Page 4 of 56 · complaints 151–200 of 2,758

1997 Ford F-150 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 1997 record →

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Aug 15, 2011170,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,00 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 182,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 9, 2011158,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150 4X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GASOLINE WAS SPILLING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR THE FAILURE BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE WHERE THE FUEL WAS SPILLING FROM. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING) AND STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING DUE TO RUST ON THE FUEL TANK STRAPS THAT SPREAD TO THE TANK. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE FILLER NECK BUT IT HAD NOT BEEN CONFIRMED BY THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 9, 20111,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SURGE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS YET, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Aug 6, 2011125,000 milesAR

ON JANUARY 8, 2011, 1997 FORD F150 XLT LARIAT BURNED AND TOTALLY DESTROYED OUR HOME AND TOYOTA TACOMA IN CARPORT.FIRE MARSHALL AND FIREMEN STATED APPEARED TO ORIGINATE FROM F150 IN CARPORT. FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR FROM STATE FARM (REPRESENTATIVES FROM FORD PRESENT AFTER DEMAND FROM STATE FARM) STATED FIRE STARTED BY DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL COMPONENT (CONFIRMED BY X-RAY) AFTER LOCATING IN DEBRI UNDER VEHICLE. FORD ACTED AS IF THEY COULD CARE LESS - GUESS NOT SINCE NOT EVEN AN APPOLOGY FOR OUR LOSS AS MUCH CANNOT BE REPLACED. STATE FARM NOW IN THE PROCESS OF SUING FORD TO RECOOP THEIR LOSS. WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED BY FORD OF THIS DEFECT AND NEARLY LOST OUR LIVES. *TT

Steering
Filed Aug 5, 2011106,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE SAFELY. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED ON THE STEERING BOX. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V196000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 106,000. UPDATED 09/27/11 *BF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 5, 2011FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STRAPS WHICH HELD THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CORROSION OF THE STRAPS LED TO A FUEL LEAK. THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE FUEL TANK EVEN THOUGH IT WAS CAUSED BY THE CORROSION OF THE STRAPS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: MOUNTING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 4, 2011151,000 milesMI

I WAS DRIVING HOME AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE LIKE SOMETHING DROPPED OR FELL. I THOUGHT THAT IT MIGHT BE MY EXHAUST. I WAS ABOUT A 1/2 MILE AWAY FROM HOME AND CONTINUED ON. I TRIED TO PUT MY TRUCK IN THE GARAGE AND IT WOULDN'T GO IN, STILL THINKING THAT IT MY EXHAUST, I GOT OUT OF MY TRUCK AND DISCOVERED THAT THE GAS TANK HAD FALLEN. I THEN HAD IT TOWED TO OUR REPAIR GARAGE AND THEY SAID THAT THE STRAPS HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF AND THAT THE TANK HAD A SMALL LEAK IN IT.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 2, 2011225,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL AND THE FUEL TANK WAS FOUND TO EXHIBIT RUST. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING) BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE REMEDY OFFERED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED WHERE THE STRAP WAS LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 225,000. UPDATED 09/19/11 *BF UPDATED 2/21/12 *CN

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 1, 2011125,831 milesWV

I OWN A 1997 F150 AND AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE ONE OF THE STRAPS ON THE GAS TANK SNAPPED, (RUSTED THROUGH) AND NOTICED THAT THE GAS TANK ALSO HAS A HOLE RUSTED IN IT AND IS LEAKING FUEL. HAVE PICTURES UPON REQUEST. *KB

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 29, 2011130,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE REFUELING, FUEL BEGAN TO SPILL OUT FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE PREVIOUSLY DROVE OVER A BUMPY ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 20 THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE FUEL TANK AND NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE STRAPS WHICH HELD IT IN PLACE WAS FRACTURED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 24, 2011149,000 milesCO

A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER NUMBER 3 WHICH WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL IN TRAFFIC OR NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY WHEN ACCELERATING. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 22, 2011180,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE SEVERELY RUSTED AND DETACHED. AS A RESULT, APPROXIMATELY TWO GALLONS OF GASOLINE WAS SPILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT STRAPS, THE FUEL TANK AND THE NOZZLE WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE NOZZLE ONLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/07/2011 *LN *TR

