NHTSA Investigates Ford F-150 for Fuel Strap Defect

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating corroded fuel tank straps in 1996-2001 Ford F-150s. The investigation covers about 1.4 million vehicles.
“The investigation was opened after NHTSA received 32 complaints suggesting that the metal straps which hold the gas tank under the vehicle are prone to corrosion, and in some cases, have completely given way and resulted in the gas tank dropping from the vehicle,” Left Lane News explains.
The NHTSA elaborates, “In six of the complaints, fuel spilled when the tank dropped or detached.” Fortunately, “there have been no fires or injuries alleged in these incidents.” The NHTSA will continue the investigation out of concern for possible fire hazards due to leaking gasoline and potential accidents should a gasoline tank detach and fall in the middle of a road.
While Ford has not released an official comment, The Detroit News reports that “Ford spokesman Wesley Sherwood said the automaker is ‘aware of the investigation and [is] fully cooperating.’”
We’ll keep you posted on whether this NHTSA investigation leads to a recall.
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