The contact owns a 1995 Ford Escort. The contact stated that the fuel tank was leaking. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who agreed that the fuel tank was cracked which caused the leak. The contact was made aware that there was a recall for that specific failure ( NHTSA campaign id number: 97V144000, fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly). The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included and did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 98,000 and current mileage was 120,000.

- Mountain Home , AR, USA

The contact owns a 1995 Ford Escort. The contact stated there was an overpowering odor of gasoline coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was refueled the day prior to noticing the failure. The fuel level gauge was reading only one half full when the tank should have been reading full. The contact then discovered a large puddle of gasoline under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the contact was advised that the fuel tank had separated from the vehicle. The contact was advised by the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 97V145000 (fuel system, gasoline: Storage: Tank assembly) and that they would not assist with repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.

- New Britain, CT, USA

The contact owns a 1995 Ford Escort. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank area onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where they informed that the fuel tank cracked due to the heat shield. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number 97V144000 (fuel system, gasoline: Storage: Tank assembly). The VIN was not included in the recall defect. The contact experienced the same failure as mentioned in the recall. The vehicle was repaired for the malfunction at the owner's expense. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

- Rocky Mount, NC, USA

The contact owns a 1995 Ford Escort. After smelling gasoline, the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and was informed that there was a fuel leak. She was advised not to drive the vehicle; therefore, it was towed to a local Ford dealer. The dealer also discovered a fuel leak and stated that the cost for the repair would be approximately $1,000. The vehicle was towed back to the local mechanic and they replaced the gas tank at the cost of $780. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 97V144000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly). The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 10/07/08. The consumer was informed her vehicle was not included in the recall because her vehicle was manufactured in another state. Updated 10/08/08.

- Menifee, CA, USA

1995 Ford Escort with a defective fuel tank. Consumer states that the Ford told him this vehicle was not under recall. He states that the fuel tank has a crack in it and can only be filled less than halfway without it leaking. The consumer stated the tank was defective during installation, as the heat shield was still bolted to the tank and according to the recall, a crack could develop in the fuel tank under extreme heat if not removed.

- Springfield, IL, USA

NHTSA id# 97V144000, recalls 1995 Ford Escorts for cracks in the fuel tanks. I bought a used Ford Escort and a crack has developed exactly as stated in the recall. I E-mailed Ford but they say my VIN # has no recalls on it. And will not help even after telling them of the recall information.

- Warrenton, MO, USA

The contact owns a 1995 Ford Escort. While the vehicle was parked, the contact smelled gas and discovered a fuel leak towards the front of the vehicle. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA recall number 97V144000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly) and will not honor the replacement. A new fuel tank would cost $470. The vehicle is currently parked at the contact's residence. The current mileage was 64,445 and failure mileage was 64,345. Updated 01/11/08. The consumer stated the heat shield was not removed from the tank and the heat caused the tank to crack updated

- Springfield, IL, USA

The contact owns a 1995 Ford Escort. On July 31,2007, the fuel tank began leaking. The vehicle used up a tank of gas in a 12-hour period. Recall number 97V144000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly) was referenced. The purchase date and failure speed were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 80,000.

- Shelby Township, MI, USA

The contact owns a 1995 Ford Escort. The contact stated that the fuel tank is cracked and leaking. He stated that his VIN was not included in recall #'s 97V144000 and 97V145000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly). However, the contact stated that his vehicle is experiencing the exact same failures as noted in the recalls. The dealer and the manufacturer stated that there was nothing that could be done. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.

- Helena, MT, USA

: the contact stated that the interior of the vehicle smelled of gasoline. Upon exiting the vehicle, a puddle of gasoline was observed in the driveway. After further inspection, cracks were observed in the gas tank. There was a NHTSA recall # 97V144000 pertaining to the fuel tank assembly. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.

