While fueling my truck I noticed the smell of gasoline, after stepping back and examining the situation, I found that I was leaking gas onto the ground, I took my truck to a local mechanic that found the problem to be a rusted out filler tube, had that replaced and then again went to get gas, again, I had gas leaking to the ground, thinking it may have been an issue with the gas tank straps, that I found to have been recalled, I had those checked, one strap in fact was gone, but since having a skid plate was told no further action to be taken at this time, also while inspecting the straps I was told that I had two leaks on my gas tank, one on top and one at a pinch-weld, at that time I asked that I cant even have my tank replaced because Ford has no straps available to replace the new tank with. I am curious as to why this fuel storage system is having such a problem with the components rusting as badly as they are" if there is a problem with the materials used for the straps on the gas tanks, can there be also a problem with the materials to the rest of the fuel system"

- Ashland, KY, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150 4X4. The contact stated that gasoline was spilling from the top of the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for the failure but they were unable to locate where the fuel was spilling from. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 11V385000 (fuel system, gasoline: Storage: Tank assembly: Mounting) and stated that the fuel tank should also be included in the recall. The contact stated that the fuel tank was leaking due to rust on the fuel tank straps that spread to the tank. The contact believed that the leak was coming from the filler neck but it had not been confirmed by the dealer or a mechanic. The failure mileage was 158,000.

- Anniston, AL, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the straps which held the fuel tank in place broke. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the corrosion of the straps led to a fuel leak. The dealer also informed the contact that the manufacturer would not repair the fuel tank even though it was caused by the corrosion of the straps. The contact stated that the manufacturer informed her that the vehicle was included in the recall associated with NHTSA recall campaign id number 11V385000 (fuel system, gasoline: Storage: Tank assembly: Mounting). The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 140,000.

- Sring Hill, FL, USA

I was driving home and heard a loud noise like something dropped or fell. I thought that it might be my exhaust. I was about a 1/2 mile away from home and continued on. I tried to put my truck in the garage and it wouldn't go in, still thinking that it my exhaust, I got out of my truck and discovered that the gas tank had fallen. I then had it towed to our repair garage and they said that the straps had rusted completely off and that the tank had a small leak in it.

- Allendale, MI, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated the vehicle was leaking fuel and the fuel tank was found to exhibit rust. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 11V385000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting) but the contact was not satisfied with the remedy offered in the recall. The contact stated that the fuel tank was rusted where the strap was located. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not contacted in regards to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 225,000. Updated 09/19/11 updated 2/21/12

- Plainville, IL, USA

I own a 1997 F150 and as I was driving down the interstate one of the straps on the gas tank snapped, (rusted through) and noticed that the gas tank also has a hole rusted in it and is leaking fuel. Have pictures upon request.

- Charleston, WV, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. While refueling, fuel began to spill out from the fuel tank. The contact stated the vehicle previously drove over a bumpy road at approximately 20 the contact examined the fuel tank and noticed that one of the straps which held it in place was fractured. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer. The failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Old Lyme, CT, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the fuel tank fractured and detached from the vehicle. The contact found that both fuel tank straps were severely rusted and detached. As a result, approximately two gallons of gasoline was spilled. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised that straps, the fuel tank and the nozzle would need replacing. The vehicle was repaired for the nozzle only. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 09/07/2011

- Twin Lakes, WI, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the fuel tank fell off of the vehicle as a result of a broken strap. The contact mentioned that the strap was corroded and that none of the fuel spilled onto the ground. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 250,000.

- Matthews , NC, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 30 to 40 mph the fuel tank to separated from the vehicle the fuel did not spill out of it. The contact inspected the vehicle and stated two straps failed due to corrosion which caused the fuel tank to fall. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current miles were 119,000.

- Bensalem , PA, USA

Own a 1997 Ford F-150 recently noticed that the gas tank straps have rusted out. The center strap has completely broke in two due to rust corrosion tilting the tank, and causing gas spillage during fueling creating a fire and/or explosive danger.

- Coventry, CT, USA

Yesterday 7/15/2011 I pulled into the parking lot of lowes and smelled gas. I found the outside of the gas tank was wet from the top down. I noticed that one of the metal straps that held the tank was broken. It was broken at the point where it turns to go under the tank. It appeared to have rusted through. I purchased large plastic wire ties to hold the tank in place so I could get home safely. I still smelled gas when I arrived at home.

- Hopewell, NJ, USA

1997 F-150 Ford pick up truck has 2 fuel tank retaining straps that have corroded and one has broken. Fuel tank has sustained corrosion to the point where it leaks when filled with fuel. This is a serious concern because if the second strap should brake while the truck is in motion, the tank would drop to the roadway and there would be a chance for sparking and subsequent fire!... as well as all the inconvenience of getting it repaired. I will have the straps replaced and the tank checked. This apparently is not a current recall item (I asked the local Ford deal service person if it was and nothing came up for my VIN number), but certainly is a candidate for recall, judging from the responses when one googles on the topic.

- Wellsville, MP, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact was driving 25 mph when there was a loud popping sound heard from under the vehicle. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and found that the fuel tank strap was fractured due to excessive rust, also causing the fuel tank to hang abnormally from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic to have the strap replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact was concerned with the possibility of a fire erupting. The failure mileage was 132,000.

- Bloomfield, NJ, USA

Fuel tank found leaking from top while parked in home garage. The shop indicated a large rusted out area around fuel sensor. The tank was not repairable. The straps holding tank had excessive rust and where deemed unsafe and also replaced. This vehicle only has 84,000 miles and is always garaged. This is very poor quality of materials and warrants investigating.

- Cedar Falls, IA, USA

Truck had been parked for several minutes. With no other external forces other than gravity the fuel tank straps failed and the tank fell to the ground. No damage other than the straps need replacing. Could have been disastrous had it happened on the highway. Updated 08/11/11 the consumer stated the tank appeared to be in good condition. But there was a break near the center of the straps. Updated 08/12/11.

- Land O Lakes, WI, USA

I have a Ford F150 and gas tank fell off my truck and was dragging as I was driving down the road do to the gas strap problem. I think that this is a horrible problem. I could have been killed due to the sparks and gas every were.. updated 09/15/11 the consumer stated the straps were in horrible shape as they were completely rusted. They were split into sheets and the metal was flaking off. Updated 09/21/11

- Pewaukee, WI, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F150. The contact stated was driving 25 mph when the vehicle exhibited an unusually loud nose. The contact then discovered that one of the fuel tank straps was corroded and separating from the fuel tank. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the failure was not recalled. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 103,000.

- Freeport , IL, USA

Observed fuel tank hanging down from underneath vehicle. On closer inspection the rear fuel tank strap was found to be heavily corroded and broken allowing the fuel tank to fall away from the vehicle. The front strap was observed to be heavily corroded as well but luckily still holding the front portion of the tank up.

- Austin, MN, USA

Fuel tank is rusted and the straps rusted and fell off giving the fuel tank no support.

- Milton, 00, USA