The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle to full capacity, he noticed that there was an overpowering fuel odor and a fuel leak. The contact discovered that the fuel tank was punctured. The vehicle was then inspected by a independent mechanic and they advised him that the straps were too corroded to even inspect or repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired nor was the manufacturer notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

- Fort Bragg, NC, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F150. The contact stated that the front end of the fuel tank was detached from the vehicle and the straps were broken. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that there was an open investigation under NHTSA action number: EA11006 (fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:mounting fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting) but no recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

- Raymond, NH, USA

1997 Ford F-150. The gas tank straps have begun to rot and have chaffed the gas tank to the point there are some gas vapors escaping. Not a full blown leak at this point. I will begin the process of repairing to avoid fire/explosion.

- Danvers, MA, USA

I was driving on route 250 South of norwalk, Ohio when both straps holding the gas tanks broke causing the gas tank to fall out of the truck to the ground. The filler neck broke at the tank. The gas lines held to the tank and kept the tank dragging until I stopped the truck. The reason I am now reporting this is I have heard from news reports about this incident is happening to other trucks.

- Newark, OH, USA

Gas tank fell from truck. Straps had rusted and broke.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

My 1997 Ford F-150 had the rear gas tank strap fail. At the time, the truck had 96,500 miles on the odometer. The incident occurred on I-69 in southern Michigan in heavy rain conditions. I managed to drive it to northwest Ohio where it was fixed the next day by a local auto repair shop. They indicated that the forward strap was also nearly rusted through and the gas tank was being held on mostly by the hose clamp for the gas filler neck. I was told by the shop that this was a common occurrence.

- Waterville, OH, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the fuel tank fracrtured from the vehicle and began spilling gasoline fuel. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to an auto repair shop. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told that the failure was an isolated incident. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 135,000.

- Chesaning, MI, USA

Gas tank straps rusted. One broken the other is almost rusted through. Tank could fall out.

- Columbus Grove, OH, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F150. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance. The technician detected that both fuel tank straps were completely rusted. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000. Updated 09/07/2011

- Anchorage, AK, USA

1997 F 150 gas tank leaking. Fuel tank strap rusted through tank hanging on skid panel.

- Grayslake, IL, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated noticed that his fuel tank was hanging from underneath his vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised him that there was rust around the straps that held the fuel tank in place. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 201,000. The fuel tank was replaced. Updated 7/15/11

- Ypsilanti Township, MI, USA

I was driving my 1997 Ford F-150 when the straps for the gas tank suddenly broke and gas started leaking. This is a serious safety issue. I'm still waiting for the straps and gas tank to get repaired. My gas is still leaking out, so that a fire hazard and a waste of money with how expensive gas prices are. Ford should be responsible for this safety issue. I could've caused a dangerous accident had there been a lot of cars on the road, or even started a fire due to the gas leak. Luckily I was only going 10mph, and not 70mph down the freeway.

- South Lyon, MI, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated the rear strap that primarily holds the fuel tank in place was covered with rust and it broke. The hole in the tank was patched on the right side of the strap where the strap was leaking and covered with rust. The vehicle had also began to develop rust and a possible leak from the left side of the fuel tank. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage 150,000.

- Westland, MI, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. While the vehicle was parked the contact noticed the fuel tank had detached from the vehicle. The contact tied cords around the fuel tank and was able to drive the vehicle home. The contact replaced the straps that secured the fuel tank. The vehicle was repaired. There was an open investigation under NHTSA action number EA11006(fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:mounting fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting) the approximate failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 06/0611 updated 06/10/11

- Muncie, IN, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact noticed something hanging underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and found one of the fuel tank straps was corroded. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current miles were 147,008. Updated 06/17/11 the mechanic stated the gas tank had rusted where the fuel straps broke. The spare tire fell off due to cable failure. Also the head gasket had to be replaced due to anti-freeze leaking into it.

- Allen Park , MI, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F150. The contact stated the fuel tank straps broke and fell to the ground while driving 15 mph. The vehicle was not drivable and it was towed to an auto body shop. The fuel tank and the straps were replaced. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 165,000. Updated 06/01/11

- Warren, MI, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F150. The contact stated the fuel tank straps rotted and broke the fuel neck, causing fuel to spill all over the vehicle when the contact was adding gasoline to the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop where they replaced the fuel tank and straps for $475. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 139,000.

- Kinnelon, NJ, USA

F150 pickup 1997 4X4. Gas tank fell out on the highway.

- Newark, NY, USA

The front strap on the truck gas tank failed and the front of the tank dropped and skidded on the road pavement until I was able to stop. A small hole was scrapped in the tank and gas was leaking. The tank was about 3/4 full and I could not move it to try to plug the leak. I decided to call 911 and two fire trucks, one state patrol, and the fire dept chaplin (who happened hear the call) all arrived. They were able to jack up the tank so the hole could be plugged and I was able to have the truck hauled away for strap replacement and tank repair. Incidentally the tank itself was replaced about three years before that and the repair shop thought the straps looked ok and reused them, so I presume the strap deterioration may not always be obvious or apparent.

- Eagle River, WI, USA

Filling up fuel at gas station when the strap holding the fuel tank was noticed that it has rusted through and broke into 2 pieces. Went to Ford and purchased replacement strap to repair.

- Blaine, MN, USA