2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler owners are up in arms about fuel spilling out of their tank during the refueling process. Hundreds of owners complain that when filling up, after the pump clicks off, gas spills out onto the ground, the car and even the owner. This isn't a simple little fuel leak either, this is more like a fuel geyser. Watch the last 20 seconds of the attached video to see it in action:

Chrysler has recalled some Dodge Durangos for a similar problem, but denied that there was any such problem with the Wrangler.

The automaker claimed that the problem can be traced to owners using gasoline with high ethanol levels, stating “Chrysler testing shows that a plastic 'O' ring on the inlet check valve – the part that's supposed to stop the fuel from coming out – swells when it's soaked in 22%, 50%, 85% or 100% ethanol.”

After receiving 615 complaints, the NHTSA decided to open an investigation into the problem in August 2010.

The NHTSA Investigation

Update: FEBRUARY 16, 2011: After seven months of testing, the NHTSA has closed their investigation into fuel leak problems in the 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler. The agency has determined that there is no need for a recall. They seem to be writing off the hundreds of complaints as nothing more than "internet-related publicity", saying:

"Although the rate of complaints reported to the agency on the subject vehicles is higher than or similar to the rates experienced in previous investigations where safety recalls were conducted, ODI suspects that the NHTSA safety complaints submitted by subject vehicles owners may have been influenced by internet related publicity both before and during this investigation. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed."

What's interesting is their choice of words here: "internet-related publicity". Why should it matter if the complaint came from online forums, YouTube or a site like CarComplaints.com — a problem trend is a problem trend no matter where the reports come from.

What Is Chrysler Doing to Fix the Problem?

Thankfully, there is good news to come out of this problem. Chrysler Group LLC has agreed to initiate a lifetime warranty program to address the accidental fuel spillage issue in 135,000 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler vehicles built from March 2007-March 2008. Chrysler will notify all affected vehicle owners of this action. Consumers should refer to the warranty and service bulletins and sample owner notification letter available in the investigative file. The vehicle build date can be found on the certification label located on the driver door or door jamb.

Actions You Can Take & Possible Recourse

Let the NHTSA know that "internet-related" publicity is still important!

This step is crucial. Don't just complain on forums; The sites below actually manage your complaint in ways that allow useful statistics and they report dangerous trends to the authorities. Law firms often contact these sites for help with Class Action lawsuits. Make sure to file your complaint on all three sites, we can't stress that enough.

1. Step 1: File Your Complaint at CarComplaints.com

   CarComplaints.com is a free resource dedicated to uncovering car problem trends and informing the consumer. File Your Complaint

2. Step 2: Notify the Center for Auto Safety

   The Center for Auto Safety is an organization that informs consumers about auto safety issues. Notify the CAS

3. Step 3: Report a Safety Concern to the NHTSA

   The NHTSA directs highway safety and has the authority to force recalls to be issued following investigations. Report Your Concern

Have Your Say

Let us know if you've experienced this problem, know of a potential fix or just want to voice how frustrated you are: