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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
49,294 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Ford F-150 fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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1997 Ford F-150 Owner Comments

problem #19

Sep 282011

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1997 Ford F-150. Consumer writes in concerning safety recall 11V385000 regarding fuel tanks the consumer stated the fuel tank straps were replaced on September 28, 2011. Prior to the replacement, the consumer did not have any problems fueling his tank. After the straps were replaced, he started having problems with fuel leaking on the ground after filling the tank. The consumer returned to the dealer. An inspection revealed a crack on the filler neck on the tank. The dealer stated they were not responsible as they only replaced the straps. The hose clamps, fuel tank and filler spout were rusted.

- Richfield, MN, USA

problem #18

Feb 022012

F-150 8-cyl

  • 81,000 miles
The dealer repaired the fuel straps under the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 11V385000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting), but the defective straps created a hole in the fuel tank and caused a fuel leak. Both the dealer and manufacturer were notified, but denied any assistance with repairs because the fuel tank was not included in the recall. The fuel tank was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileages were 81000.

- Middleton, MA, USA

problem #17

Jun 012011

F-150 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 230,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the fuel straps fractured and caused the fuel tank to leak. The contact received the recall notice associated with NHTSA recall campaign id number 11V385000 (fuel system: Gasoline storage tank: Assembly). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair. The manufacturer refused to replace the fuel tank because it was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 230,000. Updated 03/14/12 the consumer stated the tank fell off in June and has been leaking ever since. The straps were replaced, but the leak continued. Updated 03/19/12

- Oak Lawn, IL, USA

problem #16

Jun 292011

F-150 8-cyl

  • 129,180 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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 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.

- Land O Lakes, WI, USA

problem #15

Sep 042010

F-150 8-cyl

  • miles
1997 Ford F- 150. Consumer states fuel tank fell from the vehicle while driving. The dealer installed a new fuel strap assembly, replaced the fuel tank and filter.

- Montpelier, OH, USA

problem #14

Apr 022010

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • miles
Straps that hold gas tank broke. Updated 08/08/11 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

- Shawnee, KS, USA

problem #13

Nov 252010

F-150 8-cyl

  • 140,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Hi, I own a 1997 Ford F-150. Last fall (2010) I was driving approx. 30 mph when the gas tank on my truck dropped to the ground. There were sparks I was told and it was leaking. I had no prior events/awareness that would have led me to check on the tank. I had a new tank installed at a local repair shop. I did not ask for the old parts and assume they were probably disposed of. I only write now after seeing similar problems by others reported on the nightly news. This is a very dangerous situation !! updated 08/05/11 the consumer stated the front strap broke. Updated 08/15/11

- Hampstead, NH, USA

problem #12

Jan 032011

F-150 8-cyl

  • 198,000 miles
Fuel tank strap broke. Updated 08/08/11 the consumer stated only one strap broke, which broke in the middle under the tank. The strap showed signs of severe corrosion. He reinforced the gas tank with a nylon strap. Updated 08/15/11

- Dexter, MI, USA

problem #11

Sep 132010

F-150 8-cyl

  • 92,200 miles
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. Updated 08/01/11 the consumer stated the strap broke in the middle and the rest of the strap was in fair condition. Updated 08/02/11

- North Cohocton, NY, USA

problem #10

Jul 152006

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
: the contact stated the fuel tank fell out due to rusted straps. The vehicle is not garaged. The contact expressed the that the tank should not have rusted out. Updated 08/01/06.

- Menasha, WI, USA

problem #9

Oct 042005

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,206 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact 's vehicle had a brake line failure on the rear brake line. This happened on 10-04-05. He was driving on the interstate when he had to stop suddenly. He reported having no warning prior to this, such as a light coming on in the car. The brakes were not making any kind of noises. The brake pedal went to the floor. He pulled off of the road. He smelled brake fluid, and it was leaking from the steel brake line that is mounted on the rear axle housing. The brake line seemed unusually corroded. He takes very good care of the car and the car is stored properly. He has a lot of experience with vehicles, and has never seen anything like this. Also, T the gas tank was suspended by two metal straps. The rear strap was severely corroded. The gas tank was laying on the skid plate. Usually, there was about one inch clearance between the tank and skid plate. He was afraid that this may cause a gas leak from the gas tank.

- Maumee, OH, USA

problem #8

Dec 132004

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
NHTSA campaign 00V231000; Ford issued a fuel leakage recall. This vehicle was not included in the recall, but was experiencing fuel leaks from the gas tank. Dealer will repair at consumer's expense.

- North Syracuse, NY, USA

problem #7

Dec 132004

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
NHTSA campaign 00V231000; Ford issued a fuel leakage recall. This vehicle was not included in the recall, but is experienced fuel leaks from the gas tank. Dealer will repair at consumer's expense.

- North Syracuse, NY, USA

problem #6

Mar 012002

F-150

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Dealer informed consumer that rust and corrosion developed in fuel tank. Consumer adds that fuel injector was replaced, but soon failed when taken for test drive.

- Niles, MI, USA

problem #5

Oct 252000

F-150

  • miles
Consumer called in, has been trying to make an appointment since October for recall repairs of fuel tank. There has been no physical person to talk to when you calling. Person answering at dealership transferred, but consumer was left on hold. Manufacturer has received same response when they have called. Consumer has contacted 2 dealers in area, and neither one was better than witchita falls Ford & falls Lincoln Mercury.

- Iowa Park, TX, USA

problem #4

Nov 032000

F-150

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving the consumer suddenly smelled smoke and then saw smoke inside the cab, in seconds the smoke was blinding and suffocating as the consumer pulled the vehicle over, the fire quickly appeared inside the vehicle and within 10 min the vehicle was totally engulfed, after the fire the consumer learned of recall 98V-161 but the dealer denied recall due to VIN. Nlm

- Borrego Sp, CA, USA

problem #3

Oct 012000

F-150

  • miles
PE00 020; there was a problem with tires, and gasoline tank broke. Consumeer will give more information.

- Shawneemission, KS, USA

problem #2

Oct 011999

F-150 4WD

  • miles
1st, transmission, when at the speeds of 40 and 45, hesitates and wants to upshift and downshift, the behaivor is not normal at all, and I am making an appt. To get it fixed. 2nd, the high beam/ low beam switch must be faulty, at times the lights will totally shut off. 3rd when refeuling, usually on a quarter tank and less when taking off the gas cap there is alot of pressure built up in the tank. 4th the interior lights will sometimes come on when either door is opened, I have to shut the door and reopen it.

- Council Bluffs, IA, USA

problem #1

Sep 011997

F-150 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Accident occurred and the fuel shut off switch did not activate.

- Houston, TX, USA

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