Fuel tank straps failed while driving letting the tank drag on a divided highway road surface and dump fuel on the road. Truck shut down with no warning when all the fuel dumped out, leaving no power steering or brakes.

- St. Clair Shores, MI, USA

I was driving our 2008 F-250 2wd an as I applied the brakes to turn, lost power steering and brakes. This had occurred a few times before but I could not identify the problem. The problem was intermittent and although a near serious accident occurred, no problem could be found. I was planning to take it to a local dealer over the weekend. The next day I was pulling into my driveway and the truck engine died and would not start. We had it towed to the dealer for a diagnosis. It was discovered that the high pressure fuel pump cover gasket which includes a wiring harness needs replaced due to wire abrasion and a shorted wire. In addition, the cab of the truck will need to be removed to correct the problem. I understand that the replacement part has been re-engineered to include a guard to protect the wire from abrasion. From internet research I have found several similar instances, with some vehicles losing power while in motion. This is extremely dangerous. The dealer acknowledged that this is a recurring issue with this model of truck and they have made several similar repairs. As a safety professional for over 30 years, this is very unnerving to say the least. Highway crashes occur far too often due to human error without having known manufacturer defects adding to the problem. When a trusted manufacturer discovers an engineering issue but fails to inform owners or correct the problem, this adds unnecessary danger for unsuspecting motorists, our families and the public. I trust that this will be investigated fully.

- Goliad, TX, USA

While towing a 10,000 pound 5th wheel trailer I needed to speed up to merge into the left lane. The truck was on cruise control set at 50 mph. I stepped down and entered passing gear. After the merge I let off the throttle but the truck continued to accelerate in passing gear. I stepped on the brakes but the cruise control would not release and the truck continued to accelerate. I tried repeatedly to disengage the cruise using the brakes. I then pressed the cruise control "off" button repeatedly to no avail. At this point I pressed and held the brake pedal as hard as I could while the diesel engine continued to race at max power. I was able to slow to about 30 mph before the engine started to overcome the fading brakes. At this point I turned the key off and coasted to a stop. I tried to restart the engine twice and it immediately started at max throttle and I immediately turned the key off. I called Ford for a tow. After about 20 minutes I tried to restart the engine and it started normally so I cancelled the tow. The truck seems to be working normally and cruise also works normally. I haven't tried to enter passing gear while in cruise and won't as this incident almost cause me to have a catastrophic accident. I plan to take the truck to the dealer to be analyzed. This was a major safety problem and could easily have caused a fatal accident.

- Boise, ID, USA