jcampbell1180
+1y
The Third Generation of Chevrolet's full size truck line suffered from a major design defect. The fuel tanks were relocated from the passenger cab to the outside of the frame rails behind the passenger cab, commonly referred to as sidesaddle. This placement made the trucks susceptible to exploding when involved in an accident where the other vehicle struck the Chevrolet truck in the side. As of 2000, over 1,800 people have died in Chevrolet and GMC CK trucks resulting from accidents where the sidesaddle fuel tank placement was a factor in the resulting fire. GM never issued a recall, as recommended by the NTHSA. Instead, in 1993, GM offered owners $1000 coupons to entice them to purchase a new truck. GM eventually settled with the NHTSA in 1994 for the amount of $51 million to be used for safety programs. The subsequent Forth Generation was redesigned to move the fuel tanks to the inside of the frame rails.
Hmmm...interesting.