The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 3 mph, the spare tire detached from underneath the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the cable that strapped the spare tire underneath the vehicle had fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000. Updated 04/07/16

- Atlanta, GA, USA

Own a 1997 Ford F-150 recently noticed that the gas tank straps have rusted out. The center strap has completely broke in two due to rust corrosion tilting the tank, and causing gas spillage during fueling creating a fire and/or explosive danger.

- Coventry, CT, USA

I have a 1997 F-150 with just over 150,000 miles and lost both straps just after filling up and going over train tracks @ 25 mph. The only thing holding it on was the fuel lines, hope there is not major damage there. I had the tank replaced about 3 years prior. Updated 08/01/11 the consumer stated there was no fuel spill. Both of the straps broke, due to rust. Updated 08/02/11

- Cleveland, OH, USA

1997 F150 Ford lariat super cab 4X4 with 83,262 miles, the vehicle has excessive rust on panels, frame, frame supports and undercarriage components; some of the frame/ frame supports have significant holes and has no structural integrity. The safety design intent of the vehicle has been compromised due to the severe rust; in a crash condition the vehicle occupants' safety would be jeopardized. December 3, 2010 the vehicle was driven in the village of oxford, mi. Approximately 25 mile per hour and the front gas tank strap failed (rusted-out). The gas tank fell to the pavement and left the vehicle inoperable. There were no occupant injuries, but gasoline containments were leaked at the scene. The vehicle was towed by flatbed truck to skalnek Ford, lake orion, mi for repairs costing $773.42. Updated 1/12/2012

- Lake Orion, MI, USA

Driving at 40 mph in 1997 Ford F-150 pickup on 4 lane highway. Heard noise towards rear of vehicle. No collision spare tire exited bottom of bed. Bounced on roadway across traffic on other side of 4 lane on coming traffic behind then and in front of vehicles. Somehow no one collided with the rolling spare tire as it exited the roadway to the should of roadway. Tire now in bed of truck not underneath until I can repair due to broken cable that supported tire.

- Micanopy, FL, USA

I have the same door crack around the window as many others. I talked to the dealer that I bought the truck from, B ut my extended warranty does not cover this type of defect. I then went to the Ford dealer in town to see if Ford was doing anuthing to correct this issue and save the structural integrity of the door. I was told they had a repair kit that was being installed free of charge but I am out of the factory warranty and will have to pay between $500 and $700 to repair.

- Great Falls, MT, USA

Rear sliding window leak, resealed multiple times to no avail.... leaks both from where frame attaches to body and from cracks in window frame itself, both left and right sides at top. Window frame requires replacement with newer manufactured unit (different design from newer model year).

- Toledo, OH, USA

Vehicle experiencing premature structural cracks on both driver and passenger doors, located on the right hand side of the window frame.

- Detroit, MI, USA

As my girlfriend was getting into my truck she hit her head on the hand hold bar on the pax side of my truck today. She fell out of the truck to the payment. It was several mins before she could get up. She was hurt very bad. I've also hit my head on this hand hold bar. I want this reported to Ford to pad it more or remove it from all trucks!

- Dalton, GA, USA