52 problems related to tank mounting have been reported for the 1997 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
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.
1997 Ford F-150 gas tank strap failed vehicle while in motion on 4/20/11. 1. Noticed unusual noise in rear undercarriage while on highway. 2. Upon inspection saw that one of two gas tank straps was broken and rubbing drive shaft. Gas tank was was loose but retained by remaining strap. 3. Mechanic replaced both straps on 4/22/11 for $110. 00.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. While adding fuel to the vehicle the contact noticed fuel leaking from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated approximately half a gallon of fuel had spilled on the ground. The contact was unable to tell if the fuel tank straps were broken or determine the condition of them. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. There was an open investigation under NHTSA action number ea11006(fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:mounting fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting) that may be related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford f150. The contact stated that the fuel tank detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop where the fuel tank and straps were replaced. There was an open investigation under NHTSA action number: ea11006 (fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:mounting fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting). The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage 113,000.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that both fuel tank straps fractured and caused damage to the fuel tank filler neck. The vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA campaign id 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting. The dealer and manufacturer refused to replace the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the fuel inlet pipe was leaking fuel at the frame near the fuel tank straps. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting) but was advised by the dealer that only the fuel tank straps would be replaced under the recall, not the inlet pipe. The manufacturer was notified who confirmed that they would only cover the fuel tank strap repair and offered no further the consumer stated the recall does not cover and related problems beyond the catastrophic loss of the fuel tank. The consumer first noticed a leak when filling the vehicle with fuel. He found that the rear tank strap had rusted apart and that a portion of it was missing. The rear strap is located very close to the filler tube area and the filler tube contacted the frame. Updated 10/21/11.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford f150. The contact stated that the front end of the fuel tank was detached from the vehicle and the straps were broken. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that there was an open investigation under NHTSA action number: ea11006 (fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:mounting fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting) but no recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
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.
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/lj updated 05/09/11.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford f150. The contact stated that the passenger side fuel tank strap was corroded. There was an open investigation under NHTSA action number: ea11006 ( fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:mounting fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting) that he beleived may have been related to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians informed the contact that the fuel tank strap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 06/01/lj.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 1v385000(fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting). Prior to the contact receiving the notice, he had already performed the recall remedy because he had encountered the failure. The failure also caused damage to the fuel tank vent. After discussing the failure with the manufacturer, they agreed to reimburse him for the cost of repairs to the straps but not for the vent. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. While driving approximately 40 mph, the contact heard a loud banging noise outside of the vehicle. The contact drove to the side of the road and noticed one of the fuel tank straps was completely corroded. The fuel tank leaked a substantial amount of fuel and in order to resume in operation both of the fuel tank straps were secured temporarily with rope. Most recently, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting). The contact was displeased with the recall repairs because it failed to include the replacement of the fuel tank. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
: the contact stated while driving the vehicle, after filling the gas tank the bracket that holds the tank in place broke. The gas tank dropped 4 inches; however the vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. Upon inspection one of the two brackets were corroded and had completely broken off. The bracket was replaced and the manufacturer was alerted. Updated 5/3/2006 -.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. While the vehicle was parked the contact noticed the fuel tank had detached from the vehicle. The contact tied cords around the fuel tank and was able to drive the vehicle home. The contact replaced the straps that secured the fuel tank. The vehicle was repaired. There was an open investigation under NHTSA action number ea11006(fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:mounting fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting) the approximate failure mileage was 150,000.