Regional recall 99R33 - gas tank straps installed. Concern about failure of tank due to high temperature flexing, as described in the regional recall. It appears to me the potential of failure and a fire is just as likely as in the listed states. Also, this vehicle may in fact end up in one of the listed states. This is a foire hazzard that should be fixed in all winstar vehicles. It appears Ford recognized the problem and fixed it in the 1996 models; thus showing there is a defective system in 1995 models. Ford should be required to fix all affected medels, or show the reatraining brackets di in fact fix the problem.a

- Elliston, VA, USA

Recall 99S33 says "Windstar may be exposed to very high ambient temperatures in my area and they have determined that the rmined that the fuel tank in my vehicle may crack as a result of temperatures. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could potentially cause a fire. Dealer will installed a revised fuel tank strap and a specifically designed fuel tank brace designed to eliminate the potential for fuel tank stress cracks on the Windstar. In the care where the fuel tank is already leaking from a stress crack, a replacement tank will be installed at no charge. My question is - if the cracks are caused from very high temperatures, how can a fuel tank strap and a fuel tank brace eliminate potential fuel tank stress cracks on this vehicle. Seems this procedure may stabilize the fuel tank but has nothing to do with stress cracks caused by high temperatures. My automobile is in shop as I previously wrote today for blown head gaskets, and Ford and dealership are refusing to honor their extended warranty. I do not wish to jeopardize myself or my passengers under the false pretenses that a strap is going to make a difference to a defective fuel tank that is susceptible to cracks under excessive temperatures which are the conditions that normal in the gulf coast area. Please let me know how this strap and brace will prevent future leakage from temperatures and potential fire.

- Magnolia, TX, USA

NHTSA recall 99V309000/ manufacturer's recall 99R33; kit aa, fuel straps recall. Dealer had no parts available since January 2000. Dealer is joe michens Ford, 1911 West worley, columbia, mo 65205 573-445-4411. Dealer kept scheduling the consumer, but had no parts.

- Jefferson City, MO, USA

Recall 99V309000/ fuel tank strap/attachments. Owner contacted dealer, mcimermery Ford, semoran blvd, orlando, fl 407-275-3200. Dealer did not have parts since December, 1999.

- Orlando, FL, USA