Fuel System, Other
Filed Jul 22, 2011223,000 milesMN

ONE OF TWO STRAPS HOLDING THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. NOTICED THE BROKEN STRAP HANGING BELOW THE VEHICLE AFTER A 40 MILE DRIVE. UNSURE OF WHEN THE STRAP LET GO. IN REMOVING THE REMAINING PIECES OF THE STRAP, IT LITERALLY CRUMBLED APART IN MY HAND. TANK IS NOW HELD IN PLACE WITH A TIE-DOWN STRAP. *TT

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 20, 2011119,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 TO 40 MPH THE FUEL TANK TO SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE THE FUEL DID NOT SPILL OUT OF IT. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED TWO STRAPS FAILED DUE TO CORROSION WHICH CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO FALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILES WERE 119,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 20, 2011250,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF A BROKEN STRAP. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE STRAP WAS CORRODED AND THAT NONE OF THE FUEL SPILLED ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 250,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 19, 2011180,000 milesCT

OWN A 1997 FORD F-150 RECENTLY NOTICED THAT THE GAS TANK STRAPS HAVE RUSTED OUT. THE CENTER STRAP HAS COMPLETELY BROKE IN TWO DUE TO RUST CORROSION TILTING THE TANK, AND CAUSING GAS SPILLAGE DURING FUELING CREATING A FIRE AND/OR EXPLOSIVE DANGER. *KB

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 16, 2011147,000 milesNJ

YESTERDAY 7/15/2011 I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT OF LOWES AND SMELLED GAS. I FOUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE GAS TANK WAS WET FROM THE TOP DOWN. I NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE METAL STRAPS THAT HELD THE TANK WAS BROKEN. IT WAS BROKEN AT THE POINT WHERE IT TURNS TO GO UNDER THE TANK. IT APPEARED TO HAVE RUSTED THROUGH. I PURCHASED LARGE PLASTIC WIRE TIES TO HOLD THE TANK IN PLACE SO I COULD GET HOME SAFELY. I STILL SMELLED GAS WHEN I ARRIVED AT HOME. *TT

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 15, 201188,000 milesMP

1997 F-150 FORD PICK UP TRUCK HAS 2 FUEL TANK RETAINING STRAPS THAT HAVE CORRODED AND ONE HAS BROKEN. FUEL TANK HAS SUSTAINED CORROSION TO THE POINT WHERE IT LEAKS WHEN FILLED WITH FUEL. THIS IS A SERIOUS CONCERN BECAUSE IF THE SECOND STRAP SHOULD BRAKE WHILE THE TRUCK IS IN MOTION, THE TANK WOULD DROP TO THE ROADWAY AND THERE WOULD BE A CHANCE FOR SPARKING AND SUBSEQUENT FIRE! ... AS WELL AS ALL THE INCONVENIENCE OF GETTING IT REPAIRED. I WILL HAVE THE STRAPS REPLACED AND THE TANK CHECKED. THIS APPARENTLY IS NOT A CURRENT RECALL ITEM (I ASKED THE LOCAL FORD DEAL SERVICE PERSON IF IT WAS AND NOTHING CAME UP FOR MY VIN NUMBER), BUT CERTAINLY IS A CANDIDATE FOR RECALL, JUDGING FROM THE RESPONSES WHEN ONE GOOGLES ON THE TOPIC. *TT

Fuel System, Other
Filed Jul 12, 2011MI

THE FUEL TANK STRAP ON MY 1997 FORD F 150 HAS RUSTED OUT AND IS NO LONGER HOLDING MY TANK TO THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK. *TT

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 11, 2011132,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING SOUND HEARD FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP WAS FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST, ALSO CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO HANG ABNORMALLY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC TO HAVE THE STRAP REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE ERUPTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jul 7, 2011129,180 milesWI

TRUCK HAD BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. WITH NO OTHER EXTERNAL FORCES OTHER THAN GRAVITY THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FAILED AND THE TANK FELL TO THE GROUND. NO DAMAGE OTHER THAN THE STRAPS NEED REPLACING. COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS HAD IT HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY. UPDATED 08/11/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE TANK APPEARED TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION. BUT THERE WAS A BREAK NEAR THE CENTER OF THE STRAPS. UPDATED 08/12/11.*JB

