Tail Light Switch problems of the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu

4-2007 gas was pooling around engine, replaced intake gasket, next time I drove car , same problem,they had to do over ( their dime) because failed to replace o-ring. 9-06-07 would not start at gas station, 9-13-07 pass lock sys. Installed ignition switch lock cylinder. 11-13-09 turn signals, tail lights not working, between 11-13-09 @ 4-07-2010 , I have been back several times, because signals failed off and on while driving. Told me, they could not do anything until they could see it fail, which it did on 4-07-2010 while I was close to shop. Flasher switch/relay bad, replaced. 6-10-10 harmonic balancer worn and serpentine belt & seal replaced. 2-23-12 water pump leaking, replaced. 6-14-12 replaced sparks plugs, wires, complete injection flush. 9-14-2012 strong fuel smell (fumes) inside car and under hood, performed fuel leak test, no visual signs of fuel leak. Checked vent canister, gas cap, no fuel codes. Have been fumes several times since but by the time I drove to shop could not smell fumes. 4-22-13 fumes very strong inside car and under hood, drove to shop and they could smell fumes , put it up on rack and checked all underneath, no sign of leak under car or under hood. No one can tell me what the problem is but say process of elimination is only way. Why on 6-10-2010 need to replace serpentine belt and seal and again on 2-08-2013 remove and replace serpentine belt and belt tensioner?? when this car reached 62,000 I have had nothing but trouble with it and now I am afraid of a fire, gas is leaking somewhere!!!! I only have 97,461 miles. Is not there some way or someone who can find origin of the fuel leak?.

I have replaced my tail light bulbs numerous times as well now the entire bulb panel once on each side. The design and the seal allows for water to enter and hold water in the covering/reflectors which in turn cause rusting and blown bulbs. At this point I now need a whole new wiring harness due to the water damage on the passenger side as well as another new bulb panel. I have many friends whom also have the same cars who can not keep tail lights working either. I notice as I drive around many, many others on the road have no visible lights I would have to guess for the same reason. I am pulled over by the police frequently for this as well. I have not been issued a citation yet as I have a spoiler , rear window, and both break lights that are working. This is definitely a design problem and have been told this by many mechanics over the years. This should be corrected to potentially reduce accidents due to lack of rear lights and owners not knowing they have gone out or being unable to repair. The seals are poor and hold bowls of water constantly in the covers. I often see the problem in the passenger side as well as mine. Unsure if this in common or just my observation.