The straps holding the gas in place on my 2002 F150 failed on the expressway causing the tank to drop to the ground at 65mph. By the time I was able to stop, a rip in the tank caused all of the fuel to leak out. Luckily no sparks of fire. I was never informed of a potential problem from the dealership I regularly get serviced at. I researched this issue online, and found many similar complaints. This could have been tragic/fatal, for me and all the other people driving around me. I am not one to write complaints, but I am upset at the danger this put me in and the time and cost of this failure.

- Howard, OH, USA

My 2002 Ford F-150 has very badly rusted fuel tank straps, why is the recall only up to 2001 F-150's. Ford definitely used some cheap metals while making these F-150's is it possible to include 2002 as well?

- Winthrop, ME, USA

Gas tank straps broke, gas tank fell onto pavement. Had my truck towed to my Ford dealer where they replaced the straps for about $200. If this had happened 5 minutes later, I would have been going 60 mph! updated 09/14/11 the tank fell to the ground, while the vehicle was sitting. There was no fuel spill. The dealer replaced the straps. Updated 09/21/11

- East Concord, NY, USA

I heard on the radio about a possible upcoming recall on Ford F150 pickup trucks (1997-2001). This is in relation to gas tank straps getting rusty and breaking. I then decided to look under my truck which is a 2002 Ford F150 and discovered two gas tank straps completely rusted through/off with the tank no longer being supported by straps. The truck is only a 2002, but I think the problem goes beyond the 2001 trucks per the potential recall.

- Brighton, MI, USA

The front gas tank support hanger broke due to corrosion. The rear hanger held the tank in place until I was able replace both units. The rear hanger did not break but was severely corroded also. I don't know what would have happen if I would have lost both units together while driving down the road.

- Madawaska, ME, USA

I smelled gas fumes near my 2002 F150 truck. Looked underneath to inspect where smell was coming from and found the back brace on the gas tank broken off and rusted out hole in the tank where the brace was supposed to be.

- Middleboro, MA, USA

I had driven 4 to 5 miles at 40 to 45 mph and was a 1 block from my destination. I had to stop for a stop sign and make a right turn. While making the turn I thought I hit something, but the street was clear" I turned the radio off and opened the window to here something dragging. I stopped at that time maybe 100 yards from where I last stopped. My speed was 20 to 25 mph. I got out and looked under the truck and the gas tank was sitting on the ground.the front of the tank was on the ground the back was still elevated. The filler hose and fuel lines were the only thing holding the tank. Both hangers were broken, rusted thru. If I was driving at highway speed, I do not believe I would have a truck left. I also understand that 2001 and earlier F150's were recalled for the tank hangers and I would suggest it be expanded. Asap! my Ford dealer 4 weeks earlier had inspected my vehicle at my request for regular maintenance and repairs before my vacation trips. The service tech never looked at my tank straps even knowing previous years had a problem" Ford should have caught this before it happened again. The biggest complaint after is the Ford dealership told me it was not a part of any recall and they knew nothing about it. Which I do not believe! I have the straps if anyone cares to examine them from your office.

- Tinley Parl, IL, USA

Fuel tank dropped to the road while driving causing the truck to be engulfed in flames. Driver made it out with first and second degree burns. Two dogs in the back seat died in the fire. Initial investigation by the insurance investigator determined that it was the fuel tank straps that failed. There is an investigation (PE10036) by the NHTSA for fuel tank straps on Ford F-150S 1999-2001. The 2002 and 2003 F-150 use the same straps. Larry hershman of NHTSA has contacted me about this incident. Updated 06/13/11 & 06/14/11 updated 08/11/11 updated 3/01/2012

- Wakefield, RI, USA

Fuel tank straps rusted out resulting in gas tank dropping. Updated 09/14/11 the consumer stated the fuel tank was damaged and had to be replaced. Updated 09/16/11

- Orland Park, LA, USA

While driving at highway speed my 2002 Ford F-150 dropped the fuel tank and the tank was dragged for approximately 1/4 mile wile I attempted to maneuver across three lanes of traffic to the breakdown lane. This created a hole in the tank as it was dragged against the pavement. I had just filled the tank and all 25 gallons was lost on the side of the highway. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and I am waiting for the estimate for repair.

- Sturbridge, MA, USA

2002 Ford F150 5.4L V-8 2-wheel drive, regular cab, 8ft bed... broken gas tank strap...walked out and noticed my gas tank was hanging down...investigation revealed a broken gas tank strap...bound it back up with a ratchet-strap, and drove to the Ford dealer...purchased a new strap and placed it on the vehicle in the parking lot...

- Newark, OH, USA

One gas tank strap was found to be rusted and the tank at an angle. It was inspected by a local Ford dealer, who found that the gas tank was also rusted and leaking. The gas tank and straps were replaced. Because the model year was not in the date range of the recent recall, we had to pay $793. A power steering pump was also leaking and replaced. The gas tank was the major item of concern.

- Akron, OH, USA

2002 Ford F150 fuel tank mounting straps failed due to corrosion and permitted fuel tank to drop to pavement while driving.

- Huntingtonj, IN, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford F150. The contacted was driving 65 mph when both fuel tank straps fractured. The straps were rusted and corroded and also causing the fuel tank to detach from the vehicle. The fuel tank also caused the drive shaft to fail while the vehicle was in motion and the contact could not control the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic shop and was repaired. The dealer was not contacted and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,442 and the current mileage is 92,000. Updated 6/8/11 updated 06/16/11

- O'fallon, MO, USA

1. there was not an event leading up to the failure. 2. gas tank straps broke 3. I have not fixed yet, will most likely fix on my own.

- Homer, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford F150. The contact noticed that the metal strap for the rear fuel tank was fractured as a result of rust. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Seekonk , MA, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford F-150. The contact was driving approximately 40 mph when the fuel tank detached and fell from under the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled over and towed to the contacts home. The contact also stated that the brake lines were also damaged when the fuel tank detached. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The failure and current mileage was 155,000.

- Averill Park, NY, USA

2002 F150 I had to have the gas tank straps replaced one failed, how come the investigation is only going to 2001.

- Sagamore Beach, MA, USA

Fuel tank strap broke allowing fuel tank to drop and nearly break free from the vehicle.

- Waymart, PA, USA

After hearing about the F150 fuel strap problem I decided to report a rusted and busted strap on my 2002 F150. A friend noticed the strap hanging down so I was able to fix it before it fell. Mi.

- Pinellas Park, FL, USA