Gas Filler Nozzle Replacement

[jackstackma]

I received a Service Engine Soon message - turned out through smoke tests and $94 that it was a rusted fuel filler nozzle, giving off an environmental system error.

I spoke to 800 Nissan 1 and they opened a case. The dealer called today with an offer - but it is still going to cost me.

Questions: It appears that Nissan was offering cost retrieval to the dealer and the dealer called me. Do you think the dealer is trying to make a profit?

If it is a rusted gas filler nozzle, isn't that a recall? Shouldn't it be? I see all sorts of posts about the gas cap, problems opening, etc. Sounds like this is a significant problem and a potential safety hazard.

How do I escalate? Its going to cost me at least $400 with the current "offer."

[njjoe]

jackstackma-

Welcome to the forum.

I do not see this as a safety hazard. It is defintely a manufacturing problem that needs to be addressed, but not a safety issue.

-njjoe

[jackstackma]

So, if it is a manufacturing problem, would you agree that they should replace the filler for free?

[njjoe]

Originally posted by jackstackma
So, if it is a manufacturing problem, would you agree that they should replace the filler for free?

I am sorry to say, but that is what the warranty is for.

-njjoe

[Jim C]

Seems this would be a emissions defect that would require a report to EPA. With enough problems (2% of vehicles or greater), it might warrant an emissions-related recall.

Its not just NHTSA with recall authority. In fact, the largest recall ever was related to emissions, not safety (i.e., GM's Cadillac for exceeding national tailpipe standards when the A/C was on).

[jackstackma]

Thanks all!

On the whole, I'm not quite sure that a rusting gas nozzle is a warranty issue as much as a serious design defect - or a supplier / materials issue.

I would venture it is related to or potentially an EPA issue if Nissan manufactures something that needs repair and/or replacement within 4 years (that requires the entire rear end lowered so that the gas tank can be removed...) - and the alternate of not doing it is leaking gas into the atmosphere.

Either the factory-supplied gas cap did not fit properly or the nozzle was made with materials that were prone to rust quickly or a combination of both.

Whatever the case, the smoke test caused all sorts of smoke to leak out from around the gas cap.

We'll take some photos so you get a better idea - if you would like. Basically, its just rusted and corroded. I'm concerned if we take some scotch brite or crocus cloth to it, it may make the problem worse.

Best Wishes,
jws

[jackstackma]

As a Nissan owner, I'm glad that there is a continuing dialog with them - they called this AM.

They were excited that they had offered part of the amount; however, I let them know I didn't feel responsible - as the vehicle's original purchaser - for the problem.

I'm not quite sure why but they mentioned that we did live in the Northeast.

My response was that I was curious as to how many people would buy the car if there was the potential for a $700 repair in four years given the fact that they sell the vehicle in all 50 states. I mentioned I didn't see anything in the maintenance manual pertaining to gas cap replacement over time or nozzle maintenance.

In 2002, I had a new Audi TT. They had the vehicle (under warranty) in the shop for six months trying to find a vibration. I had a loaner that entire time. I believe most companies try to do the right thing and I am hopeful that Nissan will here as well.

[stevenriz]

Hi, do you remember what code you received telling you the nozzle was rusting?

[jackstackma]

I'm sure the dealer does but I don't. What I do know is that I paid a bit for an O2 sensor three weeks before this happened and now they're saying that the Gas nozzle is leaky. 3 weeks of rust? Same problem simultaneously?

I've now had 3 or 4 conversations with Nissan. They've offered to pay for 1/2 of the total cost. I've asked the case to be escalated.

Initially, the dealer said that I would get nowhere with Nissan. I wonder if that counts against them or something. Who knows!

I'm confident that they'll do the right thing here. If it was just a little surface rust, I would be ok - but it is caked on - probably making the rest of the motor corroded now - as well as creating more emissions.

[stevenriz]

Well good luck. I hope they take care of you. I had a similar issue with my last Buick where after 2 years the drain in my sun roof clogged and started leaking into the car via the dome light. $250 to fix. I said I would have never ordered the sun roof if I know I had to clean the drain every two years. They actually refunded me 100% of the repair. good luck again, let us know how you make out...

[stevenriz]

Well we just got home and I checked the filler and sure enough it was all rusted. I wiped it down along with the gas cap real good and put a light coat of oil on the gas cap seal. We will see if the light goes out. I wonder if that is what is causing the light to come on. we'll see.....

[jackstackma]

Its crusted or I would clean it myself. I don't know what kind of damage I would do if I cleaned it.

The rust goes completely down to the catch to stop certain sizes of nozzels from being put into it.

I'm mostly concerned with the lack of analysis by Nissan - like it is more efficient to throw a little money at it versus understanding what the problem is and why the dealer might have put on an O2 sensor instead of fixing what might have been wrong. Perhaps they're not disclosing that.

[evjm]

I think this may be common across the majority of Nissan's line. I had an X-Trail that had the same issue and my brother had an Altima with the same issue. They've got to stop using inferior metals!

[jackstackma]

I asked to get the case escalated. The gentleman who called stated that "he's" not going to increase their offer. Used the word "I" twice. I called him on it - like he was a bit over-involved and not thinking "Nissan Motor Corp. of America" or "agent of ...."

The next day, another gentleman called. They still cited that we're in the rust belt and that it's out of warranty.

I mentioned that I was frustrated that I had spent money (over $400) already and that some techs have told me that the environmental error given the first time driving the need to replace the O2 sensor could be mistaken and that the gas nozzle problem might have been the real problem.

The current person on the case told me they would make inquiries to their tech teams.

(After five calls with Nissan, two visits to the dealer, I am now tagging for SEO, as nissan murano problems, nissan environment, nissan EPA, nissan new hampshire, murano new hampshire,
mirano environmental problems, environmental error code)

[tprestone]

The problem can be fixed with a $20.00 investment. I just fixed this earlier this week. Dealer wanted 650.00 to replace the fuel filler tube. Here's what fixes the problem.
Purchase a new gas cap ($15.00)
Purchase 1 can of engine block paint ($5)

Remove all the rust from the rim of the filler neck where the gas cap makes contact. Paint the sealing surface. Try to let it dry as long as possible. Put the new cap on and the light will go out in a few days. Engine controller needs a good reading for quit some time. Mine went off in 2 days worth of trips.

Good luck and tell the dealer to jump himself.