Bulletin No.: 13296A
Date: November 2013

Recall Bulletin

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL
SUBJECT:

Insufficient Weld on Front Fuel Tank Strap Bracket

MODELS:

2013-2014 Chevrolet Sonic

This bulletin has been revised to include a copy of the customer letter. Please discard
all copies of bulletin 13296.
All involved vehicles that are in dealer inventory must be held and not delivered to
customers, dealer traded, or used for demonstration purposes until the repair contained
in this bulletin has been performed on the vehicle.
CONDITION
General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in
certain 2013-2014 model year Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A front fuel tank strap bracket may
separate from the vehicle due to insufficient welds. If this occurs, the increased load on the
remaining bracket could cause it to separate. The fuel tank would not be supported by the
fuel tank straps and would rest on the exhaust pipe and/or the plastic fuel tank shield. If this
occurs, the occupants may hear a rattling or scraping noise. If the fuel tank shield and fuel
filler neck do not support the fuel tank, the fuel tank may separate from the vehicle. If the fuel
tank is punctured, and if a source of ignition is present, a fire could occur.
CORRECTION,
Dealers are to inspect the front fuel tank strap bracket welds. If the welds are smaller than
specified, dealers are to install rivets to secure the bracket.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Investigate Vehicle
History screen in GM Global Warranty Management system. Dealership service personnel
should always check this site to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required
inspections and/or repairs. It is important to routinely use this tool to verify eligibility because
not all similar vehicles may be involved regardless of description or option content.
For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete
vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared
and will be provided to dealers through the GM GlobalConnect Recall Reports. Dealers will
not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.
Copyright 2013 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Page 2

November 2013

Bulletin No.: 13296A

The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle
Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other
than follow-up necessary to complete this recall is a violation of law in several
states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the
follow-up necessary to complete this recall.
PART INFORMATION
Note: It is estimated that less than 12 vehicles will require bracket repair.
If the inspection determines that the welds need repair, the parts listed below will be required.
The rivets and RTV sealant are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care and
Aftersales (GMCC&A). Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment
Order. In an emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special
Order.
The drill bits and Ashland Pliogrip are to be ordered as indicated.
Part Number
11569698
88861417 – US
88861418 - CN

Description
RIVET

Quantity/Vehicle
16

SEALANT, RTV

1

Obtain Locally

1/8" (3.17 MM) COBALT DRILL BIT

Obtain Locally

17/64" (6.75 MM) COBALT DRILL BIT

7770B220*

ASHLAND PLIOGRIP (ADHESIVE)

2
(submit as Net Item)
2
(submit as Net Item)
1
(Submit as Net Item)

* Ashland Pliogrip is to be obtained from Crest Industries, Inc. as follows:
U.S. Dealers: Call 1-800-822-4100, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM EST
Canadian Dealers: Call J-2 Products (Crest Distributor) at 1-888-880-0025 or 416-665-1404
(Canada), 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM EST.
Note: Depending on availability, Ashland Pliogrip (Green), part number 7770/220, may be
provided in place of the black version of the Ashland Pliogrip, part number 7770B/220. A dual
cartridge applicator tool is required to apply the Pliogrip two-part polyurethane adhesive. If
your dealership does NOT have a dual cartridge applicator tool, obtain one from Crest
Industries.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Fuel Tank Bracket Weld Inspection
Note: A chisel and hammer are required to complete the fuel tank bracket weld inspection.
1.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.

Page 3

November 2013

Bulletin No.: 13296A

3639561

Arrow indicates direction for front of vehicle. (1) Fuel Tank Strap Bracket locations. (2) Fuel Tank.

2.

Locate the front fuel tank strap brackets (1).

3639571

Note: Ensure the chisel is positioned between the bracket and the vehicle floor pan. Firmly
strike the chisel three (3) times to determine if there is a good weld between the bracket and
floor pan. Perform the fuel tank bracket repair in this bulletin if one or both of the fuel
tank strap brackets fully OR partially separate from the floor pan after performing the
inspection.
3.

Using a chisel and a hammer, inspect the welds of the front driver and passenger side fuel
tank strap brackets (3). Refer to portion ‘D’ of the photograph to view the driver side fuel
tank strap bracket. Refer to portion ‘P” of the photograph to view the passenger side
bracket.
 If the two fuel tank strap brackets do NOT separate from the floor pan after performing
the chisel test, lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI. No
further action is required.

