Feds Investigate 2004 Chevrolet Corvette for Fuel Leaks

Just the Facts:

• NHTSA is investigating a flaw tied to fuel leaks in the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette.
• The investigation affects an estimated 33,000 vehicles.
• Office of Defects Investigation for the agency has received 30 complaints from consumers.

WASHINGTON — An estimated 33,000 2004 Chevrolet Corvettes are being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for possible fuel leaks.

The Office of Defects Investigation for the agency has received 30 complaints from consumers "alleging either liquid fuel or fuel vapor leaking from a fuel tank," NHTSA said in its defects investigations summary. "The subject vehicle is equipped with two fuel tanks. In 12 of the reports, a fuel tank was either replaced or identified as the source of the leak."

In other documentation, NHTSA reports no crashes, injuries or fatalities linked to the complaints.

In one complaint posted on the NHTSA Web site, an unidentified consumer wrote: "I had the car repaired by the Chevy dealer on January 12, 2010 at a cost of $2,083. The repair consisted of replacing the left fuel tank."

Another wrote that "our 2004 Corvette with 27,630 miles [on the odometer] suddenly began leaking gas fumes so severely in our garage that we were concerned we could have an explosion."

Another wrote that "this is a safety hazard as the gas tank and leak comes right over my dual exhaust and could cause a fire."

A defects investigation is sometimes the precursor to a recall.

The Corvette defects investigation was launched on May 12. It comes as the U.S. Congress is zeroing in on auto safety issues following record recalls by Toyota.

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation is scheduled to hold a hearing at 2:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday to discuss new auto safety legislation dubbed the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 and drafted in response to Toyota's handling of its massive recalls. The House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing entitled "update on Toyota and NHTSA's response to the problem of sudden unintended acceleration" at 10 a.m. EDT on Thursday, May 20.

The Senate bill is similar to a measure now being considered by the House of Representatives. Both would set standards for pedal placement and keyless ignition systems. The proposed legislation would also require all new cars and light trucks to be equipped with event data recorders and brake override systems.

Inside Line says: If you own the aforementioned 2004 Corvette, be aware of the federal investigation. Also be aware that there are two major congressional hearings this week regarding auto safety. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent