I have a 1997 ford f150. Yesterday when I to get into my vehicle the area smelled like gasoline, was unsure if it was mine so I drove home. When I got home the smell was even worse. Upon checking the fuel lines and gas tank I found that the straps on the fuel take rusted through where they connect which also caused the fuel to rust specifically where the strap was rubbing on it causing the tank to rust and now it has a hole in it. This is going to cost $250-300 in parts alone. This is a major safety issue for any vehicle and should be fixed at the cost of the manufacturer.
1997 Ford F-150 fuel system complaints
Page 7 of 9: complaints 161 to 190 of 246, newest first, as owners wrote them.
1997 f-150 was fueling up vehicle and heard pop and looked under vehicle and the rear gas tank strap had broken free of the slide in attachment on the outboard side of the tank. The strap was in perfect condition but the rear slide in mounting point on the cross member had rotted out completely. The front slide in point did not have any corrosion on it. Dealer did not want anything to do with it. Truck was purchased used from a large car dealer in june 2010.
I just bought a 1997 ford f150 within a few days I found that the gas tank was leaking, looked under and found straps were rusted and caused tank to rust and leak. Is there a recall by ford to replace straps and tank.
My 1997 f150, one gas tank strap broke, jordan ford in mishawaka indiana1/22/11 . It will cost $250.00 when the parts come it 1/26/11, when is there a recall? *tr updated 08/01/11 *bf updated 2/02/2012
1997 f150 ford lariat super cab 4x4 with 83,262 miles, the vehicle has excessive rust on panels, frame, frame supports and undercarriage components; some of the frame/ frame supports have significant holes and has no structural integrity. The safety design intent of the vehicle has been compromised due to the severe rust; in a crash condition the vehicle occupants' safety would be jeopardized. December 3, 2010 the vehicle was driven in the village of oxford, mi. Approximately 25 mile per hour and the front gas tank strap failed (rusted-out). The gas tank fell to the pavement and left the vehicle inoperable. There were no occupant injuries, but gasoline containments were leaked at the scene. The vehicle was towed by flatbed truck to skalnek ford, lake orion, mi for repairs costing $773.42. *tr updated 1/12/2012 *ln
On 11/20/2010 when I went to gas up - the gas ran on the ground - the rear fuel tank strap had broken and the tank dropped down - pulling the filler neck loose. Updated 08/01/11 *bf approximately ten gallons failed onto the road way. The rear strap failed in the middle failed. Updated 08/02/11
On october 4 2010 my daughter was driving the 1997 ford f-150 to school for volleyball practice when the front strap holding the fuel tank broke free thus causing the front of the fuel tank to drop down onto the cement roadway thus wearing a hole in the front corner of the fuel tank and releasing gas onto the cement roadway. She called me right away to tell me of the incident and said there was a little smoke but no fire and that gas was releasing. I then told her to hang up and call 911. Police and fire department responded and handled the situation. The local ford dealership towed the pickup to the service department and also did the repair work over the next few days.
Gas tank fell off 1997 ford f150 while my daughter was driving it. Gas tank straps had rusted through, lucky the tank did not ignite.
I have a ford f 150 pick up 1997. The straps that support the fuel tank broke and the tank fell onto the roadway. The truck had to be towed off the road, I was very lucky the truck didn't catch on fire.
Fuel tank strap broke on 1997 f150 30-gallon tank due to severe corrosion. Tank dropped, causing the filler hose to disconnect from the fitting at the tank. Discovered the problem when fuel started pouring onto the pavement at the gas station. Last fill-up was a week prior with over 200 miles of driving since, so strap could have been broken for up to a week. Will replace the tank and straps, will retain the straps for 1 month before discarding.
The front strap supporting the fuel tank on my 1997 f150 failed due to corrosion, broke and allowed the tank to drop from the frame and drag along the ground. The rear strap was still intact. Speed of the vehicle at the time of the failure was 30 MPH. Fuel was pouring out of the tank by the time I stopped and within 10 minutes the tank was completely empty (approximately 20 gallons). A wrecker was called to pick up the truck and brought to a repair garage. Estimate for the repair is $600.00, which includes the towing fee. The old parts were retained and in my possession. They are available to the odi for analysis if desired.
My 17 year old a honor student was going to volleyball practice when the front strap of the fuel tank let go resulting the front of the fuel tank to drop down, grinding on the cement surface of the road wearing a hole in the front bottom corner of the fuel tank releasing the full 24 gallons of gas that was filled into the fuel tank the night before. The local law enforcement/fire dept/ford dealer were called to handle the situation. Luckily for my daughter -no fire. The law enforcement took a picture of the fuel tank while it was still partially intact with gas flowing from the fuel tank, the fire dept. Was able to contain some of the 24 gallons of gas and then clean up. The local ford dealership towed the 1997 f-150 to the dealership where the new fuel tank, straps and sensor were replaced. My insurance would not cover any loss on this issue. My total out of pocket expense for this -new tank, straps, labor, sensor, and towing charge-$523.27- gas replacement of 24 gallons-$68.40- total = $591.67- the ford dealer kept the old parts.
