Ford, whose line-up of pickups includes the perennially largest-selling vehicle in the United States, is recalling 1.1 million trucks in 21 states and Washington, D.C. because their gas tanks can fall off and cause fires.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall includes the Ford F-150 (1997-2004), the country’s best-selling vehicle, F-250 (1997-’99) and Lincoln Blackwood (2002-’03).
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The recall affects trucks sold or now registered in cold-weather states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.
“Prolonged exposure to road de-icing chemicals may cause severe corrosion of the fuel tank straps which secure the tank to the vehicle,” said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem.
“As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may fail, allowing the fuel lines to separate from the tank, or in some cases, causing the tank to contact the ground. Either scenario may result in a fuel leak presenting a fire hazard.”
Ford and Lincoln dealers will have the fuel tank straps replaced with straps that have increased corrosion protection. NHTSA says if replacement straps are not available, dealers may install a cable support under the strap as an interim repair or place a steel reinforcement over the existing strap as a permanent repair.
I have a 2004 F150 and the rust is not limited to the tank straps. This vehicle came off the dealer’s lot with rust all over the frame, rims and underside of the bed.
I expect to Ford to recall them for leaks and failures of the rims in a year or so.
My 1999 F-150 had so many problems. Now, I bought it used so I knew it would have some issues. But it was bad. The starter completely fell apart, brake lines were one bump away from snapping, battery lines were shot. Oh yeah, my fuel tank straps broke when I had a full tank and almost cause my truck to explode. Thanks, Ford, for the delay in realizing you sold a POS.
These are great trucks. It was the choice of governments to use cheaper products that caused the straps to fail, not something Ford’s fault. To the guy above complaining, you bought a used truck and didn’t check for any issues, it’s your fault for being ignorant and buying an abused truck. And it’s the previous owner’s fault for the condition it was in — not Ford. Place blame where it’s due.