1997 Ford F-150 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, HE HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE WHERE A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE COOLANT LEAKED FROM THE INTAKE GASKET INTO THE CYLINDER IN THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 132,000.

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. *TR

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 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NO FUEL SPILL. BOTH OF THE STRAPS BROKE, DUE TO RUST. UPDATED 08/02/11 *TR

TL* 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.

TRANSMISSION FAILURE, TRUCK HAS 112000 MILES AND THE TRANNY WOULD NOT SHIFT TO 3RD GEAR, THE FLUID AND FILTER HAS BEEN CHANGE 5 TIMES MORE THAN RECOMMENDED BY MANUFACTURER, I ALSO HAD AAMCO INSTALL A LARGER TRANSMISSION COOLER. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TRANNY IS THE C CLAMP THAT LOCKS THE MAIN DRIVE IN THE TRANSMISSION CAME OFF, AND DESTROYED THE OD DRUM AND GEARS I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT MY VEHICLES WELL MAINTAINED AND AT A COST OF $1,900.56 I FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD RE IMBURSE ME FOR THIS , THE TRUCK HAS NEVER HAULED ANY HEAVY LOADS OR PULLING A TRAILER WITH ANYTHING HEAVIER THAN A RIDING LAWNMOWER. I HAVE A 1970 FORD TRUCK THAT IS A BETTER TRUCK THAN MY 1997. I COULD ONLY IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO A NEW TRUCK IF DRIVEN LIKE THE COMMERCIALS THEY PRODUCE. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A FORD MAN BUT THEY ARE CHANGING MY MIND QUICKLY. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN ABUSED. IT'S ABSURD THAT A POSSIBLY $5.00 PART COULD CAUSE ME ALMOST 2 GRAND. I AM ABOUT TO BUY A NEW TRUCK AND I WILL BE SHOPPING AROUND AND LOOKING AT CONSUMER REPORTS TO MAKE A DECISION. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS DRIVING WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ENGAGED. AS HE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE WINDOWS, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WINDOWS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 240,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE CONTACT'S HOME, GARAGE, A SECOND VEHICLE AND OTHER PERSONAL PROPERTY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TIO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED THAT THE FIRE BEGAN WITHIN THE CRUISE CONTROL SAFETY SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE CONTACT WOULD RECEIVE A CALL BACK. THE CONTACT HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS UNABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

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. *TR

1997 F-150 WAS FUELING UP VEHICLE AND HEARD POP AND LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE AND THE REAR GAS TANK STRAP HAD BROKEN FREE OF THE SLIDE IN ATTACHMENT ON THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF THE TANK. THE STRAP WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION BUT THE REAR SLIDE IN MOUNTING POINT ON THE CROSS MEMBER HAD ROTTED OUT COMPLETELY. THE FRONT SLIDE IN POINT DID NOT HAVE ANY CORROSION ON IT. DEALER DID NOT WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT. TRUCK WAS PURCHASED USED FROM A LARGE CAR DEALER IN JUNE 2010. *TR

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. *TR

MY 1997 F150, ONE GAS TANK STRAP BROKE, JORDAN FORD IN MISHAWAKA INDIANA1/22/11 . IT WILL COST $250.00 WHEN THE PARTS COME IT 1/26/11, WHEN IS THERE A RECALL? *TR UPDATED 08/01/11 *BF UPDATED 2/02/2012 *LN

I PARKED MY VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE AND LEFT AND WHEN I RETURNED IT WAS ON FIRE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD RIPPED THE GARAGE DOOR OPEN AND DRAGGED IT OUT THE GARAGE.. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE BRAKE SWITCH. I FIND THAT INTERESTING SEEING HOW O HAD CALL FORD LAST SUMMER AROUND JULY2010 FOR I HAD JUST MOVED TO THIS ADDRESS I AM AT NOW. AND I WAS TOLD THERE IS NO OPEN RECALLS... HMMM... SO, I DO STILL HAVE THE TRUCK AT THIS POINT BUT DO PLAN TO HAVE IT TOWED OUT AT END OF THIS WEEK.. WOULD BE GREAT IF THERE IS ANY RECOURSE TO THIS. I AM OUT A VEHICLE AND NO MONEY TO REPLACE IT... *TR

