Some Ford pickup trucks are being recalled due to a problem with the way the fuel tanks are attached. Straps that hold the fuel tanks in place can corrode and break, which can cause the fuel lines to separate from the tank, ore for the tank to actually fall to the ground. The most common cause of the corrosion seems to be road de-icing chemicals.
According to an article on MSNBC.com, Ford reports three vehicle fires and one injury related to the fuel tank strap problem.
The recalled vehicles are:
- Ford F-150 full-size pickups, model years 1997-2004
- Ford F-250 pickups of less than 8,500 pounds, model years 1997-1999
- Lincoln Blackwood trucks, model years 2002-2003
Ford will notify owners in mid-September and recommend that the fuel tank straps be replaced with versions that have a greater resistance to corrosion. In addition, dealers may install a cable support under the strap an an interim repair, or a steel reinforcement over the existing straps as a permanent repair.
For more specific information, visit the recall page from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) here: Ford truck recall information
