Investigations
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fuel Leak
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE25003 — open, opened 2025-03-28.
NHTSA investigation PE25003 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2025-03-28 and currently open. The subject is tracked inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2025-03-28 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE25003 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a complaint alleging a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel leak from a Luxfer Type 4 CNG 60 diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) 26x108 size fuel container. The container was us..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time.
Investigation Summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a complaint alleging a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel leak from a Luxfer Type 4 CNG 60 diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) 26x108 size fuel container. The container was used in a system built and installed by Natural Gas Fuel Systems, LLC, dba Cummins Clean Fuel Technologies (CCFT). A strong odor alerted the driver of the fuel leak, which occurred at a fracture at the fuel container's threaded aluminum alloy fixed end boss. The fuel container is positioned longitudinally within an enclosure structure that is attached to the truck's passenger side frame rail in a side-mount configuration. The fuel container is held in position relative to the enclosure structure via neck mounting blocks and two aluminum alloy end bosses, each at opposite ends of the fuel container. The threaded fixed end boss is securely held in position, while the other floating end boss has some degree of freedom to allow for normal expansion and contraction with internal pressure and temperature changes. The complainant reports they are aware of five other trucks purchased by other customers from the same dealership that have experienced the same alleged condition. Furthermore, previous discussions with CCFT have revealed that they are also aware of other similar incidents. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire or explosion. To better understand the frequency, severity and scope of the alleged condition, a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is being opened. To review the ODI report number cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Numbers document, go to NHTSA.gov.
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.