I HAVE A 1997 FORD F-150, I WAS CHANGING THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND NOTICED A LOT OF RUST ON THE FRAME AND BASICALLY EVERY THING ELSE UNDER THE BODY. I TOOK A SCREWDRIVER AND PUSHED IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE SUSPENSION TRAVEL STOP. THERE ARE BIG CHUNKS OF RUSTY METAL FALLING OFF OF IT AT LEAST EVERY THREE OR FOUR MONTHS APART. I CAN TAKE MY FINGER AND PUSH THROUGH THE FRONT BUMPER. ALL THE BOLTS ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND COLLECTORS ARE RUSTED OFF OR ALL MOST RUSTED OFF. TO FIX THE EXHAUST IT WILL COST AROUND $700.00, IF THE DEALER DONE THE REPAIRS IT WOULD COST MUCH MORE. THE GAS TANK STRAPS LOOKS REAL RUSTY ALSO. IN MY 54 YEARS OF LIFE I HAVE NEVER SEEN A FRAME AND THE UNDERSIDE OF A VEHICLE RUST SO BAD. I LIVE IN THE SOUTH SO THE TRUCK DID NOT SEE MUCH SALT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE, ENGULFED INTO FLAMES WHILE PARKED IN A GARAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS THE AREA WHERE THE FIRE ORIGINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED, AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.

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. *TR UPDATED 1/12/2012 *LN *TR

GEM MODULE FAILURE AT HIGH SPEED. CAUSED 4X4 TO ENGAGE AT HIGH SPEED CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. ALSO, DURING TURNS, CAUSES LOSS OF CONTROL OF STEERING. DID SOME RESEARCH OF SEVERAL FORD F150 WEB SITES AND FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FOR SIMILAR OR THE SAME PROBLEMS. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THE GEM MODULE WAS THE CULPRIT AND THAT THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT CORROSION IN THE ADJACENT FUSE JUNCTION PANEL. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONFESSED THAT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FOR THESE KINDS OF CONDITIONS AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MANY OF THESE GEM MODULES AND FUSE PANELS BECAUSE OF LEAKS IN THE WINDSHIELD OR HOOD COWLING. THEY FURTHER TOLD ME THAT UNLESS I REPLACED THESE COMPONENTS AND ANY OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENT, AT MY EXPENSE, THEY WOULD NOT WARRANTY ANY REPAIRS. AFTER A REPAIR BILL OF $1000.00, FORD REFUSED TO HELP CLAIMING IT WAS NOT A DESIGN OR COMPONENT PART PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS THE POSSIBILITY OF ELECTRICAL FAILURES IN THE FUTURE OR EVEN DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENTS.

1997 FORD F150 4.2 LITER ENGINE LEAKED WATER INTO THE ENGINE FROM A FAULTY BOTTOM INTAKE MANIFOLD SIDE GASKET. THE REPAIRS COST 1486.00. NOTICED THAT MANY PEOPLE ONLINE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM AND BECAME AWARE THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS SAME MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE. *TR

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 *BF APPROXIMATELY TEN GALLONS FAILED ONTO THE ROAD WAY. THE REAR STRAP FAILED IN THE MIDDLE FAILED. UPDATED 08/02/11 *JB

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.

1997 FORD 4.2L F150 - 91,000 MILES VEHICLE PROPERLY MAINTAINED, "BABIED" IT. IT NEVER HAD OIL, COOLANT, OR ANY ENGINE PROBLEMS. STARTED VEHICLE AND HEARD AN ENGINE SOUND "POP", AND NOTICED WHITE SMOKE EMITTING FROM TAILPIPE. THE GAUGES WERE READING ALL NORMAL, AS WELL AS OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE TRUCK TO MY SHOP, THEY SAID WITHOUT TAKING ENGINE APART IT SOUNDS LIKE A ROD OR BENT CRANKSHAFT. THEY MENTIONED THAT IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD 4.2 ENGINES. IT IS NOW AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALER - THEY HAVE NOT EXPLAINED HOW THIS HAPPENED BUT THAT I NEED AN ENGINE REBUILT. REALLY. THANK YOU FORD FOR STANDING BEHIND YOUR PRODUCT. CHEAPER TO BUY A REBUILT ENGINE? DOES IT HAVE THE ORIGINAL ENGINE GASKETS? THEN I CAN EXPECT TO SPEND ANOTHER $4000,00 IN THREE YEARS OR JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. IF YOU HAVE AN ENGINE PROBLEM WITH THE FORD F150 4.2L JUST DO AN INTERNET SEARCH! WHERE IS THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT? *TR

