Some keep talking aboput a 5 MPH hit to the rear. That standard never existed, it is and has been for many years a 2 1/2 MPH impact.
This is a quote from NHTSA's FAQ's
Quote:
On April 9, 1971, the agency issued its first passenger car bumper standard -- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 215, "Exterior Protection," which became effective on September 1, 1972. This standard called for passenger cars, beginning with model year (MY) 1973, to withstand 5 mph front and 2 ½ mph rear impacts against a perpendicular barrier without damage to certain safety-related components such as headlamps and fuel systems.
In October 1972, Congress enacted the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Saving Act (MVICS Act) which mandated that the agency issue a bumper standard that yields the maximum feasible reduction of costs to the public, taking into account the cost and benefits of implementation, the standard's effect on insurance costs and legal fees, savings in consumer time and inconvenience, and health and safety considerations.
The new requirements under the MVICS Act were then consolidated with existing requirements in FMVSS 215 and promulgated in March 1976 as a new bumper standard, which was added to NHTSA's regulations at 49 CFR Part 581. The new standard which applied to passenger cars beginning with MY 1979, was referred to as the Phase I Standard. At the same time, a "no damage" requirement (Phase II) was placed on bumper systems for model year 1980 and subsequent years. (See question 6 for more information on Phase I and II requirements.)
The most recent revisions to the bumper standard took place in May 14, 1982, effective for MY 1983 and subsequent model year passenger cars. This amendment reduced test impact speeds from 5 mph to 2.5 mph for longitudinal front and rear barrier and pendulum impacts and from 3 mph to 1.5 mph for corner pendulum impacts. In addition, Phase I damage resistance criteria were substituted for Phase II criteria and a bumper height requirements of 16 to 20 inches was established for passenger cars.
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While they still might not survive a 5 MPH crash standard, it HAS to survive the current federal standard or cannot be sold. same goes for any safety aspect of any new car. there are minimum Safety standards.
One reason for the loctation change for the Gas cap, and this is just speculation on my part, is maybe the top fender location was not going to be safe in a rollover accident, it could be torn from the car creating a gasoline spill and potential fireball...