For the past year my car has been reeking of gasoline fumes, normally in the morning when cold starting, but would occur periodically throughout the day. The smell was so overwhelming that I could not turn the heater on in the car, and would have to put the windows down in the car while driving down the road to try to rid the car of fumes. I took the car to the Volvo dealer and left it with them for days. They assured me it was a accumulation of something in the vent system, and they cleaned that out. The problem still existed. I finally took it to another mechanic who found the problem. The fuel rail. The end piece would allow fuel to virtually spill out. Please refer to this web site which describes this potentially dangerous situation in detail: www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/960_90info.html#960B6300fuelrailleakageproblems my car was a potential time bomb. Not only did Volvo not find the problem, but when my new mechanic found the problem it took my mechanic three trips to Volvo in order to have them order the correct parts as Volvo no longer manufacturers that particular part - hmmmm....I wonder why. This could have caused a horrible situation, especially with my children in the vehicle. We experienced sore throats, and froze to death on cold mornings not being able to turn the heater on due to being fumigated with gasoline fumes.

- Tacoma, WA, USA

The fuel rail began leaking from plug in front end of rail. I was able to smell the leak in the passenger compartment and was able to avoid a fire or other damage. Local independent parts store indicated that this is a common problem with the 960. Bought a new, redesigned fuel rail from local Volvo dealer. It was in stock and they indicated that they sell a fair number of these. They indicated that there is not a recall on this part. The new part has a different design of the end plug which leaked on my car. I no longer have the old part available.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

1996 Volvo 960 sedan - fuel rail leakage problem, front of fuel rail developed a leak at a factory plug (metal). Fuel was pouring out between metal plug and fuel rail onto the (hot) engine intake manifold and thermostat housing. Inquired about parts to replace fuel rail ass'Y for a 1996 Volvo 960, fuel rail ass'Y has been superceded by a 1998 up design. This is a serious hazard which could result in a fire and possible death.

- Brighton, IL, USA

The consumer stated that there was a strong chemical fume smell inside the passenger cabin coming from the engine compartment. The dealer stated sorry, nothing could be done. The vehicle was running without warranty. The fuel rail aluminum housing was leaking where it was a crimped together at the ends. Gas was leaking when the vehicle was cold at the firewall and gas fumes were escaping through the vents inside the vehicle.

- Florissant, MO, USA