Fiat Fuel filter design fault

On our first trip out of the season on arrival at our destination we noticed a diesel leak. The engine was dripping and it had sprayed down under the van into the suspension. The AA confirmed it was a common fault with Fiat motorhomes and they couldn't do a roadside repair. Fortunately our son in law is a bit of a mechanic and we were able to replace the rubber ring in the unit and stop any further leakage. The ring is a gasket but there is no retainer in the lid so, over time, it goes soft and squeazes out causing fuel leakage.

We have since discovered this is quite common and a design fault. It could also be dangerous. VOSA is trying to have the part recalled by Fiat but they can only do this if they have a body of evidence. If any other members have experienced this same part failure they are being encouraged to report it to VOSA at the foillowing address: Andrew.Tudor@vosa.gsi.uk