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.
Hi, the part failure is a fuel tank crack that occurs in the mid90's to early 2000S Ford vans. This design problem has been admitted to by Ford, and is addressed on a very limited list of certain models and years under a recall notice 01V114000. However, this tank crack occurs on other non listed VIN numbers as well, such as mine. This is the problem, the documented and covered recall group VIN numbers precede mine and occur subsequent to mine, but skip several vins inbetween. My cracked and leaking fuel tank, and the resulting gasoline leakage, occur as a result of the tank design, which design Ford has revisited five times now. So, there is a gasoline leak that results from metal fatigue, as the long "hotdog" shaped fuel tank flexes and twists, in Ford's words, with the frame, and fails where it rubs straps or crossmembers. I have attempted to get a replacement tank from Ford, but all are spoken for and backordered as they are being supplied to the dealers for the vehicles included in the current list of defective vehicles. So, no tanks are available to people like me, who have the problem, but are not included in Ford's existing recall list. I have contacted Ford for resolution, Ford case 599552380, for sourcing a tank at least for now. Ford will still not admit to ownership of financial responsibility for this particular tank--yet. I have also filed a complaint with dot, case #290654, to have the recall group expanded to cover all of us who need this help. As an aside, the local Ford dealer has refused to give me anything I need or supply me any support since we come to this impass and situation. They do also admit however, to being unable to assist me because of the lengthy backlog of people needing replacement tanks and the unavailability of these tanks.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford E-150. While placing fuel into the vehicle, the contact noticed a huge puddle underneath the vehicle. He looked underneath the vehicle and noticed a crack on the fuel tank. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 01V114000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly). The contact believes that his vehicle should be included in the recall since the failures are identical. The failure mileage was 89,000 and current mileage was 94,000.
Gas spilled out of the original fuel tank while filling up on flat ground. Dealer said the tank had rubbed on a cross member and had a hole in the tank.
Ford's recall number is 01S14. My E150 fills the requirements of "near the gross vehicle weight with... rough road... the 35 gallon mid-ship fuel tank... crack... " Ford tells me that my VIN is outside the range of covered vans. The recall covers 1997 through 2001 models. I see no way that Ford would know which vans are used in the above mentioned manner. This problem appeared from the beginning of my ownership. Any filling of more than 3/4 tank, resulted in strong gasoline smell and leakage. This was a very serious problem. Even though I tried to not fill past 3/4, sometimes I would exceed that. Explosion and fire were constant threats. My Ford dealer tells me that it certainly looks like my van should be included. I agree. I have paid for the replacement of the fuel tank. The below incident date is approximate. I bought the van in December 2001.
I had a fuel tank leak on my Ford E150 conversion van in 2001. The van had 85000 miles on it. Had the tank replaced at a dealer; originally he ordered the wrong tank, thinking I had the smaller one, but I have the 35 gal. Midship tank listed in 01V114000. They replace the tank about the time this recall was issued. Then, 85000 miles later, I have the same leak, exact same problem. I have visited two dealerships, even spoken to the original service manager who handled the repair in 2001; all deny that the recall applies to this vehicle. I called Ford at the number listed in 01V11400; they deny that I have this fuel tank, even though they installed it specifically, although obviously not according to the recall instructions. I figure because it was a conversion van they may not think it was the "original equipment". I have now had this problem twice, and paid for it the first time. I want them to reimburse me for the original repair under this recall, and then to perform the recall repair correctly, since obviously that wasn't done. I'm sure this fuel tank leak has cost me a lot in evaporated gasoline too, particularly at today's prices.
- Columbus, OH, USA
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1997 Ford econoline 150 universal conversion van. Gas tank rotted out at filler tube. Gas runs out on ground while filling. Gas tank had to be replaced.
1997 Ford econoline 150 universal conversion van. Gas leaks at gas tank when filling up. The main filler tube ( hose) seems to be leaking. Gas runs out all over the ground. Gas tank must be dropped to replace hose.
Consumer noticed a fuel puddle under vehicle while parked in drive way. Vehicle was serviced by dealership, and technician noticed fuel tank with cracks in two places. Also, filler was cracked.
I took my 1997 Ford E150 conversion van in for service, with the complaint of the strong smell of gasoline, which seems to be worse after I fill it up. The technician stated in his report that the top of the tank was wet with gasoline and he suspects that it is cracked. He also told me a search came up with a Ford recall for 1997 E150 vans with this issue. I contacted my Ford dealer and was told there is no such recall for my van. I looked on your web site and found recall #01V114000, which seems to pertain to my van. I am afraid to drive the van, with gas leaking and the dealer told me the tank would be $400 + labor to repair. What now? thank you for your help sincerely, brian holgate.
After consumer filled the vehicle fuel tank with gas they smelt gas fumes. Consumer took vehicle to dealership for service. Dealership indicated that the fuel tank had a leak.
While refueling vehicle consumer noticed fuel leaking from underneath vehicle. Upon closer inspection consumer saw fuel tank was cracked. There is recall O1V014000, but this vehicle is not affected due to VIN.
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- Felton, CA, USA