GRtak
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http://www.insideline.com/ford/ford-recalls-11-million-trucks-because-gas-tanks-can-fall-off.html
Ford Recalls 1.1 Million Trucks Because Gas Tanks Can Fall Off
Just the Facts: ?Ford is recalling 1.1 million pickup trucks, including the 1997-2004 Ford F-150, 1997-'99 F-250 and 2002-'03 Lincoln Blackwood, because the gas tanks can fall off and cause fires, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
?The flaw has been blamed for eight fires and one injury, Ford told Inside Line.
?The recall is expected to begin on September 12.
WASHINGTON ? Ford is recalling 1.1 million pickup trucks, including the 1997-2004 Ford F-150, 1997-'99 F-250 and 2002-'03 Lincoln Blackwood, because the gas tanks can fall off and cause fires, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"We are aware of eight incidents alleging sparks or fires, three of which led to vehicle fires and one injury," wrote Wes Sherwood, a Ford spokesman, in response to an e-mailed query from Inside Line on Tuesday. "The others self-extinguished or were put (out) by onlookers."
The recall affects trucks sold in cold-weather states.
"Prolonged exposure to road de-icing chemicals may cause severe corrosion of the fuel tank straps which secure the tank to the vehicle," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may fail, allowing the fuel lines to separate from the tank, or in some cases, causing the tank to contact the ground.
"Either scenario may result in a fuel leak presenting a fire hazard."
The trucks were sold or are now registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.
Ford and Lincoln dealers will have the fuel tank straps replaced with straps that have increased corrosion protection. NHTSA says if replacement straps are not available, dealers may install a cable support under the strap as an interim repair or place a steel reinforcement over the existing strap as a permanent repair.
The recall is expected to begin on September 12. Owners can contact Ford at (866) 436-7332.
Inside Line says: If you own one of the aforementioned Ford or Lincoln pickup trucks, be aware that a recall is in the works.