GM Recalls Hummer H3T Because Gas Tank Could Fall Off

Written by Timothy B. Hurst
Published on March 15th, 2009
4 Comments
Posted in Fuel economy

Hummer H3T recalled for faulty fuel tank strap

Faulty fuel tank support straps in new H3T latest setback for GM

Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse for General Motors, they did. The financially beleaguered automaker announced a recall of 1,738 of its new Hummer H3Ts on Friday, after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said a weak support strap could cause the H3T’s gas tank to fall off, “Increasing the risk of crash.”

According to the NHTSA report:

“SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FUEL TANK FRONT SUPPORT STRAP MAY FRACTURE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FUEL TANK WOULD BE SUPPORTED BY THE REAR SUPPORT STRAP AND STONE SHIELD ONLY. CONTINUED USE OF THE VEHICLE MAY EVENTUALLY FRACTURE THE REAR SUPPORT STRAP AND SHIELD FASTENERS.”

After the rear supports fail, the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle, the report says.

The 14 MPG (city), 18 MPG (hwy) Hummer H3T is no gas miser and it has the 27-gallon fuel tank to prove it; unfortunately for GM, it just doesn’t have the front support straps to match.

Fortunately for GM, relatively few vehicles are being recalled, but anything that cuts into the financially-strapped company’s revenues right now is magnified by their weak cash position.

The H3T recall is expected to begin in early April.

You Might Also Like

Add a comment or question
«
»

4 Responses to “GM Recalls Hummer H3T Because Gas Tank Could Fall Off”

  1. Bob Williams Says:
    March 16th, 2009 at 7:57 am

    “An American Revolution”

  2. Jack Daniels Says:
    March 16th, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    GM ought to fire the engineer who is responsible for this problem! I don’t think there’s any excuse for this one.

  3. jpm100 Says:
    March 16th, 2009 at 2:21 pm

    1700 units is not really news.

  4. Allch Chcar Says:
    March 22nd, 2009 at 4:09 am

    This sounds like a major deal, but it isn’t. It’s just another recall before it became a problem. Now the “throttlebody” recall on the Ford Victoria was a big deal, someone actually got hurt before that happened.

    Sounds like hating on the HUMMER. Waste of time if you ask me. The gas tank strap has nothing to do with the vehicle’s overall design other than the tiny detail about the huge fuel tank. Although I do notice the attempt at the aerodynamic Kammback, the picture is ruined by the huge kayak.

    While we’re at it, now I could rant about this, who would park their vehicle THAT close to the water. They must be crazy if they think that inspires buyers. Don’t they know what salt does to a car!?

    Now that’s something worth ranting about.

Leave a Reply