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2003 Ford F-150 fuel system complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 46, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Ford F-150 fuel system problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Nov 2, 2016 · Fuel system · 120,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-150. The contact stated that the fuel tank strap fractured and caused the fuel tank to separate from the vehicle. The fuel tank was punctured. The contact stated that there was evidence of a fuel leak underneath the vehicle. The contact was concerned that the punctured fuel tank was a fire hazard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Oct 17, 2016 · Fuel system · 111,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-150. While the vehicle was stationary, fuel leaked onto the ground. In addition, the straps that held up the fuel tank had excessive rust. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 111,000.

Filed Jul 19, 2016 · Fuel system · 100,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-150. The contact stated that the fuel tank failed. While driving 10 MPH, the vehicle emitted a popping noise. The contact was able to coast onto the shoulder, inspected the vehicle, and found that the fuel tank separated from the strap due to corrosion. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Mar 28, 2016 · Fuel system · 160,000 miles · NE

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the fuel tank strap fractured and the fuel tank drop to the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician confirmed that both fuel tank straps fractured due to corrosion and as a result, the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The technician made the contact aware that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Jun 27, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 222,050 miles · OH

While driving my truck with my wife & son, we heard a loud pop, like a gun shot, then my truck started to run real rough, I found a coil, & a spark plug had been blown out of the engine, because of the fuel build up & the spark from the truck still running we are lucky that the truck did not catch fire.

Filed Jan 14, 2015 · Body, Fuel system · 50,000 miles · VA

Gas tank straps corroded/broke causing the tank to drop and leak. Excessive rust at bottoms of all four doors.

Filed Nov 24, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 120,000 miles · NY

Another cracked passenger side manifold on regularly serviced vehicle. Ford motor company should issue recall or provide "goodwill" based on the number of failed components being reported by ford owners.

Filed Oct 28, 2014 · Body, Fuel system · 105,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-150. While inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the fuel tank straps were rusted and corroded. The dealer stated that the straps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Sep 8, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 160,000 miles · TX

My 2003, ford f-150 blew a spark plug for the fourth time yesterday. Each time a different plug. I was heading to church and "pop". We were just getting on the on ramp when it happen. Four time now and each time I have to pay to get it fixed. Right now I can't afford to fix it and it's sitting in my yard...

Filed Mar 19, 2014 · Fuel system · 113,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in a residential garage when it was noticed that there was a substantial gasoline fuel leak. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the fuel tank was replaced due to excessive corrosion near the passenger's side fuel tank straps. The manufacturer was notified of the problem and advised the contact that there were no recalls for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

Filed Feb 19, 2014 · Fuel system · 116,000 miles · VA

While traveling south bound on interstate 81 at christiansburg va. My gas tank fell off of the vehicle due to defective straps rusting into and letting it fall causing gasoline to leak on roadway and almost causing a fire. The gas tank struck the roadway and the grinding caused the tank to leak and the spillage. I had to have the vehicle towed to a local repair shop and have purchased a used gas tank and ordered new straps. I have written ford an e mail, asking them to help with this problem.

Filed Sep 12, 2013 · Fuel system · 200,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-150. The contact stated while having routine maintenance performed by an independent mechanic he was informed that the gasoline tank was leaking. The dealer notified the contact of the federal safety agency recall campaign number: 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was taken to a dealer for repair but was informed that they would only repair the vehicle if the gasoline tank was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 200,000.