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 7, 201184,067 milesIA

FUEL TANK FOUND LEAKING FROM TOP WHILE PARKED IN HOME GARAGE. THE SHOP INDICATED A LARGE RUSTED OUT AREA AROUND FUEL SENSOR. THE TANK WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE STRAPS HOLDING TANK HAD EXCESSIVE RUST AND WHERE DEEMED UNSAFE AND ALSO REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 84,000 MILES AND IS ALWAYS GARAGED. THIS IS VERY POOR QUALITY OF MATERIALS AND WARRANTS INVESTIGATING.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 6, 2011103,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN UNUSUALLY LOUD NOSE. THE CONTACT THEN DISCOVERED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WAS CORRODED AND SEPARATING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RECALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 6, 2011112,000 milesWI

I HAVE A FORD F150 AND GAS TANK FELL OFF MY TRUCK AND WAS DRAGGING AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD DO TO THE GAS STRAP PROBLEM. I THINK THAT THIS IS A HORRIBLE PROBLEM. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED DUE TO THE SPARKS AND GAS EVERY WERE.. UPDATED 09/15/11 *BF *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE STRAPS WERE IN HORRIBLE SHAPE AS THEY WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THEY WERE SPLIT INTO SHEETS AND THE METAL WAS FLAKING OFF. UPDATED 09/21/11

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 5, 2011125,000 milesMN

OBSERVED FUEL TANK HANGING DOWN FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. ON CLOSER INSPECTION THE REAR FUEL TANK STRAP WAS FOUND TO BE HEAVILY CORRODED AND BROKEN ALLOWING THE FUEL TANK TO FALL AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT STRAP WAS OBSERVED TO BE HEAVILY CORRODED AS WELL BUT LUCKILY STILL HOLDING THE FRONT PORTION OF THE TANK UP. *KB

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 28, 201100

FUEL TANK IS RUSTED AND THE STRAPS RUSTED AND FELL OFF GIVING THE FUEL TANK NO SUPPORT. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 27, 2011176,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE HIT A BUMP AND THE FUEL TANK FELL ONTO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT BOTH STRAPS WHICH HELD THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 176,000. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF THE FUEL TANK, STRAPS, PUMP AND FILTER WERE ALL REPLACED. UPDATED 09/07/11

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Jun 26, 2011197,690 milesMN

I LAST DROVE MY TRUCK ON 06/20/2011. WHEN I WOKE UP TO FEED MY ANIMALS I HEARD A SOUND LIKE A BIRD CAUGHT UNDER MY TRUCK. I LOOKED UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE FENDER AND SAW FLAMES. I POPPED THE HOOD AND SAW THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS ON FIRE. I GRABBED MY FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM MY BARN AND PUT THE FIRE OUT.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 24, 2011104,586 milesIL

FOUND THE REAR GAS TANK STRAP HANGING DOWN. IT HAD RUSTED THROUGH.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 24, 2011WI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON REACHING HER DESTINATION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS PARTIALLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. THE FUEL TANK SUSTAINED DAMAGE, AND THE CONTACT USED A SEPARATE STRAP TO REATTACH THE TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH STRAPS WHICH HELD THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF UPDATED 2/9/12 *CN

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 23, 2011190,000 milesRI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT DAMAGED DUE TO THE FAILURE AND WAS TEMPORARILY SECURED WITH ANOTHER TYPE OF METAL STRAP. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL FILLER NECK HOSE EXHIBITED A CRACK. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THE FUEL FILLER NECK HOSE WAS NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. CURRENTLY THERE IS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA11006 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 20, 2011140,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WAS FRACTURED AND THE OTHER SHOWED SIGNS OF SEVERE RUST AND COULD FRACTURE AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO FILL THE FUEL TANK TO CAPACITY AND ALSO ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140, 000. UPDATED 0831/11*LJ UPDATED 09/01/11

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 18, 2011178,000 milesIL

WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 25 MPH AFTER WE DECIDED NOT TO TAKE THE FREEWAY TO GET TO OUR DESTINATION. WE HEARD A HUGE CLUNK/DROP NOISE AND SEVERE SCRAPING SOUND SO WE PULLED OFF IMMEDIATELY TO FIND THAT THE GAS TANK IN OUR 1997 FORD F-150 HAD FALLEN AND WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. THE STRAP(S) HAD APPARENTLY RUSTED OFF. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE THE WORK WILL BE DONE ON MONDAY. WE HOPE THAT ONLY THE STRAPS WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND THAT NO DAMAGE TO THE FUEL TANK OR LINES WAS DONE (OR WILL BE DONE) DURING THE MOVING OF THE TRUCK DURING TOWING OR FOR REPAIR. I AM FEARFUL OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD WE BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 60-70 MPH AND SPARKS BEEN CREATED. THE GAS TANK WAS ABOUT 3/4 WAY FULL. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 18, 2011178,000 milesIL

