Tom Krisher, an Associated Press’ auto writer, reported May 10, 2011, on WRAL.com that NHTSA is digging into a problem with the Ford F-150 pick-up truck again. Only this time, it’s not the air bags—it’s their gas tanks. Apparently, the steel straps that hold the F-150 truck’s gas tank can rust and break which may cause a fuel leak and fire. Thus far, no injuries have been reported concerning the problem; however, it may affect F-150 trucks manufactured in from 1997 through 2001, or about 150,000 trucks.
Ford received 243 reports of the tanks actually falling from the trucks and two incidents of fires occurring following the tank falling. One fire destroyed an entire truck. The NHTSA said it began looking into the problem after receiving 32 complaints. The F-Series Ford pick-up is reputed to have been the best-selling vehicle in the
On April 26, 2011, Ford Motors reported its best first quarter pre-tax profit in 13 years: $2.8 billion, or an increase over a year ago in profit of about $250 per vehicle in its home market, according to Reuters.
This is a potential safety defect, that could result in a fire. If you have one of these trucks, have it checked by a Ford dealership.
For information on automobile defect recalls, and related issues, visit: www.nhtsa.gov
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