Filed Dec 10, 2012 · Fuel system · 183,043 miles · NY

Used 2003 ford f150 I ordered a $100. Ny inspection, the service advisor informed me that this truck had a problem, the fuel tank straps recall his records showed on paper that it was done, but upon a physical inspection it was not done, only some make shift wires to hold up the gas tank the service advisor gave the wires to me to show you he contacted the ford dealer in massachusetts they said it was not their responsibility since they had closed the case my service advisor then informed me that he would call 'ford special assistance he said they denied the assistance after the call he informed that it would be my responsibility to pay for new straps and the installation labor and taxes. It is my understanding that the vehicle manufacture is responsible to care for this problem and through their dealers. Especially gas tank straps!! And also it seems logical that the recall is to the vehicle, not the customer. In this case their records are saying that it was done and then finding that it is not. The service advisor made his attempts to get it done through ford, but could not. This is most reprehensible, and crooked on someone part, the other dealer and now ford. The other dealer did get paid for something they did not do, and now ford will not take care of this. The advisor gave me the customer service # to 'fomoco. The fomoco agent then told me that, it was between the dealerships and he assured me that they would handle the matter. When I called back the service manager he said my hands are tied, the other dealer would not reopen the case and ford special assistance would not back any thing up. If I wanted to pass the emission and safety inspection and register my truck I would have to pay the bill I have been given the run-around thank you

Filed Jun 14, 2012 · Fuel system · 189,000 miles · VA · fire

My 2003 f150 had the straps holding the gas tank snapped while traveling down the interstate at 65 MPH, I could see flames on the road from the fuel leaking when the tank hit the highway. Once I stopped the truck, I found the gas tank had fallen off and was dragging the ground leaking fuel everywhere, I had 20 gallons of fuel leak out so I had to call the bristol, va fire dept. To come clean up the fuel spill, there was no damage to the truck other than the fuel tank and the straps that I know of needing to be replaced. The local ford dealer tells me that ford has a recall on this in areas of the country, but not in virginia. The ford recall says it is only in areas that use road sale (high corrosion) areas such as kentucky and west virginia, I live in virginia near the kentucky boarder ( within 20 miles) I feel the recall needs to be expanded to virginia the ford dealer told me they have seen other issues like this in their shop. This recall needs to be expanded quickly I was blessed that the sparks from the tank dragging the ground did not result in an explosion and fire that could have LED to serious injury or possibly my death or even someone else being injured this is a huge issue that needs to be addressed.

Filed Feb 28, 2012 · Fuel system · 57,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting). The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the contact was advised that the fuel tank was also corroded, but that failure was not addressed in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.

Filed Nov 3, 2011 · Fuel system · 130,000 miles · MA

My 2003 ford f-150 was subject to recall to replace the gas tank mounting straps which are known to corrode and fail. The fuel tank on the truck had significant rust under one of the straps, resulting in a leak in the area under the strap. When I brought the truck in for the recall work I notified the service department that the tank was leaking under the strap. I was told as long as the tank was leaking as a result of the strap failure and not leaking at a seam or elsewhere on the tank, ford would replace the tank. I was later notified that ford denied the tank replacement due to the fact that it was already leaking. I was told that if the result occurred as a result of the repair then ford would replace the tank at no cost to me but since it was already leaking, they wouldn't take responsibility for the tank repair, only the replacement of the straps. As a result, I replaced the tank at my own expense. The fuel tank that was removed from this truck was in very good condition with the exception of the rust under the fuel tank strap. There was no leakage at any of the seams or anywhere else on the tank. The failure of the tank, in my opinion, is a direct result of the corrosion of the straps. Ford has acknowledged this as a problem but will only repair tanks (at their expense) that begin leaking during the course of the repair. I feel that this is a severe safety issue that ford is aware of and therefore the current recall for fuel tank straps should immediately be expanded to include the inspection of tanks and the free replacement of any tank showing corrosion in the vicinity of the failed straps.

Filed Nov 1, 2011 · Fuel system · PA

Sept 2011 - receive recall notice advising fuel straps rust prematurely. 31 oct 2011 - discover gas tank leak. Take truck to dealer (1) day early for work. Take pictures, fuel tank appears to be in good shape. Leak is directly under rusted tank strap. Contact with strap appears to have rusted through tank. 01 nov. 2011 - call with dealer. Dealer did not advise of leak. I had to request confirmation. Service tech checked with mechanic who advises that replacing strap will probably make leak worse. Dealer would have replaced straps and returned truck to consumer with leaking gas tank and not advised? Dealer advises ford will not replace tank. 01 nov. 2010 - call to ford customer relationship center. 1‑800‑392‑3673. Confirmed ford will not replace tank. Approx. Cost $400.