THE STRAPS HOLDING THE FUEL TANK RUSTED AND SNAPPED CAUSING THE TANK TO DROP FROM THE VEHICLE. I WAS ONLY DOING ABOUT 25 MPH AT THE TIME SO THE TANK DID NOT RUPTURE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER BECAUSE I SAW A NEWS REPORT ABOUT A RECALL OF THE STRAPS. TO MY SURPRISE THERE IS NO RECALL AND I MUST PAY OUT OF POCKET. THE STRAPS WERE RUSTY DUE TO THE AGE AND LOCATION, BUT THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 12, 2011144,321 milesMA

BROKEN GAS TANK STRAP CAUSING TANK GAS TANK TO LEAK. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 9, 2011166,000 milesIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HE WAS DRIVING, ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT HIM OFF WHICH CAUSED HIM TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, HE NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT LATCH WAS VERY LOOSE, AND CAUSED HIM TO LUNGE FORWARD INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY WERE UNABLE TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 168,000. UPDATED 08/31/2011 *LN *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 7, 201178,000 milesME

1997 FORD F150 FUEL TANK AND STRAPS RUSTED CAUSING GAS LEAK AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/14/11 *BF THE FRONT STRAP FAILED AND THE RUSTING OF THE STRAP CAUSED A RUST HOLE IN THE TANK. THE CONSUMER NOTICED FUEL ON THE GROUND AND IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE TRUCK TO HIS MECHANIC. THE TANK DID NOT DROP TO THE GROUND, BUT HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 7, 2011240,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED, CAUSING THE FRONT STRAP TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC SHOP FOR REPAIRS WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT STRAPS WAS FRACTURED. THE MECHANIC STATED HE WOULD REPLACE BOTH STRAPS AT A COST TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 5, 2011171,516 milesMN

ON MAY 31, 2011, I WAS DRIVING MY 1997 FORD F150 2-WHEEL DRIVE PICK-UP TRUCK AND I HEARD A LOUD NOISE BELOW ME FOLLOWED BY A SCRAPING SOUND. AS THERE WAS TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONSTRUCTION, I WAS UNABLE TO STOP FOR APPROXIMATELY 200 YARDS. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, I SAW THAT THE GAS TANK HAD FALLEN COMPLETELY OFF THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY PART THAT WAS STILL ATTACHED TO THE TRUCK WAS THE FUEL LINE. THERE WAS A LARGE GASH IN THE GAS TANK. SINCE I HAD JUST FILLED THE TRUCK, OVER 23 GALLONS OF GAS WAS LEAKING ON THE STREET. THE LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED. THE STREET WAS TREATED WITH AN ABSORBENT. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED. THE FOLLOWING PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED: FLEX HOSE, VENT HOSE, FUEL VAPOR VALVE, FUEL TANK TRANSDUCER, GAS TANK STRAP KIT, FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP AND THE LABOR TO INSTALL THESE PARTS. THE TOTAL FOR THE REPAIR WAS $1,362.93. IN ADDITION, THE TOWING CHARGE WAS $80.34 AND AT LEAST $110.00 OF GASOLINE WAS LOST. THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY EXTRAORDINARY AMOUNT OF RUST NOR HAS IT SEEN EXTREME SERVICE. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED. I BELIEVE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THESE EXPENSES BECAUSE, AS A CONSUMER, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO ASSUME THAT A GAS TANK WILL REMAIN ATTACHED FOR THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 2, 201130,000 milesAL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD START KNOCKING AND MAKING A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE MOTOR AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 1, 2011128,000 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS BOTH FUEL TANK SUPPORT STRAPS BROKE ON A 1997 FORD F150. THE RESULT OF THE STRAPS FAILING WAS A DAMAGED FUEL TANK (SEVERAL LEAKS OCCURRED ON THE TANK CAUSING MASSIVE FUEL LOSS), DAMAGED FUEL TANK SENSORS, DAMAGED FUEL TANK HOSES, AND DAMAGED FUEL TANK HOSE CLAMPS. THERE MAY HAVE ALSO BEEN ADDITIONAL DAMAGED CAUSED TO THE VEHICLES EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE COSTLY REPAIRS INCLUDED A NEW FUEL TANK, HOUSES, CLAMPS, SENSORS, AND REPLACING ABOUT 20 GALLONS OF FUEL. ALL REPAIRS WERE DONE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jun 1, 2011OH