PURCHASED A USED 1997 FORD F-150 TRUCK FROM A PRIVATE ONE OWNER PERSON, THE TRUCK HAD LESS THAN 58,000 ORIGINAL MILES, THIS TRUCK HAS A 4.2 LITER V-6 ENGINE, WHICH WAS WELL MAINTAINED. AFTER DRIVING THE TRUCK FOR LESS THAN 4 MONTHS OF OWNING IT THE ENGINE SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A DEFECT IN ENGINE GASKET, TORQUE SEQUENCE AND OTHER SPECIFIC SPECS, HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM FROM FORD MOTOR CO. AS OF YET. THE ENGINE SUFFERED WHAT IS CALLED HYDRAULIC-LOCK AND WHEN THE ENGINE CRANKED UP IT BENT PISTON RODS IN THE MOTOR AND THE PISTON SKIRTS ARE NOW HITTING THE CRANKSHAFT, REQUIRES A TOTAL ENGINE REBUILD OR NEW ENGINE REPLACEMENT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HE NOTICED SMOKING COMING OUT OF THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY WATER PENETRATING INTO THE ELECTRICAL FUSE BOX. THE FUSE BOX WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER FILED REPORT 0470421440, AND DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,511 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 157, 000. UPDATED 02/17/11*LJ UPDATED 11/30/2011 *LN

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. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN A FIRE BEGAN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 180,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH OVER A BUMP, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO TILT TOWARDS THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. WHEN THE CONTACT INSPECTED, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE TACK WELDING MARKS ON THE FRAME ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 140,000.

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. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150 XLT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR OVER 18 HOURS AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS DESTROYED. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

FUEL TANK STRAP BROKE ON 1997 F150 30-GALLON TANK DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION. TANK DROPPED, CAUSING THE FILLER HOSE TO DISCONNECT FROM THE FITTING AT THE TANK. DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM WHEN FUEL STARTED POURING ONTO THE PAVEMENT AT THE GAS STATION. LAST FILL-UP WAS A WEEK PRIOR WITH OVER 200 MILES OF DRIVING SINCE, SO STRAP COULD HAVE BEEN BROKEN FOR UP TO A WEEK. WILL REPLACE THE TANK AND STRAPS, WILL RETAIN THE STRAPS FOR 1 MONTH BEFORE DISCARDING. *TR

THE FRONT STRAP SUPPORTING THE FUEL TANK ON MY 1997 F150 FAILED DUE TO CORROSION, BROKE AND ALLOWED THE TANK TO DROP FROM THE FRAME AND DRAG ALONG THE GROUND. THE REAR STRAP WAS STILL INTACT. SPEED OF THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE WAS 30 MPH. FUEL WAS POURING OUT OF THE TANK BY THE TIME I STOPPED AND WITHIN 10 MINUTES THE TANK WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY (APPROXIMATELY 20 GALLONS). A WRECKER WAS CALLED TO PICK UP THE TRUCK AND BROUGHT TO A REPAIR GARAGE. ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR IS $600.00, WHICH INCLUDES THE TOWING FEE. THE OLD PARTS WERE RETAINED AND IN MY POSSESSION. THEY ARE AVAILABLE TO THE ODI FOR ANALYSIS IF DESIRED. *TR

MY 17 YEAR OLD A HONOR STUDENT WAS GOING TO VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE WHEN THE FRONT STRAP OF THE FUEL TANK LET GO RESULTING THE FRONT OF THE FUEL TANK TO DROP DOWN, GRINDING ON THE CEMENT SURFACE OF THE ROAD WEARING A HOLE IN THE FRONT BOTTOM CORNER OF THE FUEL TANK RELEASING THE FULL 24 GALLONS OF GAS THAT WAS FILLED INTO THE FUEL TANK THE NIGHT BEFORE. THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT/FIRE DEPT/FORD DEALER WERE CALLED TO HANDLE THE SITUATION. LUCKILY FOR MY DAUGHTER -NO FIRE. THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TOOK A PICTURE OF THE FUEL TANK WHILE IT WAS STILL PARTIALLY INTACT WITH GAS FLOWING FROM THE FUEL TANK, THE FIRE DEPT. WAS ABLE TO CONTAIN SOME OF THE 24 GALLONS OF GAS AND THEN CLEAN UP. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TOWED THE 1997 F-150 TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE NEW FUEL TANK, STRAPS AND SENSOR WERE REPLACED. MY INSURANCE WOULD NOT COVER ANY LOSS ON THIS ISSUE. MY TOTAL OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE FOR THIS -NEW TANK, STRAPS, LABOR, SENSOR, AND TOWING CHARGE-$523.27- GAS REPLACEMENT OF 24 GALLONS-$68.40- TOTAL = $591.67- THE FORD DEALER KEPT THE OLD PARTS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE WAS ALERTED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. HE WAS UNAWARE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVED FROM THE LOCATION AND WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INFORMED HIM THAT THE FIRE WAS MOST LIKELY AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 225,000.