Page 4

November 2013

Bulletin No.: 13296A

 If either of the fuel tank strap brackets separate from the floor pan after performing the
chisel test, the fuel tank strap brackets MUST be repaired. Refer to Fuel Tank Bracket
Repair in this bulletin.
Fuel Tank Bracket Repair
Note: The following tools are required to complete the service procedure in this bulletin:
 A compact quality drill.
 Drill bits that will drill through high strength steel.


A pneumatically powered pop rivet gun that accepts 6.35 mm (¼ in), 4.76 mm (3/16 in),
3.96 mm (5/32 in) and 3.17 mm (1/8 in) rivets.

 Small disposable brush for spreading the Pliogrip two-part polyurethane.
1.

Remove the fuel tank from the vehicle. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement in SI.

2.

Make a pop rivet template tool using one of the rivets and a punch.

3639576

2.1 Insert a pop rivet into the pop rivet gun.
2.2 Eject pop rivet into tool box drawer as shown in illustration.

3639582

2.3 Collect the pop rivet head from the tool box drawer.

Page 5

November 2013

Bulletin No.: 13296A

3639585

Warning: The rivet head will get hot during the hole drilling process. Use pliers to
remove the pop rivet from the vice. Allow the pop rivet head to cool BEFORE
assembling the pop rivet template tool.
2.4 Secure the pop rivet head into a vice.
2.5 Drill a pilot hole through the center of the pop rivet head using a 3.17 mm (1/8 in) bit.
Begin drilling from the stem side of the pop rivet head first (1).
2.6 Drill 6.75mm (17/64 in) hole through the pilot hole (2) (3).

3639588

2.7 Insert the point (1) of the punch (2) through the hole in the rivet head.
3.

Determine the condition of the fuel tank strap bracket.

Page 6

November 2013

Bulletin No.: 13296A

Caution: Ensure the Pliogrip two-part polyurethane mix is uniform in color BEFORE
applying it to the backside of the fuel tank strap bracket. Discard the first 25 mm (1 in)
of the mix that is not uniform. The color of the polyurethane varies: The polyurethane
mix will be either black or green. The Pliogrip two-part polyurethane has a 30-minute
open time. The application of the Pliogrip two-part polyurethane and the assembly of
the driver and passenger side fuel tank strap brackets must be completed in 30
minutes.
Note: Use duct tape to secure the fuel tank strap bracket to the floor pan. Locate the fuel tank
strap bracket in its original position. Look for witness marks on the floor pan to assist in
locating the proper location for the bracket.


If the fuel tank strap bracket fell off during the weld inspection, apply the Pliogrip twopart polyurethane, P/N 7770B220, to the backside of the bracket using a small brush.
Ensure the Pliogrip is applied to the backside of the fuel tank strap bracket mounting
tabs. The mounting tabs contact the floor pan of the vehicle.

Caution: To avoid damaging the fuel tank strap bracket, do NOT attempt to pry the fuel
tank strap bracket off the floor pan if the bracket is ONLY partially separated from the
floor pan.


If the fuel tank strap bracket is only partially separated from the floor pan, apply the
Pliogrip two-part polyurethane, P/N 7770B220, with a small brush to the backside of
bracket where it is separated from the floor pan.

3639591

Note: Use the pop rivet head on pop rivet tool as guide to ensure proper clearance is achieved
between tab portion of the bracket and the raised portion of the bracket.
4.

Using the pop rivet template tool, center punch the bracket metal in the six locations that a
hole will be drilled. Refer to the photographs BEFORE steps 5-10.

Page 7

November 2013

Bulletin No.: 13296A

3639593

5.

Drill six 3mm (1/8 in) pilot holes into the passenger side fuel tank strap bracket.

6.

Drill six 3mm (1/8 in) pilot holes into the driver side fuel tank strap bracket.

3639597

7.

Drill six 6.75mm (17/64 in) holes through the six pilot holes of the passenger side fuel tank
strap bracket.

8.

Drill six 6.75mm (17/64 in) holes through the six pilot holes of the driver side fuel tank
strap bracket.

Page 8

November 2013

Bulletin No.: 13296A

3639598

9.

Install the six pop rivets, P/N 11569698, into the passenger side fuel tank strap bracket.

