F150 fuel tank rusted out and leaked - due to rusted tank straps had to replace tank and straps at 130,000 miles.

- Plymouth, CT, USA

On September 12, 2010, I was driving on a dirt road at speeds of under 25 miles per hour when I heard a noise coming from under the vehicle. I pulled the vehicle safely over to the side of the road and myself, and the 2 other people in the truck got out to attempt to locate the source of the noise. Immediately, we noticed that the front fuel tank strap(the strap closest to the front of the vehicle) was rusted and broken. As a result, the tank was loose and bouncing. That caused it to hit the underside of the passenger compartment. Since we were many miles from an auto parts store, we used a small rachet strap to keep the fuel tank in place. The next day, I saw a news story about the investigation, and decided to hold off on making the repair until I contacted the NHTSA office.

- Shelby Township, MI, USA

Broken fuel tank strap on 1999 Ford F-150.

- Christiansburg, OH, USA

Fuel tank strap rusted and broke. Fuel tank was allowed to fall enough to break filler neck and neck at tank itself.

- Grand Junction, MI, USA

While driving my 1999 Ford F-150 the gas tank fell to the ground. The straps rusted through, and the tank was drug by the fuel line. Fortunately there was not a leak or a fire.

- Frankfort, IL, USA

Fuel tank securing strap broke on 99 Ford F150 because of rust through. Both straps had to be replaced. Fuel tank was close to falling off truck.

- Stamping Ground, KY, USA

I have a 1999 F-150 and one of the gas tank straps rusted through and broke. The tank did not fall but I had to have both of the straps replaced. I'm only now writing because I saw they had opened an investigation for a recall.

- Akron, OH, USA

Ref: PE10036 this submission has been provided to indicate an additional occurrence of the problem described in NHTSA action number PE10036: On or about August 6, 2010, the rear fuel tank strap on my 1999 F150 broke. As a result, the rear of the tank dropped about 8-12 inches. The tank did not hit the ground and did not spill fuel. It remained suspended by the front strap. Over that weekend, I noted that the fuel level seemed to drop suddenly, however I did not investigate why. I filled the tank on that day. On August 9, 2010, a relative of mine saw the rear of the tank hanging a few inches above the ground. The strap broke because of obvious excessive corrosion. The corrosion on the tank where it came in contact with the strap was also excessive. As a result, I replaced the tank and both straps with after-market parts.

- North Ridgeville, OH, USA

1. normal driving of my Ford F150 since 1999. 2.. the failure - the rear gas strapped corroded, causing the gas tank to drop and be dragged a short distance on the highway until I could safely pull over. 3. I brought the car to my authorized Ford dealer for repair. Two new straps had to be ordered as the front strap was also severely corroded.

- Nunda, NY, USA

1999 Ford F150 2wd truck with 80,000 miles the fuel tank fell out of the truck. Upon investigation, it was found that the fuel tank straps has corroded apart. When re-installing new straps, it was found that the fuel fill tube was corroded, as well, with several holes in it. Also, while re-attaching fuel tank it was found that the rear three cross-members were on there way to corroding into two pieces, and had already completely broken in other places. Upon removal of pick-up truck bed for examination, it was found that the rear spring shackle pins had corroded away, leaving no support. Further, the frame rails were corroded to the point that they could be bent by hand- no tools used! this should be a major safety recall by Ford as an unsuspecting user hauling a trailer may loose their trailer, despite safety chains attached, causing injury, or death, and property damage. An unsuspecting driver would also be subject to the fuel tank falling off the truck, while driving. It could burst into flames, due to hot exhaust, or road sparks. This also poses the safety hazard of fuel spillage on a roadway. This is not the first truck manufactured by Ford that has had problems of this nature, but this is the worst I have seen, and there are more than likely more cases known to other mechanics, as well as some that have gone undetected as of yet.

- Corydon, IN, USA

The strap on our Ford F 150 that holds up our gas tank broke and had to be replaced. Upon looking at the frame it was discovered that it was rusted out very badly and could be a driving hazard to drive. We are in the process of completely getting a new frame put under the truck. This truck is only ten years old and we think Ford should have some responsibility in fixing this problem. It is a one owner and we have taken very good care of it. It looks like the day we bought it except for the frame. I hate to think what could have happened if the gas tank had fallen off while we were driving on the expressway.

- Corydon, IN, USA

While my truck was idling it caught fire the fire marshall said it was a result of the fuel arm broke.

- Hubert, NC, USA

I bought the 99 F-150 used. I've owned it for 2 years and in those two years spent over 3000 dollars repairing it. I cant handle the thought of keeping a truck that cost so much in repairs. And now the dealer tells me I need a new transmission. This is one week after I spent over 500 replacing the spark plugs, fuel filter, and getting the fuel injectors cleaned. I have only 58,000 miles on the thing and was told by the dealer that the plugs don't need to be touched for 100,000 miles. Well it was missing and that was the problem. The truck slams into gear between 1 and 2, and now the problem is my transmission is bad. At 58,000 miles" and I've never even towed anything. Just regular wear and tear" I think these trucks must be lemons. After I get the transmission fixed, I'll have spent $5,600 in a two year span. I have to sell it because the repairs are more than the payment. I guess that's why it was sold to me when it was only two years. Old.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

Truck was unstable with cause unknown by dealership. Owner has taken vehicle in for corrective action several times, however nothing has changed. Vehicle vibrates excessively when at idle with RPM gauge fluctuating up/down. Consumer states that the engine runs rough, oil level dropped and there was a clicking noise in which the dealer replaced the fan blade and fan clutch. Rear brakes experienced grinding, dealer applied a silencer to the front and rear brake pads. Consumer has experienced several problems with the A/C and heater, problems still exists. Vehicle uses a lot of gas, idles rough and experiences small hesitation upon acceleration. Vehicle kicks into gear. Vehicle drifts to the right, while driving at higher speeds, vehicle and steering wheel vibrate. Driver side rear view mirror rattles when closing door, when everything is closed there is an outside noise, dealer resealed the windshield. When turning on the lights, the clock and A/C are delayed. There is a whining noise when turning steering wheel. Window control buttons stick at times, dealer replaced the window switch.

- Miami, FL, USA