MY 1997 FORD F-150 STARTED TO LEAK COOLANT INTO THE CYLINDER. I DECIDED TO BUY A BRAND NEW MOTOR FROM FORD BACK IN 2005 BECAUSE REPAIR THE LEAKING GASKET WAS NOT WORTH IT. THERE IS A GROUP OF PEOPLE SAYING THAT FORD SHOULD HAVE OR INDEED HAVE RECALLED THESE MOTORS AND I NEVER NEW ABOUT IT. I WAS NEVER INFORMED WHEN I TOOK TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. I PAID $2500 FOR A MOTOR FORD SHOULD HAVE PAID AS I AM UNDERSTANDING FROM WHAT I READ ONLINE. *TR

AWOKE TO THE ENTIRE HOUSE FILLED WITH GAS FUMES. FOUND THAT MY GAS TANK STRAPS ON MY 1997 FORD F150 HAD RUSTED AND CAUSED GAS TANK TO RUST THROUGH AND GAS LEAKED ALL OVER FLOOR IN GARAGE. MY VEHICLE HAS A SKID PLATE(OFF-ROAD 4X4), OTHERWISE THE FUEL TANK WOULD HAVE FALLEN TO THE GROUND. *TR

F150 PICK UP TRUCK GAS TANK STRAPS ARE IN BAD NEED OF REPAIR. FORD DEALER IN MY AREA TOLD ME THEY NEED REPLACED, ARE RUSTED VERY BAD. DON'T FEEL THESE STRAPS SHOULD BE IN THAT BAD OF ORDER. *TR

1997 FORD F150 LONG BED 2WD, REAR GAS TANK STRAP HAS BROKEN ON 09/26/2010. I CAME OUT FROM A RESTAURANT TO SEE SOMETHING HANGING UNDER MY TRUCK AND THE STRAP HAS RUSTED IN HALF! I WAS ABLE TO GET SOME WIRE FROM A FARM STORE TO GET ME BACK ON THE ROAD FOR NOW. *TR

FORD F150 FUEL TANK STRAP RUSTED AND FELL OFF. ONLY ONE STRAP REMAINED HOLDING THE FUEL TANK ON THE TRUCK. ALSO CAUSED A FUEL LEAK DUE TO MOVEMENT OF THE TANK. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATING. THE REAR WHEEL BEGAN SPINNING AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 120 MPH. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE STOPPED REVVING. THE CONTACT CALLED TWO DEALERS WHO ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,021. UPDATED 01/06/11 *BF UPDATED 01/24/11*JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK FELL OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP FAILED, CAUSING THE TANK TO DETACH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 190,000. UPDATED 03/22/11*LJ UPDATED 05/09/11

REAR FUEL TANK STRAP RUSTED THROUGH AND FINALLY BROKE, 1997 F150 XL REG. CAB 2WD, 96L TANK. LUCKY I JUST HAPPENED TO BE LOOKING UNDER THE TRUCK AND NOTICED THIS ISSUE. HAD BOTH STRAPS REPLACED AT A COST OF $118.63 CDN. PART # ST130. *TR

GAS TANK ASSEMBLY -RUSTED STRAPS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUST. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO SEPARATE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE EXHIBITING AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY AND NOTICED THE FUEL STRAPS HANGING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP WHERE THE FUEL STRAPS WERE WELDED, WHICH LASTED APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR BEFORE THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED STATING THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 187,000. UPDATED03/02/11 *BF UPDATED 03/07/11

