2011 Buick Regal & Saab 9-5 Fuel Tank: Decoding PZEV, FWD, and Fuel System Faults
This guide covers the critical compatibility details and common failure points for the shared fuel tank in the 2011 Buick Regal and 2011 Saab 9-5.
- Compatibility is critical: This tank only fits Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) models without California's PZEV emissions system. Always verify your vehicle's emissions sticker before buying.
- On the 2011 Saab 9-5, the fuel tank MUST be removed to replace the in-tank fuel pump, significantly increasing labor costs for that job.
- If the tank is being replaced for any reason, always install a new fuel pump module, filter, and seals at the same time to avoid future repeat labor.
- A fuel smell is a critical safety issue and should be inspected immediately. Do not drive a vehicle that is actively leaking fuel.
Key Compatibility Warnings: Read Before Buying
Warning: This fuel tank (GM Part Number 13245054) has very specific fitment requirements. Ordering the wrong tank is a common and costly mistake. Verify the following on your vehicle before purchasing.
- Fits Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models Only: This tank will NOT fit All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versions of the Buick Regal or Saab 9-5.
- For Federal Emissions (NEV), NOT California Emissions (PZEV): This tank is for vehicles with standard federal emissions. It will NOT fit models built to Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards, often called California emissions. PZEV vehicles use a different tank (part number 12777874) with a more advanced design to prevent any fuel vapor from escaping.
How to Check Your Vehicle's Emissions System
To determine if your car is a PZEV model, check the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) sticker located in the engine bay, usually on the underside of the hood or on the radiator support. The sticker will explicitly state if the vehicle conforms to PZEV, ULEV, or SULEV standards. If it mentions PZEV, this fuel tank will not fit.
Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Tank or Fuel System
Problems can arise from the tank itself, the components inside it, or the lines connected to it. Here are the most common signs of trouble.
- Strong Fuel Smell: A persistent gasoline odor around the rear of the car is a serious red flag for a fuel leak. This could be from a crack in the tank itself, a rusted seam, or a degraded seal at the fuel pump or filler neck.
- Check Engine Light: The most common reason for a Check Engine Light related to the fuel tank is a fault in the EVAP system. Codes like P0451, P0452, P0453, P0442, or P0455 often point to a leak in a vapor line, a loose gas cap, or a failing Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) sensor.
- Engine Stalling or Hesitation: While often caused by a failing fuel pump, these symptoms are directly related to the fuel tank assembly. On the 2011 Saab 9-5 2.0T, a code like P0191 often points to a weak in-tank low-pressure pump. Similarly, on the 2011 Regal 2.4L, codes like P0089 are typically caused by the separate high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), but diagnosis always starts by verifying proper pressure from the in-tank pump.
- Erratic or Inaccurate Fuel Gauge: If your fuel gauge is stuck on empty, full, or jumps around randomly, the fuel level sending unit, which is part of the fuel pump module inside the tank, has likely failed.
- Difficulty Filling the Tank: If the gas pump nozzle constantly clicks off before the tank is full, it often indicates a blocked or malfunctioning EVAP vent line or charcoal canister, preventing air from escaping the tank as fuel enters.
Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
While the plastic fuel tank shell itself is generally robust, several related components have known issues.
- No Recalls for the Fuel Tank Shell: There are no active recalls from the NHTSA for the fuel tank on the 2011 Buick Regal or 2011 Saab 9-5.
- Buick Regal - High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP): The 2011 Regal with the 2.4L engine has a well-documented issue with its engine-mounted HPFP. GM issued TSB 12313 to address this, which could cause stalling, rough running, and codes like P0172 and P0089. While this isn't the in-tank pump, proper diagnosis requires checking the entire fuel system.
- Buick Regal - EVAP Code from Overfilling: GM TSB 22-NA-203 notes that code P0451 (Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Performance) can be caused by repeatedly overfilling the fuel tank. This forces liquid gasoline into the vapor lines, potentially damaging the sensor.
- Saab 9-5 - Fuel Pump Access: Unlike many vehicles, the 2011 Saab 9-5 does NOT have an access panel under the rear seat to service the in-tank fuel pump. This means the entire fuel tank must be removed from the vehicle to replace a failed fuel pump or sending unit, making the job significantly more labor-intensive.
