1998 Ford Explorer: fuel leak

Filed Jul 26, 2005 · Fuel system · AL

Vehicle is a 1998 ford explorer equipped with a 4.0l sohc engine purchased in march of 1998. Battery had died and attempted to jump start the battery (wouldn't jump, was replaced). Ground cable was placed at a location that appeared to be a safe location. Unknown to me at the time, it turned out to be the fuel line bracket. Later that day and the next day a strong gas smell was eminating from vehicle. Took to adamson ford dealership in birmingham, al and was informed that the fuel line was damaged resulting in a fuel leak which could result in fire. After getting over shock of a $889 repair estimate, I searched the internet for more information and came across a link to your website concerning a recall issued by your group (id# 98v060000). The summary of the recall described my situation perfectly. You issued the recall the exacth month and year of my purchase, march of 1998. Found another internet article stating that ford motor company issued a voluntary safety recall in may, 1998 for the same subject matter as your recall. I never received any recall notification from ford motor company regarding this matter. I've pressed the issue with the dealership as to why I did not receive notification of the recall and they are claiming it is due to the "build date" of my vehicle. They claim ford's recall of may, 1998 covered explorers with a build date up to 02/01/98 and that the build date for my vehicle was 02/03/98, a difference of 2 days. Was told that my vehicle did come from the same plant as those covered by the recall. I have a hard time accepting that a 2-day difference would be grounds for ford to designate that the recall in question was not applicable to my vehicle when the danger existed.

Filed Jun 23, 2004 · Fuel system · 33,846 miles · TX

Massive fuel leak under the hood of 1998 ford explorer xlt.*mr another fuel leak occured when a woven part of the fuel line broke.

Filed Sep 11, 2003 · Fuel system · MO · fire

After the vehicle had been parked for about two hours it caught on fire. Fire department was called, and they said fire was due to a fuel leak.

Filed Sep 10, 2003 · Fuel system · 98,000 miles · LA · fire

Fuel leaked onto the engine, causing a fire. The location of the fuel leak had not been determined.

Filed Aug 17, 2001 · Fuel system · NC

While driving smelled strong fuel smell, vehicle taken to dealer who replaced a leaking fuel rail.

Filed Apr 23, 2001 · Fuel system · CA

Fuel lines going into engine were leaking fuel near spark plug. Consumer repaired this himself, and informed dealership when he went in for replacement parts. Please provide any additional information/attachments.