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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
134,914 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 (Page 1 of 9)

problem #162

Aug 192020

F-150

  • 154,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have his brakes serviced. While there, he was informed of NHTSA campaign number: 00V231000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact took the vehicle to vancouver Ford, Inc. (6801 ne 40th St, vancouver, wa 98661) where he was informed by the mechanic that the recall required for him to check the pvc valve and the fuel line. As per the mechanic, there were no issues with the vehicle and no repairs were performed on the vehicle. The recall was then removed from his VIN. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled and shutoff without warning. The contact also stated that while at a complete stop while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated forward without warning. The contact replaced the PCV valve and the PCV hose himself however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and the previous recall on his vehicle. The manufacturer informed him that there were no recalls on his vehicle and offered him no further assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

- Amboy, WA, USA

problem #161

Aug 062013

F-150 8-cyl

  • 199,887 miles
1997 Ford F150 4.6L 4X4 fuel line is leaking above the transmission where the lines connect between the fuel filter and the top rear of engine. Fuel lines are rubbing on the frame of the truck. Ford has recalled over 600,000 of this model truck for this problem in August, 2000, (Ford mfg. Recall# 00S22) but after speaking with Ford Motor Company, they stated that my truck was not a part of the recalled trucks even though my truck fit all of the criteria, such as model, date, time, and place of manufacture to the letter. I was told that less than one percent of trucks were affected even though Ford recalled over 600,000 of these trucks for this issue.I've had a previous issue with fuel tank falling out of truck due to faulty straps. Ford replaced straps, but would not repair damaged fuel tank. The fuel system in this truck is very suspect.

- Eau Claire, MI, USA

problem #160

Jul 312013

F-150 8-cyl

  • 153,005 miles
I went to a automotive shop to have some brake work done on my 1997 Ford F-150 truck. The mechanic said I have something to show you & what they show was one of my fuel tank strap was broken and also they said my gas tank drop down a little.so I call a Ford dealer & they say there no recall on my 1997 Ford F-150 fuel tank strap in Virginia but in other states it is. I told them according to the NHTSA, it is ! no help from Ford dealer.

- Petersburg, VA, USA

problem #159

Oct 012011

F-150

  • 170,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he noticed that the fuel tank was hanging on by one of its straps. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed that one of the fuel tank straps was fractured and the second strap was corroded. The contact repaired the straps himself. The vehicle was eventually taken to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11V385000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting). The manufacturer was also notified and stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 170,000.

- Bloomville, OH, USA

problem #158

Mar 292012

F-150

  • 139,429 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F150. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the fuel tank straps fractured and the fuel tank detached from the vehicle abnormally. The fuel tank detached and spilled nineteen gallons of fuel onto the ground. A hazmat team was notified to assist with the clean-up and the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who replaced the fuel tank, sensors, the fuel tank straps and the fuel tank hoses. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but advised that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 11V385000 (fuel system, gasoline: Storage: Tank assembly: Mounting) due to the state the contact resided. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 139,429.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #157

Apr 052012

F-150 6-cyl

  • 206,000 miles
Noticed gas poring from tank as I was refilling. Looked under to see strap rotted and broken. Scheduled to have strap fixed fri 4/6/12 but from what I read, they wont fix leak caused by strap. So tank will continue to leak.

- Brockton, MA, USA

problem #156

Feb 132012

F-150 8-cyl

  • 231,969 miles

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

After replacement of the fuel tank straps per campaign number 11V385000, I found that when I was refueling the gasoline was pouring out from under the car at about 1.5 gallons. Went back to the dealer because I the problem wasn't present till the straps were replaced. I was told I needed a new fuel filler neck which was not covered by the original recall, so I went to private shop for a less expensive repair. Upon inspection in replacing the fuel filler neck, my mechanic notified me that I also needed a new gas tank because of corrosion of both the filler neck and the tank. This tank strap recall cost me more in parts and labor than the straps alone cost Ford. Would I have been better off letting the tank drop and catch on fire in my fully covered 1997 vehicle? the insurance money alone would've gotten me a better vehicle, but I love my truck! hoping enough complaints will initiate and investigation and recall so I can get my reimbursement. For now, I will hold onto the old tank and all the parts in case I need proof of problem.

- Vermilion, OH, USA

problem #155

Feb 022012

F-150

  • 133,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that 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 133,000.

- Leehigh Acres, FL, USA

problem #154

Feb 022012

F-150

  • 133,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in the recall under NHTSA campaign id number 11V385000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting). The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the fuel tank straps were replaced under the recall. The dealer also stated that the fuel tank was fractured and needed to be replaced. The fuel tank was not replaced because that repair was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.

- Lehigh, FL, USA

problem #153

Jan 262012

F-150

  • 118,123 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after having the vehicle repaired under the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11V385000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting), the fuel tank developed a leak. An authorized dealer verified that the leak developed while performing the repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 118,123.

- Northville, MI, USA

problem #152

Sep 102010

F-150

  • 128,225 miles

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

Noticed fuel tank leaking. Dealership said leak was at the strap. Tank was replaced at owners expense. On Sept. 21, 2011 replaced fuel tank straps under recall 11V385000. In October 2011 I wrote to a letter to Ford asking them to consider the relationship of repairs. In January 2012 I received a letter stating "the repair was not related to the recall". after reviewing complaints posted on this website, I am clearly not alone.