Pro Tip: If you are dropping the fuel tank for any reason, it is highly recommended to replace the fuel pump module, fuel filter, and lock ring seal at the same time. The labor is the most expensive part of the job, so replacing these wear items while you have access can save you from having to do the entire job again in the near future.
Buying a Used Fuel Tank: What to Inspect
A clean, undamaged used OEM fuel tank from a dry-climate vehicle can be an excellent value. Here’s what to check before you buy:
- Verify Compatibility: Double-check that the tank is from a FWD, non-PZEV vehicle. Ask the seller to confirm the donor vehicle's specifications or, ideally, match the part number 13245054.
- Inspect for Damage: Carefully check the entire tank for cracks, deep gouges, or signs of heat damage. Pay close attention to the areas where the mounting straps sit.
- Check All Ports and Nipples: All the plastic connections for fuel and vapor lines must be intact. Look for hairline cracks, as these will cause fuel smells and EVAP leaks.
- Examine the Lock Ring Area: The large opening for the fuel pump must be clean and the threads for the lock ring must be undamaged. A warped or damaged sealing surface will never seal properly, leading to dangerous leaks.
- Look Inside: If possible, use a flashlight to look inside the tank. Check for any debris, sludge, or signs of contamination. A clean tank is crucial for the health of your new fuel pump.
- Ask What's Included: Clarify if the sale includes the fuel pump module. Most used tanks are sold bare. Even if a used pump is included, installing a new one is strongly recommended for reliability.
Replacement Overview & Difficulty
Replacing the fuel tank is a difficult and dangerous job that should not be attempted by beginners. It involves working with highly flammable gasoline and requires lifting the vehicle for access.
- Difficulty Rating: 4 out of 5
- Primary Dangers: Fire/explosion risk from gasoline and vapors, working under a heavy vehicle.
- General Steps: The process involves safely draining all fuel from the tank, depressurizing the fuel system, disconnecting the battery, lowering the exhaust system, disconnecting all fuel lines, vapor lines, and electrical connectors, removing the tank straps, and carefully lowering the tank. Installation is the reverse of removal, and new tank straps are often recommended.
Cost Comparison
| Part or Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Fuel Tank | $240 - $370 |
| New Aftermarket Fuel Tank | $250 - $400 |
| Used OEM Fuel Tank | $100 - $200 |
| Shop Labor for Tank Replacement | $220 - $500+ |
| Complete Replacement (New OEM Tank at a Shop) | $1300 - $1500+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know for sure if my car is PZEV?
Look for the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) label under the hood. It will clearly state the vehicle's emission certification. PZEV vehicles were primarily sold in states that follow California's stricter emissions standards, but could be found nationwide. Do not rely on the absence of a PZEV badge on the trunk, as not all models had them.
My fuel gauge is broken. Do I need to replace the whole tank?
No. An erratic fuel gauge is caused by the fuel level sending unit, which is part of the fuel pump module located inside the tank. You only need to replace the fuel pump module. However, on the 2011 Saab 9-5, the tank must be removed to access the module, making the labor identical to a full tank replacement.
What else should I replace while the fuel tank is out?
Because dropping the tank is so labor-intensive, it is standard practice to replace the in-tank fuel pump module, the fuel filter (if separate), the fuel pump lock ring, and the lock ring seal. It's also a good time to inspect the fuel tank straps for rust and replace them if necessary.
Is a fuel smell always a leaking tank?
Not always, but it should always be treated as a dangerous leak until proven otherwise. The smell could also come from a leaking fuel line, a bad fuel injector seal, or a saturated EVAP charcoal canister. However, a leak from the top of the tank (at the fuel pump seal) is a very common source and is just as dangerous as a crack in the tank itself.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 13245054
Material: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Compatibility: For Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and Federal Emissions (non-PZEV) vehicles only.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Buick Regal:
- Saab 9-5:
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Key Compatibility Warnings: Read Before Buying
- How to Check Your Vehicle's Emissions System
- Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Tank or Fuel System
- Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
- Buying a Used Fuel Tank: What to Inspect
- Replacement Overview & Difficulty
- Cost Comparison
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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