10. Install the six pop rivets, P/N 11569698, into the driver side fuel tank strap bracket.

3639601

11. Apply RTV, P/N 88861417 (88861418 for Canada) (or equivalent), on and around each of
the 6 rivet heads of the passenger side fuel tank strap bracket.
12. Apply RTV, P/N 88861417 (88861418 for Canada ) (or equivalent), on and around each of
the 6 rivet heads of the driver side fuel tank strap bracket.
13. Install the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement in SI.

Page 9

November 2013

Bulletin No.: 13296A

COURTESY TRANSPORTATION
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer
inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within
the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in
maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand
that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be
provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and
Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below. All transactions should be submitted as a ZFAT
transaction type, unless noted otherwise.
Labor
Code
9100208
9100209
*

Description
Inspect Fuel Tank Strap Bracket – No Further Action
Req'd
Repair Fuel Tank Strap Bracket (inc inspection)

Labor
Time
0.3

Net
Item
N/A

2.5

*

Submit for the actual cost of the drill bits and Ashland Pliogrip needed to perform the
required repairs.

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter
included with this bulletin).
DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY – For US (US States, Territories, and
Possessions)
It is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used
item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or
lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied.
The US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides that each vehicle that is subject
to a recall of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer
has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty days after tender of a vehicle is prima
facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time. If the condition is not adequately
repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably
equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable
allowance for depreciation. To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every
effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair
their vehicle as soon as possible. In the recall notification letters, customers are told how to
contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if the recall is not completed
within a reasonable time.

Page 10

November 2013

Bulletin No.: 13296A

DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY – All
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this recall must be held and
inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take
possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless
of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for
which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by
the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the
instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is provided in this bulletin
for your use in contacting customers. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this
purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in
your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the
recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that
may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the tools,
equipment, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to
your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

We Support
Voluntary Technician
Certification

Page 11

November 2013

Bulletin No.: 13296A
November 2013

Dear General Motors Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in
certain 2013-2014 model year Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. As a result, GM is conducting a
safety recall. We apologize for this inconvenience. However, we are concerned about your
safety and continued satisfaction with our products.

IMPORTANT




Your vehicle is involved in safety recall 13296.
Schedule an appointment with your GM dealer.
This service will be performed for you at no charge.

Why is your
vehicle being
recalled?

A front fuel tank strap bracket may separate from the vehicle due to
insufficient welds. If this occurs, the increased load on the
remaining bracket could cause it to separate. The fuel tank would
not be supported by the fuel tank straps and would rest on the
exhaust pipe and/or the plastic fuel tank shield. If this occurs, you
may hear a rattling or scraping noise. If the fuel tank shield and fuel
filler neck do not support the fuel tank, the fuel tank may separate
from the vehicle. If the fuel tank is punctured, and if a source of
ignition is present, a fire could occur.

What will we
do?

Your GM dealer will inspect the front fuel tank strap bracket welds.
If the welds are smaller than specified, your dealer will install rivets
to secure the bracket. This service will be performed for you at no
charge. Because of service scheduling requirements, it is likely
that your dealer will need your vehicle longer than the actual
inspection time of 20 minutes. If the welds require repair, your
vehicle will be needed for an additional 2 hours and 15 minutes.
If your vehicle is within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, your
dealer may provide you with shuttle service or some other form of
courtesy transportation while your vehicle is at the dealership for
this repair. Please refer to your Owner Manual and your dealer for
details on courtesy transportation.

What should
you do?

You should contact your GM dealer to arrange a service
appointment as soon as possible.

Do you have
questions?

If you have questions or concerns that your dealer is unable to
resolve, please contact the appropriate Customer Assistance
Center at the number listed below.

Page 12

November 2013

Division

Number

Chevrolet
Guam
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

1-800-222-1020
65-6267-1752
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Bulletin No.: 13296A
Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-833-2438

If after contacting your dealer and the Customer Assistance Center, you are still not satisfied
we have done our best to remedy this condition without charge and within a reasonable time,
you may wish to write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590, or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at
1.888.327.4236 (TTY 1.800.424.9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID Number for this recall is 13V454.
Federal regulation requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a
copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.
Jim Moloney
General Director,
Customer and Relationship Services
GM Recall #13296