Fuel system defects in automobiles have been linked to a large number of vehicle fire accidents throughout the country. The fires and explosions that these defects can cause may result in severe burn injuries and even death. Generally, in a defective fuel tank accident, passengers may be injured, but still alive and trapped inside an automobile engulfed in flames. When a fuel tank caches fire, it can quickly lead to passengers suffering horrific burn injuries or death.

Between 1999 and 2003, an average of more than 325,000 automobile fires occurred each year as a result of fuel tank explosions. These were responsible for more than 400 fatalities.

Fuel Tank Fires

Although consumer safety advocates and automobile manufacturers unanimously agree that passengers who have survived an automobile crash should not be presented with the danger of a fire from a fuel tank explosion, these continue to occur.  In most cases, explosions can be linked to fuel leaks after an accident. Fuel leaks after an accident can be attributed to the improper design and positioning of the fuel tank system.

Improper placement of a tank was responsible for several explosions and fires in General Motors pickups and trucks. More than 10 million GM trucks had a side saddle tank design that was integrated to achieve a more power fuel driving range with a 40 gallon capacity tank. This was achieved through the installation of two 20 gallon tanks that were placed outside the frame rails. This design was approved against the advice of engineers who warned that the installation of tanks outside the frame would increase the risk of fuel leakage in the event of an accident. Between 1973 and 2000, more than 1,000 people were killed as the result of fire accidents involving these trucks.  

Ford Motor Company has been involved in lawsuits over the faulty fuel tank design of its Pinto model. The tank system design placed it at a high risk for rupture during a rear end collision sue to its lack of a solid rear bumper.

Fuel Tank Design Defects

Improper positioning of a tank that exposes it to the risk of gas or fuel leaks in the event of an accident is responsible for thousands of explosions and fire accidents over the years.

Beside placement defects, there can be a lack of barriers, increasing the possibility of a puncture in the fuel tank.

• The fuel tank system may lack a cut-off device to stop the flow of gas during a collision.
• There may be poor welding that can cause the tank to rupture.
• There may be a separation of the gas line from the tank or pump.