NHTSA Complaint #11487904 — 2016 DODGE CHARGER

Strong smell of raw gas when fuel tank is 1/2 full(+). The smell is inside and outside the vehicle (mostly on driver's side near back door & wheel well) whether vehicle is running or not. The smell is just as strong outside as inside. When fuel level falls below 1/2 tank, the gas smell reduces. Removed rear seat, drivers side fuel tank cover have a crack in it. A puddle of gas was sitting on top of the fuel pump & a brown burn mark near the electrical plug. Google search: many complaints of fuel pump leakage. The fuel pump still works, it pumps/primes when the key is switched to the ACC position & the car cranks when pushed to turn on. The issue is fuel is leaking from the pump upward when tank is at or above 1/2 full. Tried to order new pump from local dealership (Northpoint Chrysler Dodge) who said it calls for a different part#, is out of stock with no expected date of availability, & is not available anywhere within their network. September 8th, went online to a site that provides OEM parts (World Parts Direct). They said the part was not available until September 23rd. Since they provided an availability date, I ordered the part & waited. The delivery arrived on the 29th. What arrived have a totally different part# with an electrical connector that must replace the factory connector. In order to install, the factory harness must be cut, spliced, soldered, & heat shrink a rubber sleeve to protect the soldered wires. I questioned the different part#, was told that is what their supplier sent, it is OEM, & should work. The new connector came with a diagram showing to switch the 2nd & 3rd pin from the factory connector into the new connector. The factory (+) & (-) pins are side-by-side, the new connector separates them. Fuel pump wiring is faulty, dangerous. Raw gas encountering electrical connectors is unsafe, can be explosive or deadly. Not inspected/repaired by dealer or mfg, no CEL, avail for inspection if needed. Let's not wait for someone to die for recall.