Fuel Hoses Lines/piping And Fittings problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact noticed fuel leaking from a hose after refilling the vehicle with fuel. She drove the vehicle to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the assembly line connected to the fuel tank was defective. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls. The dealer advised her to bring in the vehicle to be serviced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage was 113,000 and failure mileage was 112,085.

2002 Ford Explorer fuel filter replacement fire hazard. Fuel line retaining clips (50 cent part) are only available from Ford in a $200 fuel line assembly. Not using these clips causes to much slack in the fuel line to filter connection. Their intent to rope the consumer into a $200 purchase may cause alternate, read:unsafe solutions by the customer. The feeling is that Ford is extremely negligent in not making these 'locking r-clips' available separately at the dealership parts counter, or in the aftermarket for the replacement of a regular maintenance item. (fuel filter). Ford has been contacted twice regarding this oversight on their part and refuse to offer the clips by themselves.

: the contact stated there was a smell of gasoline in and around the vehicle. The smell became progressively worse, and the fuel mileage decreased over time. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where the mechanic determined there was a leak in the fuel line above the tank. The parts were ordered, and the manufacturer was notified. Updated 11/30/06.

While driving approximately for two hours. The driver stopped at a toll booth. Suddenly white smoke started emitting from under the hood followed black smoke. The vehicle caught fire within seconds and was a total lost. The fire department says the gas line may have melted the manifold. Please describe any further information.