- Fremont, NE, USA

I own a 1995 Ford Escort LX [xxx] which has a leaking fuel tank. I checked your (NHTSA) web site and found "two recalls" for this problem. I when to my local Ford dealer for repairs, (a.C. collins Ford, pasadena Texas) and was told there was no recall issued for my car based on the VIN number. But the VIN number clearly states the engine size 1.9 L, assembly plant: Wayne ind. And it was sold and still is registered and used in pasadena /houston Texas. Which is the same information as shown in the NHTSA's recall notice. Note: The mileage and purchase dates are estimates due to the car being at the dealer at this moment. Updated 07/18/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Deer Park, TX, USA

Fuel tank has hair line cracks on left side where heat shield mounts to spacer. 2 recalls my VIN# isn't included not sure why. Talked to dealer and Ford hotline they wont fix. Safety hazard/ manufacturer defect. Would like problem resolved. Thank you.

- Richland, WA, USA

Fuel tank of a 1995 Ford Escort, VIN [xxx] is leaking gas from heat shield mounts on fuel tank. This is a known problem of Escorts in this year, and Ford has issued a recall on 64,000 Escorts citing a possibility of leaking fuel resulting in fire. Although my Escort was manufactured in 1995, has the 1.9L engine, was manufactured in the affected hermosillo, Mexico plant, and was sold in the covered state of Florida, both my local dealership and and Ford's national customer service line state my VIN is ineligible for recall service. They state it is most likely narrowed even further to specific dates, but neither dealership nor Ford themselves are willing to look into the matter, and neither can state with surely the car is not covered. The NHTSA recall in question is recall number 97V144000. Updated 07/19/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Fuel tank leak Ford stated that this was not covered recall #97V144000 & 97V145000 gas tank is leaking under rear passenger

- Cudahy, WI, USA

The vehicle had a leak in the fuel tank which was discovered after a long trip. Consumer discovered small droplets of gasoline on the ground. There was a strong smell of gasoline. Consumer had vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer noted there was a recall 97V144000, but consumer's vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. No repairs have been made, but consumer has been instructed not to drive vehicle due to the leak and the hot summer conditions experienced in the state of Arizona where vehicle is currently at. The dealer thinks it is significant about the temperature change because consumer traveled form East coast to that state.

- Hillsborough, NC, USA

The vehicle is a 1995 Ford Escort, with the engine size of 1.9 litters esi. On 6-29-05 the consumer took the vehicle into the dealer because the gas tank was leaking fuel. She had to get a wrecker to take it to the reynolds Ford dealer 7320 northwest expressway Oklahoma city, ok 71312 ph. No. 405-728-2411. Afterwards she had found there was a recall notice on the year make and model of her vehicle; NHTSA campaign I. D. no. 97V145000 and 97V144000. When her husband contacted the dealer by phone they told him they knew nothing of the recalls. The consumer contacted the Ford manufacturer and they told her that there was not a recall on the VIN no. Of her vehicle and that it was ten years old. There are no other known problems with the vehicle at this time. The dealership that the vehicle was purchased from is no longer in business.

- Betany, OK, USA

The consumer owns a 1995 Ford Escort. Recall 97V145000 was issued by Ford concerning gas tank leakage. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. The consumer stated he smelled gas and when he looked under the vehicle he discovered gas was leaking from the tank onto the heat shield and the exhaust.

- Black River Falls, WI, USA

Contact states gas is leaking from the front of the gas tank in the place where a particular recall on this make and models. It will leak a heat shield screw has punctured the tank. It seems to fit all criteria for this car, including where the car was manufactured.

- Irving, TX, USA

NHTSA recall campaign 97V144000; Ford issued a fuel tank recall. This vehicle not included in the recall due to VIN although it experienced a leakage from the gas tank....

- Avon, OH, USA

Gas tank leaks. I notified Ford. They said sorry, but they were not going to fix it. In fact I notified them twice. I put an incident date in below because it was required but I really don't remember when this leak started.

- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA