Ford F-250 4X4 Ford recall 11S21(NHTSA 11V385) fuel tank strap corrosion inspection and replacement was conducted. The fuel tank was also found to be rusted under the strap area only. After the old straps were removed the tank started to leak fuel and Ford nor the dealer would replace the tank. If the straps are covered for corrosion then the tank should be also due to the corrosion transferring to the tank surface. The dealer placed new straps over a rusted tank. The truck will need over $1200 in repairs for safe operation and to remedy the now leaking fuel.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

Spark plug blew out of the head with such force that it cracked the coil and was sparking on the fuel line with fuel vapors coming out of the head at the same time. This could have caused a fire/explosion if the vehicle could not have been shut off quickly enough. I was idle in my driveway and not on the highway where it would have taken longer to shut the vehicle off. Internet research returned astonishing amount of complaints for the same issue.

- Adrian, MI, USA

I had the truck on a lift to check for a noise from the undercarriage. I noticed that the front fuel tank strap was rusted thru and the tank was loose. Had to make a temporary repair. I checked the VIN on the Ford website and the information was there was no recall.

- Lutz, FL, USA

1998 Ford F-250 (early build) with 201,992 miles, had the gas tank strap rust and break resulting in the gas tank dropping to the pavement. The forward (front) gas tank strap failed and the gas tank fell to the pavement causing the release of approximately 22 gallons of fuel. The resulting spill required a cleanup by the local fire department. The spill cleanup resulted in a $453 charge by the fire department. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop at a cost of $112. The fuel tank and straps required replacement at a cost of $978. Total cost of event $1,500.

- Naperville, IL, USA

On April 9th 2011 my fuel tank straps broke while driving at 45 mph. The truck was pulled to the side of the road and the tank was hanging by the fuel lines and tank neck. The truck is a Ford F-250 light with a 24 1/2 gallon fuel tank, that has 102000 miles. I replaced both straps at a cost of $34. I painted the new straps to prevent future problems.

- Orland Park, IL, USA

My fuel tank straps are rusted out and falling off my truck allowing my fuel tank to be less secure.

- Toledo, OH, USA

I recently read that NHTSA was investigating Ford F 150 from 1997 to 2001 for rusting gas tank straps that effected 1.4 million trucks. I have a Ford 1998 F-250 that had rusted gas tank straps. One strap let go and the tank moved out of position. I replaced it myself, but I don't know if it was done correctly or with the proper safety protection. Did Ford issue a recall on this" will they inspect the vehicle to see if it was done correctly? is there a cost to the owner for any of this" [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). The consumer stated he has an appointment with the dealer to have the straps replaced. Updated 10/25/11

- Plymouth, MA, USA

This was not a particularly bad incident, but it could very well have been. I consider it a 'close call' from which there is a warning to be heard. The straps holding up the gas tank on my F-150 rusted through, dropping the tank [fortunately at low speed where I could stop fast - even so, another foot or so and I would have burst the tank against a sewer grating]. the tank was rust-free, as were the vertical parts of the straps. I think that the plastic pad between the straps and the tank held water against the strap, rusting it. The pad wraps around the strap, and I believe scooped water thrown by the tires. I suggest either a pad redesign to eliminate this, or that the straps be of stainless. The straps appeared to be intact, but the metal was pretty much converted to rust without changing shape. It is not like the straps were visibly rusted away. I suspect that the pad held the rust in place. I had changed the oil not too long before and noticed nothing wrong. I do not specifically recall looking at the straps, but I do try to look around when I am under the truck just to see if anything is funky. Had I been going at any decent speed, not in a parking lot, I suspect I would have burned to death.... the repair was simple; replace the straps and two plastic vent hose connections that failed. Jacking up the tank [full] and tying it up so the truck could be pulled up on a tiltbed was a hassle, mainly since I did not have the appropriate tools on hand. A simple inspection would have prevented this incident, though it would have to have been more than just a visual inspection; poking the strap with a pick to verify it wasn't all rust just looking like surface rusted metal.. but your system will not take that number, saying it is invalid. It is a 1998 F-150 4WD, extended cab, stick shift, with ac.

- Port Clinton, OH, USA