10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 2
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 134,914 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. While driving approximately 55 mph, a loud noise emitted from the outside of the vehicle. Upon reaching her destination, the contact noticed that the fuel tank was partially detached from the vehicle and dragging on the ground. The fuel tank sustained damage, and the contact used a separate strap to reattach the tank. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that both straps which held the fuel tank in place fractured due to corrosion. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable. Updated 08/31/11 updated 2/9/12
- Tomahawk, WI, USA
Found the rear gas tank strap hanging down. It had rusted through.
- Cerdarville , IL, USA
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F150. The contact stated both fuel tank straps completely rusted. The fuel tank was not damaged due to the failure and was temporarily secured with another type of metal strap. In addition, the fuel filler neck hose exhibited a crack. The dealer was notified and they informed the fuel filler neck hose was no longer being manufactured. The vehicle had not been repaired. Currently there is an open investigation associated with NHTSA action number EA11006 (fuel system, other:tank assembly). The manufacturer was not made aware of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
- Portsmouth, RI, USA
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for routine maintenance when the technician advised that one of the fuel tank straps was fractured and the other showed signs of severe rust and could fracture at any given moment. The technician advised the contact not to fill the fuel tank to capacity and also advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140, 000. Updated 0831/11 updated 09/01/11
- Lansing, IL, USA
The straps holding the fuel tank rusted and snapped causing the tank to drop from the vehicle. I was only doing about 25 mph at the time so the tank did not rupture. I had the vehicle towed to a local Ford dealer because I saw a news report about a recall of the straps. To my surprise there is no recall and I must pay out of pocket. The straps were rusty due to the age and location, but this should not happen.
- Romeoville, IL, USA
We were driving down the road at about 25 mph after we decided not to take the freeway to get to our destination. We heard a huge clunk/drop noise and severe scraping sound so we pulled off immediately to find that the gas tank in our 1997 Ford F-150 had fallen and was dragging on the ground. The strap(s) had apparently rusted off. The truck was towed to a local Ford dealership where the work will be done on Monday. We hope that only the straps will have to be replaced and that no damage to the fuel tank or lines was done (or will be done) during the moving of the truck during towing or for repair. I am fearful of what could have happened had we been driving on the freeway at 60-70 mph and sparks been created. The gas tank was about 3/4 way full.
- Romeoville, IL, USA
Broken gas tank strap causing tank gas tank to leak.
- Ma, MA, USA
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F150. The contact stated the fuel tank straps were rusted and corroded, causing the front strap to fracture. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic shop for repairs where it was discovered that the front straps was fractured. The mechanic stated he would replace both straps at a cost to the contact. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 240,000.
- Livonia, MI, USA
1997 Ford F150 fuel tank and straps rusted causing gas leak and had to be replaced. Updated 09/14/11 the front strap failed and the rusting of the strap caused a rust hole in the tank. The consumer noticed fuel on the ground and immediately took the truck to his mechanic. The tank did not drop to the ground, but had to be replaced.
- Freeport, ME, USA
On May 31, 2011, I was driving my 1997 Ford F150 2-wheel drive pick-up truck and I heard a loud noise below me followed by a scraping sound. As there was traffic and road construction, I was unable to stop for approximately 200 yards. When I was able to pull over, I saw that the gas tank had fallen completely off the vehicle. The only part that was still attached to the truck was the fuel line. There was a large gash in the gas tank. Since I had just filled the truck, over 23 gallons of gas was leaking on the street. The local police and fire departments were called. The street was treated with an absorbent. Fortunately, there was no fire. The vehicle was towed and repaired. The following parts had to be replaced: Flex hose, vent hose, fuel vapor valve, fuel tank transducer, gas tank strap kit, fuel tank, fuel pump and the labor to install these parts. The total for the repair was $1,362.93. In addition, the towing charge was $80.34 and at least $110 of gasoline was lost. This vehicle does not have any extraordinary amount of rust nor has it seen extreme service. It has always been garaged. I believe Ford Motor Company should reimburse me for these expenses because, as a consumer, I should be able to assume that a gas tank will remain attached for the lifetime of the vehicle.
- St. Paul Park, MN, USA
While driving at approximately 30 miles per hour under normal driving conditions both fuel tank support straps broke on a 1997 Ford F150. The result of the straps failing was a damaged fuel tank (several leaks occurred on the tank causing massive fuel loss), damaged fuel tank sensors, damaged fuel tank hoses, and damaged fuel tank hose clamps. There may have also been additional damaged caused to the vehicles exhaust system. The costly repairs included a new fuel tank, houses, clamps, sensors, and replacing about 20 gallons of fuel. All repairs were done at the owner's expense.
- Bay Village, OH, USA
While driving at 65mph, our Ford F150 truck dropped its gas tank on the interstate. The straps had rusted through. The dealership replaced the straps. The gas tank was half-full and we were on a smooth road when the tank dropped. We pulled over immediately so there was no fire, but the tank was dragging on the ground and we had to be towed off the highway.
- Poynette, WI, USA
Gas tank strap broken gas tank down.
- Plainfield, CT, USA
While driving on road gas tank dropped from vehicle and was dragged on road causing hole in gas tank and leaked entire gas tank onto roadway. We had vehicle towed to service station for new gas tank and straps to be installed. Gas tank and straps will be saved for review...updated 09/21/11 updated 09/23/11
- Circle Pines, MN, USA
The gas tank strap rusted and broke leaving the tank hanging about two inches above the ground. Updated 09/14/11 the consumer stated no fuel was spilled and the tank was not damaged. The consumer spotted the problem while the vehicle was sitting in his driveway. Both straps were rusted and had to be replaced. Updated 09/21/11
- Gladstone, MI, USA
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, he discovered that both fuel tank straps were fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the fuel tank would detach from the vehicle and possibly cause a fire while driving. The failure mileage was 117,000. Updated 09/14/11 the straps had completely rotted away from the point it started touching the gas tank all the way around until it cleared the gas tank on the other side. The break could have happened all the way around as there was nothing but rotted away thin rust left. The straps were broken completely and the gas tank was laying on the skid plate. The consumer replaced the straps at his expense. Update 09/21/11
- Hartford, WI, USA
The rear fuel tank support strap on my 1997 Ford F150 has corroded and failed. The fuel tank has been supported for an indeterminate amount of time by the optional manufacturer protective skid plate, which was ordered new with the truck.
- Tecumseh, MI, USA
Fuel tank straps rusted or broke on my 1997 Ford F150 pickup tank fell to the ground.
- Mahtomedi, MN, USA
Straps that hold gas tank broke. Updated 08/08/11 the consumer stated the straps broke at the frame and were corroded and showed signs of stress fractures in the metal where the metal formed around the tank and was mounted to the frame. The consumer noticed the fuel nozzle had a crack in it and had pulled loose from the tank. Updated 08/15/11
- Shawnee, KS, USA
- Cincinnati , OH, USA