FUEL TANK STRAP ROTTED OUT TANK HANGING DOWN,,FIXED ONE STRAP NOW GAS TANK IS LEAKING (TANK ROTTED ALSO SMELL OF GAS IN TRUCK CAB!!! FUEL LEAKAGE FROM TANK IF OVER HALF FULL,TOLD D.M.V ,TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE IT ,TILL REPAIR MADE. *TR

A 1997 FORD F 150 PARKED IN A PARKING LOT FOR SEVERAL HOURS CAUGHT ON FIRE ON IT'S OWN IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL CAUSE. *TR

ON SEPT 13, 2010 AT 6:00 PM I AND MY WIFE WERE IN MY 1997 F-150 JUST LEAVING TOWN WHEN THE GAS TANK DROPPED TO THE PAVEMENT. AT FIRST I DID NOT KNOW WHAT IT WAS. I THOUGHT THE MUFFLER WAS DRAGGING OR SOMETHING WHICH SURPRISED ME BECAUSE IT IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. I PULLED THE TRUCK OFF TO THE SIDE AND WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE I COULD SEE THE FRONT PART OF THE TANK ON THE GROUND AND A HOLE HAD BEEN WORN IN IT AND ABOUT 12 GALLONS OF GAS LEAKED OUT. WE WERE THANKFUL A SPARK DID NOT IGNITE IT ALL. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND IT WAS TOWED BACK TO TOWN. THE TANK COULD NOT BE REPAIRED (WHICH WAS IN GOOD SHAPE) AND $591 LATER IT IS BACK ON THE ROAD. *TR UPDATED 08/01/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE STRAP BROKE IN THE MIDDLE AND THE REST OF THE STRAP WAS IN FAIR CONDITION. UPDATED 08/02/11

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS REFUELING THE VEHICLE AS SHE NOTICED GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 2 MPH AND HAULING A TRAILER WHEN THE VEHICLE BECAME HESITANT TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT SOON DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS HANGING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING IN REVERSE INTO A PARKING SPACE AND THE FUEL TANK FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE THIS FAILURE OCCURRED JUST MINUTES AFTER BEING ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MORE DANGEROUS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 161000.

PLEASE ADD MY NAME TO THE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT BREAKING FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE TANK DID NOT FALL OFF. I WIRED IT BACK UP FOR NOW UNTIL THE OTHER STRAP BREAKS OFF. *TR

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR A 1997 FORD F150 XLT TRUCK. IN LATE APRIL/MAY LAST YEAR I NOTICED ONE OF MY FUEL TANK STRAPS HAD RUSTED AND THE TANK WAS HANGING DOWN. I WENT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND PURCHASED 2 STRAPS TO REPLACE BOTH OF THE TANK STRAPS THINKING IF THE ONE RUSTED OUT I MIGHT AS WELL CHANGE BOTH STRAPS. I WAS ABLE TO CHANGE BOTH STRAPS MYSELF SO I THOUGHT I WAS GOOD. I DID NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE BOLTS BECAUSE THE BOLT MEETS THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK BEFORE YOU CAN OVER TIGHTEN THE BOLT. HOWEVER, A COUPLE OF HOURS LATER I NOTICED MY TANK WAS LEAKING IN THE AREA WHERE THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK IS SHAPED TO ACCEPT THE STRAP. I REMOVED THE STRAP IT APPEARED THAT THE RUSTING PROCESS HAD WEAKEN THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK IN THE AREA OF THE STRAP. I HAD TO ORDER A NEW FUEL TANK FROM AN ONLINE SUPPLIER TO SAVE MONEY(PARTS TRAIN) AND WENT BACK TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY AGREED FOR A FEE TO INSTALL THE NEW AFTERMARKET FUEL TANK. I DID HAVE ADDITIONAL COSTS TO REPLACE A FUEL TAKEN SENSOR ASSEMBLY BECAUSE THAT WAS RUSTED AND WOULD NOT BE REUSABLE WITH THE NEW FUEL TANK. MY TOTAL OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES WERE APPROXIMATELY $350.00. *TR

THE FUEL TANK STRAPS BROKE ON MY 1997 FORD F-150. I HEARD THE NOISE AND QUICKLY PULLED INTO A SERVICE STATION. THEY FIXED MY PROBLEM. I AM LUCKY IT DIDNT FALL OFF IN THE ROAD AND IGNITE. *TR