 2009. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has 208 complaints from owners about gasoline leaks. Thirty-nine owners have told the agency about gas puddles or drips from leaky fuel lines toward the left rear wheel well.
What causes fuel line leaks in GM vehicles?
The safety watchdog claims the leaks are caused by corroding metal fuel lines. In a statement issued to the Free Press, GM spokesman Dan Flores said the automaker has “been in discussion with NHTSA on this matter and will continue to cooperate with NHTSA in its investigation.”
How many Cobalts have there been complaints about gas leaks?
The probe covers more than 614,000 Cobalts from the 2008 to 2010 model years and HHRs from 2008 and 2009. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has 208 complaints from owners about gasoline leaks.
How much does it cost to fix a fuel line leak?
Ignored a fuel line leak Fixing a leaking fuel line is a simple task for a repair facility and costs between $60 and $120.
Can you drive with a leaking fuel line?
It's never safe to drive a car with a fuel leak. Fuel leaks are one of the top causes of vehicle fires. Gas is highly flammable, so it is highly likely that the gas could start a fire, either in the vehicle itself or from the fuel left behind from a leaking vehicle.
How do you fix a leaking fuel line?
2:5514:16Fuel Line Leak Quick Cheap Fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWork the way I fixed these things before. I get some pieces of braided fuel line rubber stuff nowMoreWork the way I fixed these things before. I get some pieces of braided fuel line rubber stuff now this is rated for gasoline so it's right on a fuel injection hose.
How do you know if your fuel line is leaking?
Place Your Vehicle on Jacks The fuel line runs from the rear of the car to the front. You can follow along the line with a flashlight. If you spot areas that have a buildup of dust and road grime, as well as areas with wet spots, then you have found evidence of a fuel leak, according to eHow.
How serious is a fuel leak?
There is potential for significant burns, injury, and even death from gas leak fires, so it is best not to drive a vehicle that has a gas leak. One reason your vehicle may have a gas leak could be due to a hole in the gas tank. If it is a small hole, the mechanic may be able to fix it with a patch.
What happens when fuel line breaks?
A leaky fuel line will produce either drips, or in more serious cases puddles of fuel underneath the vehicle. A leaky fuel line will also cause a drop in fuel pressure, which can compromise the operation of the fuel system, which can cause engine misfires and stalling.
Will flex seal work on a fuel line?
No, Flex Seal is not resistant against a corrosive flammable like gas or oil. It is strongly recommended that you do not attempt to use Flex Seal Liquid™ on a gas tank.
How long does it take to fix a fuel line?
Regardless what the back yard wonders will tell you how quickly they can do it, I would say that, if the tank does not need to be removed,they will charge at least 2 hours labour. If the tank needs to be drained, removed and reinstalled, add a couple more.
How do you diagnose a bad fuel line?
Usually a bad or failing fuel hose will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential problem.Fuel odor. One of the first symptoms of possible issue with fuel injection lines is a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. ... Engine misfires, hard starting, and stalling. ... Fuel leaks.
What would cause a fuel line to burst?
Blunt Force. If you high-center your vehicle, you may damage the fuel line. Similarly, launching a rock out of your wheel well while you're on the road may damage the integrity of your fuel line.
Can a fuel leak cause a fire?
Fire and Explosion Risks Due to the highly flammable nature of gasoline, a gas leak can easily lead to a fire or explosion. This can occur if the gasoline or its vapors come in contact with a heat source, such as a spark or very hot surface.
Why is my car leaking fuel?
There are two main causes of gas leaks in cars: corrosion of the gas tank or a puncture of the gas tank. A corroded gas tank might be easier to fix. Seams around the edges of the gas tank could have worn down over time, and this is much easier (and cheaper) to repair.
How long do fuel lines last?
Any time that you crank the car, the fuel lines will have to deliver the gas that is needed for the combustion process. The fuel lines are made to last anywhere from 50,000 to 75,000.
Where are the leaks in a car?
The leaks are beneath an insulation heat shield near the exhaust pipe and muffler. The agency says it doesn't have any reports of crashes, fires or injuries. It says the probe will determine how often the problem happens and assess potential safety issues. Investigations can lead to recalls.
How many complaints about gas leaks?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has 208 complaints from owners about gasoline leaks. Thirty-nine owners have told the agency about gas puddles or drips from leaky fuel lines toward the left rear wheel well.
Why does my car leak gas?
The leak is caused by corrosion of the metal fuel lines that are secured to the body of the car by plastic blocks.
Is the Cobalt compact car leaking fuel?
Federal officials say they're investigating older models of the Chevrolet Cobalt compact car and HHR small wagon for potential fuel leaks after more than 200 owners filed complaints with safety officials.
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2006 Cobalt continued to carry the torch first lit by the 2005 model year. To be clear, that torch is burning bright with widespread power steering issues, electrical curiosities and a dangerous ignition switch defect which led to a massive recall by GM. This isn’t a great torch to carry. Read more »
Helpful websites
No one has added a helpful site for this 2006 Cobalt problem yet. Be the first!