fuel leak from faulty tank
I noticed a strong raw gas smell in my garage but since it's also our shop, I decided to check out the cause later. Noticed the same strong smell as I drove. Took it to my mechanic who discovered a fuel leak on my gas tank along a factory made seal this is low on the tank.
He mentioned a recall. I found a NHTSA recall for 2005 Thunderbirds for this exact issue. The listed consequent was/is : "A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire."
Not to mention that as a result my garage floor and several items were soaked with gas.
When contacting Ford, however, I was informed that although there was an admitted problem and a recall, my VIN was not included.
Frankly, the fact that my Thunderbirds engine problem EXACTLY matches the recall description is amazing. The recall problem summary is this: "On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel tank may have a localized thin wall section in the lower half of the tank. The tank fuel may crack creating a potential for a fuel leak and fuel odor. The "service engine soon light may ( note that it says MAY) illuminate."
Apparently there's nothing FORD will do, thus nothing I can do. I love my Tbird but it is frustrating to have to pay out of my pocket (and it's not cheap) to replace a gas tank that isn't cracked or damaged except at a Ford factory seal.
All other sources I contacted said that although my complaint may be accurate and valid, and verifiable, the fact that not enough owners reported the same problem leaves me without recourse.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
fuel leak from faulty tank I noticed a strong raw gas smell in my garage but since it's also our shop, I decided to check out the cause later. Noticed the same strong smell as I drove. Took it to my mechanic who discovered a fuel leak on my gas tank along a factory made seal this is low on the tank.
He mentioned a recall. I found a NHTSA recall for 2005 Thunderbirds for this exact issue. The listed consequent was/is : "A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire."
Not to mention that as a result my garage floor and several items were soaked with gas.
When contacting Ford, however, I was informed that although there was an admitted problem and a recall, my VIN was not included.
Frankly, the fact that my Thunderbirds engine problem EXACTLY matches the recall description is amazing. The recall problem summary is this: "On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel tank may have a localized thin wall section in the lower half of the tank. The tank fuel may crack creating a potential for a fuel leak and fuel odor. The "service engine soon light may ( note that it says MAY) illuminate."
Apparently there's nothing FORD will do, thus nothing I can do. I love my Tbird but it is frustrating to have to pay out of my pocket (and it's not cheap) to replace a gas tank that isn't cracked or damaged except at a Ford factory seal.
All other sources I contacted said that although my complaint may be accurate and valid, and verifiable, the fact that not enough owners reported the same problem leaves me without recourse.
Anyone else experience this?
- Patricia W., Northwood, NH, US