1997 FORD F- 150. CONSUMER STATES FUEL TANK FELL FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.*TGW THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW FUEL STRAP ASSEMBLY, REPLACED THE FUEL TANK AND FILTER. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 28, 2011109,968 milesWI

WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH, OUR FORD F150 TRUCK DROPPED ITS GAS TANK ON THE INTERSTATE. THE STRAPS HAD RUSTED THROUGH. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE STRAPS. THE GAS TANK WAS HALF-FULL AND WE WERE ON A SMOOTH ROAD WHEN THE TANK DROPPED. WE PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY SO THERE WAS NO FIRE, BUT THE TANK WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND AND WE HAD TO BE TOWED OFF THE HIGHWAY. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 27, 201185,000 milesCT

GAS TANK STRAP BROKEN GAS TANK DOWN. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 26, 2011185,000 milesMI

THE GAS TANK STRAP RUSTED AND BROKE LEAVING THE TANK HANGING ABOUT TWO INCHES ABOVE THE GROUND. UPDATED 09/14/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED NO FUEL WAS SPILLED AND THE TANK WAS NOT DAMAGED. THE CONSUMER SPOTTED THE PROBLEM WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN HIS DRIVEWAY. BOTH STRAPS WERE RUSTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 09/21/11

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 26, 2011133,000 milesMN

WHILE DRIVING ON ROAD GAS TANK DROPPED FROM VEHICLE AND WAS DRAGGED ON ROAD CAUSING HOLE IN GAS TANK AND LEAKED ENTIRE GAS TANK ONTO ROADWAY. WE HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO SERVICE STATION FOR NEW GAS TANK AND STRAPS TO BE INSTALLED. GAS TANK AND STRAPS WILL BE SAVED FOR REVIEW. ..UPDATED 09/21/11 *BF UPDATED 09/23/11 *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting
Filed May 24, 2011117,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED THAT BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000. UPDATED 09/14/11 *BF THE STRAPS HAD COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY FROM THE POINT IT STARTED TOUCHING THE GAS TANK ALL THE WAY AROUND UNTIL IT CLEARED THE GAS TANK ON THE OTHER SIDE. THE BREAK COULD HAVE HAPPENED ALL THE WAY AROUND AS THERE WAS NOTHING BUT ROTTED AWAY THIN RUST LEFT. THE STRAPS WERE BROKEN COMPLETELY AND THE GAS TANK WAS LAYING ON THE SKID PLATE. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE STRAPS AT HIS EXPENSE. UPDATE 09/21/11

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed May 23, 2011KS

STRAPS THAT HOLD GAS TANK BROKE. UPDATED 08/08/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE STRAPS BROKE AT THE FRAME AND WERE CORRODED AND SHOWED SIGNS OF STRESS FRACTURES IN THE METAL WHERE THE METAL FORMED AROUND THE TANK AND WAS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE FUEL NOZZLE HAD A CRACK IN IT AND HAD PULLED LOOSE FROM THE TANK. UPDATED 08/15/11 *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 23, 201195,000 milesMN

FUEL TANK STRAPS RUSTED OR BROKE ON MY 1997 FORD F150 PICKUP TANK FELL TO THE GROUND. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 23, 2011147,479 milesMI

THE REAR FUEL TANK SUPPORT STRAP ON MY 1997 FORD F150 HAS CORRODED AND FAILED. THE FUEL TANK HAS BEEN SUPPORTED FOR AN INDETERMINATE AMOUNT OF TIME BY THE OPTIONAL MANUFACTURER PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE, WHICH WAS ORDERED NEW WITH THE TRUCK.

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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 1997 Ford F-150 → · Every F-150 year → · How the figures are calculated →