Special Coverage Adjustment - Fuel Tank Inlet Check Valve (ICV) Fracture

The Parts Information section in this bulletin has been revised. The correct gasket part number for the 2001-2003 Pontiac Aztek and the 2002-2003 Buick Rendezvous is 22681652. Discard all copies of bulletin 07203B, issued July 2008.

Some customers of 2002-2004 model year Buick Rendezvous; 2001-2004 model year Chevrolet Venture (regular wheelbase); and Pontiac Aztek and Montana (regular wheelbase) vehicles may comment about strong fuel odor or droplets of fuel on the ground during refueling or normal driving. This may be caused by a small crack at the base of the fill tube near the fuel tank.

This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after January 24, 2008, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to January 24, 2008, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Involved are 2002-2004 model year Buick Rendezvous; 2001-2004 model year Chevrolet Venture (regular wheelbase); and Pontiac Aztek and Montana (regular wheelbase) vehicles built within the following VIN breakpoints:

Parts required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from General Motors Service and Parts Operations (GMSPO).

General Motors will notify customers of this special coverage on their vehicles (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).

1. Remove the fuel tank from the vehicle. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement in SI.
2. Install the new fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement in SI.

For vehicles repaired under the terms of this special coverage, submit a claim with the information indicated below:

All customer requests for reimbursement for previous repairs for the special coverage condition will be handled by the Customer Assistance Center, not by dealers.

A General Motors Customer Reimbursement Procedure and Claim Form is included with the customer letter.

Important: Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 6.1.12, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement and the form.

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition described in this bulletin are to be submitted to the dealer prior to or by January 31, 2009. Repairs must have occurred within the 10 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 240,000 kilometers, whichever occurs first.

When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:

If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.

Dear General Motors Customer:

As the owner of a 2002, 2003, or 2004 model year Buick Rendezvous; or a 2001, 2002, 2003, or 2004 model year Chevrolet Venture; Pontiac Aztek or Montana, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.

This letter is intended to make you aware that your vehicle may develop a small crack at the base of the fuel fill tube near the fuel tank that can allow fuel vapors to escape and cause liquid fuel to drop to the ground during refueling and normal driving.

Do not take your vehicle to your GM dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition as described above.

What We Have Done:

General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the condition described above. If this condition occurs on your 2002, 2003, or 2004 model year Buick Rendezvous; or 2001, 2002, 2003, or 2004 model year Chevrolet Venture; Pontiac Aztek or Montana within 10 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge .

What You Should Do:

Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. If you believe your vehicle has this condition, you may want to call the service department at your dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that is convenient for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.

Reimbursement:

The enclosed form explains what reimbursement is available and how to request reimbursement if you have paid for repairs for the special coverage condition.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below. The Customer Assistance Center’s hours of operation are from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday.

We are sorry for any inconvenience you may experience; however we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure

07203