The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated the fuel tank detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was told that the straps which held the fuel tank in place were corroded. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 102,220 and the current mileage was 102,240.

- University Park, IL, USA

Hi, I own a 1997 Ford F-150. Last fall (2010) I was driving approx. 30 mph when the gas tank on my truck dropped to the ground. There were sparks I was told and it was leaking. I had no prior events/awareness that would have led me to check on the tank. I had a new tank installed at a local repair shop. I did not ask for the old parts and assume they were probably disposed of. I only write now after seeing similar problems by others reported on the nightly news. This is a very dangerous situation !! updated 08/05/11 the consumer stated the front strap broke. Updated 08/15/11

- Hampstead, NH, USA

We noticed a gas smell that wasn't usually present, so took the truck straight to the mechanic, who called to tell us that the straps holding the tank were rotted and we got lucky it didn't drop out while driving because it was hanging by a thread. After fixing those, something still wasn't right and when filling up the tank, gas came pouring out on the ground. Took it back to the mechanic who determined that gas tank was also rotted out. Updated 08/04/11 the consumer stated the corrosion on the straps may have contributed to the corrosion of the tank. Updated 08/15/11

- East Hartford, CT, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated the fuel tank detached from the vehicle due to corrosion. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where the contact was told the straps which held the fuel tank in place fractured due to corrosion. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 300,050 and the current mileage was 385,000.

- Iowa Falls, IA, USA

Fuel tank strap broke. Updated 08/08/11 the consumer stated only one strap broke, which broke in the middle under the tank. The strap showed signs of severe corrosion. He reinforced the gas tank with a nylon strap. Updated 08/15/11

- Dexter, MI, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds over tracks he could hear the vehicle dragging an object. The vehicle was pulled over and the contact noticed the fuel tank detached from the vehicle. The contact performed a temporary repair on the vehicle to continue driving. The vehicle was then inspected and repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Warren, OH, USA

Of the three straps designed to hold the gas tank in place one is gone, the second has rusted through and is hanging down, the third is still remaining in its' original factory position.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

1997 Ford F-150 pickup short bed 4.2 6cyl 5 speed trans. 1 gas tank support strap is completely rusted through. Other is almost rusted through. The gas tank will eventually fall off. The danger is self evident. Just noticed today.

- Trumbull, CT, USA

While driving 65mph on the interstate I heard a clunk followed by the sound of dragging metal. I assumed the muffler had dropped or something insignificant. I immediately pulled over to inspect the cause and was shocked to find my nearly full gas tank had become detached from the vehicle, and gas was leaking badly. The tank was hanging by the filler tube and there was a 2" hole on the nose from dragging it. About 15 gallons of gas spilled out. Fire department was called to contain the spill. The gas tank straps had completely rusted thru and failed.

- Muskegon, MI, USA

I have a 1997 F-150 with just over 150,000 miles and lost both straps just after filling up and going over train tracks @ 25 mph. The only thing holding it on was the fuel lines, hope there is not major damage there. I had the tank replaced about 3 years prior. Updated 08/01/11 the consumer stated there was no fuel spill. Both of the straps broke, due to rust. Updated 08/02/11

- Cleveland, OH, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the fuel tank fractured from the vehicle. The driver inspected the vehicle and noticed that the straps that held the tank had snapped and caused the fuel tank to fall. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The current and failure mileage was approximately 192,000.

- Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA

I have a 1997 Ford F150. Yesterday when I to get into my vehicle the area smelled like gasoline, was unsure if it was mine so I drove home. When I got home the smell was even worse. Upon checking the fuel lines and gas tank I found that the straps on the fuel take rusted through where they connect which also caused the fuel to rust specifically where the strap was rubbing on it causing the tank to rust and now it has a hole in it. This is going to cost $250-300 in parts alone. This is a major safety issue for any vehicle and should be fixed at the cost of the manufacturer.

- Dousman, WI, USA

I just bought a 1997 Ford F150 within a few days I found that the gas tank was leaking, looked under and found straps were rusted and caused tank to rust and leak. Is there a recall by Ford to replace straps and tank.

- Ohio, OH, USA

My 1997 F150, one gas tank strap broke, jordan Ford in mishawaka indiana1/22/11. It will cost $250 when the parts come it 1/26/11, when is there a recall? updated 08/01/11 updated 2/02/2012

- Mishawaka, IN, USA

1997 F150 Ford lariat super cab 4X4 with 83,262 miles, the vehicle has excessive rust on panels, frame, frame supports and undercarriage components; some of the frame/ frame supports have significant holes and has no structural integrity. The safety design intent of the vehicle has been compromised due to the severe rust; in a crash condition the vehicle occupants' safety would be jeopardized. December 3, 2010 the vehicle was driven in the village of oxford, mi. Approximately 25 mile per hour and the front gas tank strap failed (rusted-out). The gas tank fell to the pavement and left the vehicle inoperable. There were no occupant injuries, but gasoline containments were leaked at the scene. The vehicle was towed by flatbed truck to skalnek Ford, lake orion, mi for repairs costing $773.42. Updated 1/12/2012

- Lake Orion, MI, USA

Was fortunate to notice gas tank hanging down from under carriage... was preparing to drive 50 mile in on interstate... was able to drive to local dealer...not where purchased... and they installed a new gas tank strap..which with labor was 93 dollars... well worth it when considering what could have easily happened at 70 miles per hour. Am amazed that even noticed until too late...thought it was an isolated event until starting to look up other numerous problems that have had with this vehicle.

- Point Pleasant, WV, USA

On 11/20/2010 when I went to gas up - the gas ran on the ground - the rear fuel tank strap had broken and the tank dropped down - pulling the filler neck loose. Updated 08/01/11 approximately ten gallons failed onto the road way. The rear strap failed in the middle failed. Updated 08/02/11

- Cleveland, OH, USA

On October 4 2010 my daughter was driving the 1997 Ford F-150 to school for volleyball practice when the front strap holding the fuel tank broke free thus causing the front of the fuel tank to drop down onto the cement roadway thus wearing a hole in the front corner of the fuel tank and releasing gas onto the cement roadway. She called me right away to tell me of the incident and said there was a little smoke but no fire and that gas was releasing. I then told her to hang up and call 911. Police and fire department responded and handled the situation. The local Ford dealership towed the pickup to the service department and also did the repair work over the next few days.

- Kenyon, MN, USA

Gas tank fell off 1997 Ford F150 while my daughter was driving it. Gas tank straps had rusted through, lucky the tank did not ignite.

- Rochester, MN, USA

I have a Ford F 150 pick up 1997. The straps that support the fuel tank broke and the tank fell onto the roadway. The truck had to be towed off the road, I was very lucky the truck didn't catch on fire.

- Middletown, NJ, USA