2.7 Million Ford F-150 Trucks Under Investigation for Fuel Tank Issues

[AutoGuide.com]

In response to a growing number of complaints, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expanded a probe regarding a staggering 2.7 million 1997-01 Ford F-150 Pickups, where fuel tank straps have rusted, failed and in some cases caused vehicle fires. This follows on from another NHTSA investigation, that became a recall, regarding faulty airbags on Ford's best selling pickup truck, that ultimately included 1.2 million vehicles, albeit from the 2004-06 model years.

In regards to the fuel tank issue, NHTSA has said that over 300 complaints have been reviewed and of those, two actual incidents of the vehicles catching fire have been reported, though in both cases, no injuries or fatalities resulted.

Ford spokesman, Wes Sherwood, said the company was " aware of the matter," and will "continue to cooperate [with NHTSA]."

The heart of the investigation relates to the fact that the steel straps are essentially the only thing holding the tank to the frame of the truck. If the straps corrode, they can snap, causing the tank to drop down and in some cases drag on the ground, which can cause perforation, fuel leakage and potentially a fire to result.

More: 2.7 Million Ford F-150 Trucks Under Investigation for Fuel Tank Issues on AutoGuide.com

[95dieselsmoke]

I may have to check into this a little closer with my f150

[JMart]

Super duty fuel tanks are held in the same way.

[hillcountrystroker]

i was not aware of all the P/U trucks with this problem i actually just replaced the straps due to rust not long ago...I DEMAND A REFUND!!!

[late_99_PSD]

OK, some of these recalls are a little out of hand. If your fuel tank straps are rust, REPLACE THEM!!!!! Don't blame Ford because your fat a$$ is to lazy to crawl under you truck and fix it, or to have them replaced at a shop.

BTW I'm not directing this at any one person, but to as people in general.

[JMart]

Originally Posted by late_99_PSD

OK, some of these recalls are a little out of hand. If your fuel tank straps are rust, REPLACE THEM!!!!! Don't blame Ford because your fat a$$ is to lazy to crawl under you truck and fix it, or to have them replaced at a shop.

BTW I'm not directing this at any one person, but to as people in general.

I agree. These trucks are 10+ years old. How long is ford supposed to be responsible?

[JJR]

Just sandblasted mine and coated them with Ksb to eliminate this problem. I do agree that Ford should have used a better material for this use as well as making the rear brakeline out of stainless steel. The brakeline is definately as safety issue.

[nine6stroker]

Originally Posted by late_99_PSD

OK, some of these recalls are a little out of hand. If your fuel tank straps are rust, REPLACE THEM!!!!! Don't blame Ford because your fat a$$ is to lazy to crawl under you truck and fix it, or to have them replaced at a shop.

BTW I'm not directing this at any one person, but to as people in general.

x2

Maybe I'll start complaining that my injectors on my 15 year old 207k mile 7.3 were failing before took the initiative and REPLACED them myself.

[Killer48]

my tank fell off my 01 f150 2 years ago about 2 months after i bought it. there was really no rust on that truck but the straps still broke.

[sunco]

1997 - just looked at mine & a 2" peice is missing from one & the other is rusted