The consumer smelled a strong odor of gasoline. It was a hot summer day and the consumer had disregarded the odor at the time. After the smell lingered the consumer inspected underneath the vehicle but did not see any leaks, but did notice a spot on the driveway where the vehicle had been parked. Concerned, the consumer took the car to the garage and the mechanic said that there was a leak in the gas tank towards the top. The mechanic could not purchase an after market replacement gas tank claiming that a Ford dealership would have to be consulted. The consumer contacted a Ford dealership and they inspected the vehicle and discovered a leak on the seam of the gas tank. The gas tank was replaced, but Ford would not offer any cost assistance or cover the repairs. The consumer felt that this was a factory related defect. The dealership did not offer any explanation as to why this defect had occurred. This was an expensive repair.

- Clyde , NY, USA

The vehicle experienced the same defect with its fuel tank as stated in recall 97 V 144 000, butthis vehicle not covered under recall due to VIN. Vehicle was manufactured in the wayne plant, and in the same month as stated in the recall, but not in one of the states listed.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

While driving approximately 55 mph vehicle ran over an article on road which punctured gas tank. Tank punctured so easily that it emptied the full tank of gas in approximately 2 minutes. Ford dealer replaced entire tank at consumer's expense.

- Marietta, GA, USA