- Front Royal, VA, USA

problem #151

Oct 072011

F-150 8-cyl

  • 165,091 miles
Recall correction turns to explosion danger! Ford issued recall #11 S 21 on the replacement of the fuel tank straps. Best Ford of nashua performed the service to install new straps on October 7, 2011. In conjunction with the recall work, a vehicle report on best Ford letterhead was provided showing all systems were in good working order. On October 21, 2011, during a regular oil change the service person advised me that my fuel tank was leaking. I immediately reported it to best Ford on October 21, 2011 to which they refused to correct the leak. They insisted that Ford would not cover any other repairs. I informed the best Ford service manager that fault was theirs and did file a written complaint. I have returned to best Ford on three additional occasions and sent not less than five emails to request a face to face meeting. They have in each case refused to fix the leak caused as a result of the recall work performed in their service department. Complaints have also been sent to Ford Motor Co (customer service and the CEO) and they have likewise refused to assist with corrective action. The possibility of a fuel tank strap may have been corrected, however, my very maintained F150 is now a present danger of explosion.

- Amherst, NH, USA

problem #150

Dec 012011

F-150

  • 246,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that one of the fuel straps fractured from the fuel tank and caused the tank to hang abnormally from the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 11V385000 (fuel system gasoline: Tank: Assembly: Mounting) and received repairs under the recall however, the fuel tank continued leaking fuel and the manufacturer refused to replaced the tank. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 246,000.

- Yorktown Heights , PA, USA

problem #149

Nov 112011

F-150 8-cyl

  • 86,335 miles
Rear springs, rear buckle rear springs were completely rusted through. Garage that repaired the items indicated that they have fixed a very large amount of Ford trucks with the same issues. This seems to be an issue that warrants some investigation. Note that the truck gasoline tanks also rusted through, failed and resulted in the tank falling out of the truck while underway. This was fixed, albiet after 3 years, by a Ford recall that was initiated this year.

- Findlay, OH, USA

problem #148

Sep 012009

F-150

  • 220,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the spare tire cable, exhaust system manifold, fuel tank strap, brake line, bolts, erg valve, and the frame were rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and denied to buy the vehicle back or provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 220,000 and the current mileage was 322,000.

- Walker , WV, USA

problem #147

Jul 012011

F-150 8-cyl

  • 170,000 miles
I own a 1997 Ford F150 in which I noticed gas leaking as I would fill the tank. I first noticed it in July and it progressively got worse. I heard that Ford was soon sending out a recall for replacing gas tank straps on vehicles such as mine. So I waited until a recall was sent to me before attempting to address a fix on the leak. When I took my F150 to the Ford service mechanics in October, I was informed that it was the filler neck for the tank that was corroded and that this was not part of the recall. They could replace the straps, but one of the straps was by the skid plate and it would do no good to replace that one, as the skid plate was holding the tank, and the other strap was not in bad condition. I would have to pay for the replacement of the filler tank on my own without coverage from Ford. And....by the way....the filler neck is no longer manufactured, so the Ford service group would have to order another component and do some fabrication to replace my filler neck. I asked the service tech why my gas tank wasn't corroded, nor were the straps very corroded, buy my filler neck, which was up under the truck box body was the part that was corroded and leaking. This was clearly a safety hazard, but not covered as a defect by Ford.the tech gave me his opinion that there was a design flaw for my particular model in relation to the wheel well, such that when driving through snow and salt, the tires would overspray snow and salt up under the wheel well and onto holding areas around the filler neck, in which, after time, salt corroded the metal and caused the corrosion and leaking. I believe that Ford is at fault for this design issue and had created a safety hazard and should be held responsible for the replacement of the filler neck. I was told that I needed to fix the filler neck, that I should file a complaint, and that I should hold onto my receipts.

- Bloomington, MN, USA

problem #146

Dec 012011

F-150

  • 112,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that he received a recall in regards to NHTSA campaign id number 11V385000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting). After taking his vehicle into the dealer, they advised him that the fuel tank was rusted and had started to leak. They refused to do any repairs to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Williamsport, PA, USA

problem #145

Sep 082011

F-150

  • 143,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 11V385000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting) and contacted the dealer to secure an appointment fro recall repairs. The dealer then advised that they were only servicing those vehicles that had experienced the failure described in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired under the recall. The failure and the current mileages were approximately 143,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Newbury, MA, USA

problem #144

Sep 012011

F-150

  • 260,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F150. The contact stated that the fuel straps were corroded and caused the fuel tank to corrode and leak. The dealer advised the contact that the fuel tank would not be replaced under NHTSA campaign id number: 11V385000. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 260,000.

- Southington, CT, USA

problem #143

Nov 072011

F-150

  • miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. While parked, the contact smelled an odor of fuel and noticed fuel leakage near the driver's side fuel tank strap, which was completely fractured. The fuel tank was damaged due to the faulty fuel tank straps. There was a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11V385000 (fuel system, gasoline: Storage: Tank assembly: Mounting); however the contact stated that the fuel tank replacement should also be included in the recall. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unavailable.

- Canton, OH, USA

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