Not very technical of a title, but I'm refering to the area you put the gas in on the side of the car.

My 2k ssei has been holding up very well minus the few issues that everyone else mentioned many times earlier like the intermediate shaft, rear window regulators, and the leaking into the trunk issues.

However, another problem has been brewing. I know in my wife'* '99 buick she had a plastic insert in her gas slot to contain any spillage and protect the metal. Mine, hovever, does not. Are we supposed to have that plastic piece in there as well on our cars?

Well, I'm getting bubbling and it'* starting to rust below that area. Plus the inner bottom below the fill point is getting rusty. I'm at work on break or I'd try to show some pics. There is a weld or crease inside the area and I think water and gas are getting in there causing it to rust.

I have two questions. First is my car missing a plastic protector piece? Second, if not what do you recommend to keep this from getting worse?

Granted my car is aging(so sad ) but there is no other rust showing and if I can clean up the affected area and protect it with some sort of insert, then it should be good to go for a long while,

Any info, advice, comments, etc... are welcome.

Thanks!

Unfortunately, this is the way they are designed...and I too have the same problem. You are not missing anything. There is a drainage hole to the left-front side near the gas cap door (with the door open). I believe that is where the problem begins. There'* a double panel of metal - it starts to rust from the inside - you don't know it'* a problem until it'* too late and is bubbling on the outer quarter panel.

I have not yet fixed it...but I can assure that it will only get worse if you don't get it taken care of. I was quoted $850 (small town shop in Western NY)

I was just thinking about posting this question too. I have recently noticed the same problem, and it is from the water or gas pooling in the front corner of the fuel access area. Ive been thinking of drilling a hole in the corner and putting primer on it but the rust has already begun so ill prolly just get a new quarter panel.

Mine'* got the same problem. First noticed it late this summer. Haven't had time to fix it. Looks like an epedemic has taken root. :(

rule #1. don't overflow your tank!

Actually, mine is wet most of the time from all the rain we get in my region. Very little gas, perhaps a drop or two from the nozzle when pulling it out of the slot on ocassion, but nothing to do with overspill per se. Also, I keep it out in the elements a lot with exception of winter. My kids "stuff" is in the other side of the garage opposite my wife during the rest of the year, lol I don't baby my car it is my daily driver with carseats and popcorn on the floor.