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1998 Ford F-150: gas smell in the cabin

7 of the 1,381 complaints about the 1998 Ford F-150 describe gas smell in the cabin.

owner complaints
7
of this car's complaints
1%
typical mileage
135,000
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

Gas smell in the cabin by model year

What owners say

Filed Feb 14, 2012 · Fuel system · 135,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford f-150. The contact noticed that there was a very strong fuel odor coming from the fuel tank. The contact also received the recall notice associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer was made aware of the fuel odor.the dealer stated that they would only repair the fuel tank straps and not the fuel tank because the fuel tank was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 135,000 and the current mileage was 136,000.

Filed Oct 24, 2011 · Fuel system · 120,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford f-150. The contact noticed an overpowering gasoline smell around the exterior of the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered fuel dripping from the fuel tank. The contact stated that approximately 1 gallon of fuel had spilled. The fuel tank strap was corroded and had caused the fuel tank to fracture. The vehicle was included in the recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that the fuel tank would not be covered under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 12/06/11*lj the consumer stated the tank and straps were replaced due to a rupture. Updated 12/14/11

Filed Oct 6, 2011 · Fuel system · 96,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford f-150. While parked, the contact noticed a fuel odor. After inspecting the vehicle the contact noticed that the rear fuel tank strap was corroded and caused a fracture in the fuel tank, causing fuel to leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician advised that the vehicle was included in the recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting) but the recall would only cover the fuel strap replacement and not the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000. Updated 10/27/11*lj updated 12/06/2011

Filed Jul 19, 2011 · Fuel system · 168,472 miles · OH

I filled my fuel tank up and notice a gasoline smell. During an inspection of the tank I found gas on the ground and the rear fuel tank strap rusted completely through and a hole in the tank where the strap would have been. This is not only a health hazard but a fire hazard as well.

Filed Feb 27, 2011 · Fuel system · 150,000 miles · OH

Noticed poor fuel economy and about a month later noticed the smell of gas but not constant, only after gas fill-up. Looked for issues but didn't see anything obvious when under the vehicle with a light. While parked in a garage, found a drip and noticed that it smelled as if it was gas. Looked the truck over again and found that the straps holding the gas tank in had rusted badly and caused the tank to rust and leak. Why is there not insulating rubber between the tank and the straps like other manufactures have which would prevent this dangerous event from happening? Purchasing new straps and a new gas tank to fix the problem.

Filed Dec 11, 2010 · Fuel system · 125,598 miles · MO

I own a 1998 ford f-150 4x4 and I am send this report after reading an article online that you were investigating the mounting strap's one the fuel tank. I wanted to report that I have had the same problem with mine. I was driving down the highway after filling up my truck when I started smelling gas fumes, I pulled over and upon inspection I found my fuel tank was almost on the ground the rear strap had broke due to rust. I had leaked raw fuel for about 6 miles and had lost about 1/4 of a tank. The tank falling resulted in the tank pulling away from the filling neck at the tank connection and stressed the fuel line connections. I have since fixed the problem at the cost of $45.61. I just wanted to report this problem. Thank you

Filed Nov 18, 2003 · Fuel system · WA

Upon starting vehicle driver noticed a gas smell coming through the vents. Consumer got out of vehicle to investigate the odor, and noticed fuel leaking from fuel rail. Consumer had vehicle towed to the dealership.

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mountingReported July 29, 2011 · 1,100,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford is recalling certain 1997 through 2003 model year ford f-150, 2004 model year ford f-150 heritage, 1997 through 1999 model year f-250 less than 8,500 lbs. Gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr), and 2002 and 2003 lincoln blackwood vehicles manufactured from june 20, 1995, through august 4, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. Prolonged exposure to road deicing chemicals may cause severe corrosion of the fuel tank straps which secure the tank to the vehicle.
Risk
As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may fail allowing the fuel lines to separate from the tank, or in some cases, causing the tank to contact the ground. Either scenario may result in a fuel leak presenting a fire hazard.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicles to a ford or lincoln dealer to have the fuel tank straps replaced with straps that have increased corrosion protection. Early in this campaign, if replacement straps are not available, dealers may install a cable support under the strap as an interim repair or a steel reinforcement over the existing strap as a permanent repair. Any repairs will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on september 16, 2011. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 11s21

Recall number 11V385000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported July 15, 1998 · 202,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. If the vehicle is overloaded, the rear leaf springs can be overstressed. A fatigue fracture of the spring can occur. The center leaf of the spring can fracture at the forward edge of the spring seat and, in some cases, contact the fuel tank.
Risk
Fuel tank contact can damage the tank and result in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear springs and install an additional clip on the forward end of the rear springs to prevent fuel tank contact in the event of a leaf fracture. Any fractured springs will be replaced.

Recall number 98V161000 · Recall details

Questions about the 1998 Ford F-150 fuel smell

Is gas smell in the cabin a common problem on the 1998 Ford F-150?

7 of 1,381 owner complaints about the 1998 Ford F-150 (1%) mention gas smell in the cabin. The model year with the most reports is 2002.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Ford F-150?

There are 2 recalls and 0 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1998 Ford F-150

Fire or smoke 73Ball joint 69Tire blowout 64Adaptive cruise 53Engine failure 39Fuel leak 28Knocking 26ABS 22Overheating 20No deployment 19Won't start 16Brake failure 15Sudden acceleration 15Stalling 14Wipers 14Grinding brakes 11Transmission failure 11Power steering loss 10Water leak 10Check engine light 8Headlights 8Loss of power 8Door locks 7Jerking 6Won't shift 6Airbag light 5Coil spring 5Misfire 5

All model years of the Ford F-150

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