Awoke to the entire house filled with gas fumes. Found that my gas tank straps on my 1997 ford f150 had rusted and caused gas tank to rust through and gas leaked all over floor in garage. My vehicle has a skid plate(off-road 4x4), otherwise the fuel tank would have fallen to the ground.
F150 pick up truck gas tank straps are in bad need of repair. Ford dealer in my area told me they need replaced, are rusted very bad. Don't feel these straps should be in that bad of order.
1997 ford f150 long bed 2wd, rear gas tank strap has broken on 09/26/2010. I came out from a restaurant to see something hanging under my truck and the strap has rusted in half! I was able to get some wire from a farm store to get me back on the road for now.
Ford f150 fuel tank strap rusted and fell off. Only one strap remained holding the fuel tank on the truck. Also caused a fuel leak due to movement of the tank.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that the fuel tank fell off the vehicle while traveling 55 MPH on the highway. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop where the contact was informed that the fuel tank strap failed, causing the tank to detach. The vehicle was repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 190,000. Updated 03/22/11*lj updated 05/09/11
Rear fuel tank strap rusted through and finally broke, 1997 f150 xl reg. Cab 2wd, 96l tank. Lucky I just happened to be looking under the truck and noticed this issue. Had both straps replaced at a cost of $118.63 cdn. Part # st130.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f150. The contact was driving 30 MPH when the fuel tank straps fractured from the vehicle due to rust. The failure caused the fuel tank to separate from under the vehicle exhibiting an abnormally loud noise. The contact moved the vehicle from the roadway and noticed the fuel straps hanging from under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic shop where the fuel straps were welded, which lasted approximately one year before the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted stating that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000 and the current mileage was 187,000. Updated03/02/11 *bf updated 03/07/11
Gas tank assembly -rusted straps.
Fuel tank strap rotted out tank hanging down,,fixed one strap now gas tank is leaking (tank rotted also smell of gas in truck cab!!! Fuel leakage from tank if over half full,told d.m.v ,told me not to drive it ,till repair made.
On sept 13, 2010 at 6:00 pm I and my wife were in my 1997 f-150 just leaving town when the gas tank dropped to the pavement. At first I did not know what it was. I thought the muffler was dragging or something which surprised me because it is in excellent shape. I pulled the truck off to the side and when I looked under the vehicle I could see the front part of the tank on the ground and a hole had been worn in it and about 12 gallons of gas leaked out. We were thankful a spark did not ignite it all. I called a tow truck and it was towed back to town. The tank could not be repaired (which was in good shape) and $591 later it is back on the road. *tr updated 08/01/11 *bf the consumer stated the strap broke in the middle and the rest of the strap was in fair condition. Updated 08/02/11
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact was refueling the vehicle as she noticed gasoline leaking from the top of the fuel tank. The vehicle was not taken for diagnosis of the failure nor was it repaired. The failure and current mileage was 145,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f150. The contact was driving 2 MPH and hauling a trailer when the vehicle became hesitant to accelerate. The contact soon discovered that the fuel tank was hanging from under the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 75,000.
Please add my name to the many complaints about breaking fuel tank straps. The tank did not fall off. I wired it back up for now until the other strap breaks off.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact was driving in reverse into a parking space and the fuel tank fell off of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop and repaired. The contact wanted to file a complaint because this failure occurred just minutes after being on the highway while traveling 65 MPH. The contact stated this could have been a more dangerous failure. The failure mileage was 160000 and the current was 161000.
The fuel tank straps broke on my 1997 ford f-150. I heard the noise and quickly pulled into a service station. They fixed my problem. I am lucky it didnt fall off in the road and ignite.
This information is for a 1997 ford f150 xlt truck. In late april/may last year I noticed one of my fuel tank straps had rusted and the tank was hanging down. I went to the local ford dealer and purchased 2 straps to replace both of the tank straps thinking if the one rusted out I might as well change both straps. I was able to change both straps myself so I thought I was good. I did not over tighten the bolts because the bolt meets the frame of the truck before you can over tighten the bolt. However, a couple of hours later I noticed my tank was leaking in the area where the bottom of the fuel tank is shaped to accept the strap. I removed the strap it appeared that the rusting process had weaken the bottom of the fuel tank in the area of the strap. I had to order a new fuel tank from an online supplier to save money(parts train) and went back to the ford dealer and they agreed for a fee to install the new aftermarket fuel tank. I did have additional costs to replace a fuel taken sensor assembly because that was rusted and would not be reusable with the new fuel tank. My total out of pocket expenses were approximately $350.00.
I saw the notice on the f-150's. I just called ford last week re: this same thing. They told me due to age and miles on vehicle they could do nothing. It became loose and hanging while pouring gas all over the expressway on sept 3rd. I was very dissatisfied with their response, as I don't feel this should be an issue anyone needs to worry about. My case number with them is [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Fuel tank strap replacement lead to discovery of broken fuel tank at feed tube. Rare occurrence according to auto shop and dealer said nothing can be done since vehicle no longer under warranty. Vehicle is 97' ford f-150.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1997 Ford F-150?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history