Officials investigate fuel tank problem on F-150s (2.7 million)

Source: AP

By TOM KRISHER

DETROIT (AP) - U.S. safety regulators are investigating a fuel tank problem that could affect more than 2.7 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that the steel straps holding up the truck's gas tank can rust and break, possibly causing a fuel spill and fire. No injuries have been reported from the possible defect.

The agency is looking into trucks from the 1997 through 2001 model years. NHTSA's investigations often lead to recalls.

NHTSA began looking at the fuel tank problem last year after it received 32 complaints. NHTSA and Ford have now received 243 reports of the tanks falling. In two incidents, a fire started when the fuel tank fell. One of the fires destroyed the pickup, while the other extinguished itself.

Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20110509/D9N413QO0.html

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In this file photo provided by Ford Motor Co., the 1997 Ford F-150 pickup truck, is shown. U.S. safety regulators are investigating a fuel tank problem that could affect more than 2.7 million 1997-2001, Ford F-150 pickup trucks. (AP Photo/Ford, file)

This is for those that think I only post foreign car problems.

Fuel tank problems are scary .... The thought of burning to death is horrifying ... Ford needs to get ahead of this ....

"Aw shucks, just strap it on!"

Those of us that live in the rust belt, have experienced this for years, with all makes and models of cars and trucks....The trick is to visually inspect the undercarriage from time to time, and replace or repair things like this. This is only a problem for those people that just put gas in and drive. "Maintenance? Whats that...sounds like an un- needed expense...."