Filed Aug 3, 2011 · Fuel system · 95,751 miles · PA

Driving approx 25 MPH on a side street when a thud was heard. Stopped vehicle to find gas tank on ground and gas straps broken. Gas tank was punctured by falling on the road. Two tank straps were found to be rusted through. Ford f150 xl truck from 2003. *tr

Filed Jul 31, 2011 · Fuel system · 114,195 miles · OH

I looked under my 2003 ford f150 and saw something hanging down. It turns out that one of my gas tank straps broke. I see by looking on the internet that this is a common problem . I have ordered a new set from advanced auto parts and I should have them on tomorrow.

Filed Jul 30, 2011 · Fuel system · 172,000 miles · OH

Ford f150 gas tank straps failed causing full tank of gas to fall from under truck while driving down highway.

Filed Jun 20, 2011 · Fuel system · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford f150. While the vehicle was parked with a half tank of gasoline in it when the fuel tank suddenly detached from the vehicle. The dealer was notified. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 98,807. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. Updated 08/31/2011

Filed May 23, 2011 · Fuel system · 141,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford f-150. The contact was driving approximately 40 MPH when the fuel tank detached from the vehicle and the contact drove over the tank. The contact discovered that one of the straps had fractured and was completely rusted. Approximately one fourth a tank of fuel spilled onto the highway. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and they advised him that he needed to replace the tank and straps. In addition, the vehicle would need body repairs from the contact driving over the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 141,000.

Filed May 16, 2011 · Fuel system · 112,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford f-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH she began to hear the vehicle dragging an object under it. The vehicle was pulled over and the contact noticed the fuel tank was partially detached from the vehicle. The contact stated one of the straps which held the fuel tank in place was fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the failure had not been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were 112,000.

Filed May 11, 2011 · Body, Fuel system · 162,000 miles · IL

Gas tank strap on 2003 f-150 xlt 4x4 broke due to excessive rust causing the tank to fall and rattle on skid plate. Bought new straps from local auto supply and replaced both of them since the second strap was close to breaking also.

Filed May 10, 2011 · Fuel system · 34,000 miles · PA

Fuel tank strap rusted through and failed.

Filed May 10, 2011 · Fuel system · 96,404 miles · SC

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford f-150. The contact stated that the fuel tank started leaking fuel while he was driving approximately 55 MPH. The contact noticed the straps were rusted and caused a hole to open in the fuel tank. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be repaired. The failure mileage was 96,404.

Filed May 9, 2011 · Fuel system · NY

I saw on the news that you are investigating rusted out fuel tank straps on the ford f 150 pickup truck, model years 1997 - 2001. I want to tell you that the rear strap failed on my 2003 f 150 last year. I paid to have the straps replaced. The new straps were ford parts and were stainless steel, unlike the originals.

Filed Jan 26, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 41,050 miles · CA

Left dealership after lo-jack installation. Entered traffic lane and began lightly braking for approaching signal. I felt two forward surges and then increasingly rapid acceleration. I checked rear view mirror and then pressed on brakes with the sound of the racing turbo charged engine filling the cab. I then moved the gear out of drive and in my haste saw I had it between reverse and park. I brought it back to neutral and then the sound subsided. The entire acceleration incident lasted less than 10 seconds. The truck was immediately returned to dealership and then reported incident to the manufacturer.

Filed Aug 5, 2010 · Electrical, Fuel system · 143,688 miles · VA

Coming home to va from ohio we were going through the mountains and had to keep flooring the truck. The spark plugs acted like they were fouling and the truck sputtered home. We came home and our mechanic said we blew out or ejected two spark plugs on our triton 4.6l 2003 pick up truck. He said it would have to be repaired by ford and it would probably cost about $900. We found out this is a recurring problem on the new non-plug wires trucks using a series of coil, over plug coil connectors specifically on the triton ford truck motors. Why hasn't the federal safety agency contacted ford. We smelled gas the whole way home; about 500 miles after it happened. If the gas fumes ignited it would have burned my truck up but could have hurt my wife and three grandchildren riding with us. [xxx] I bought the mechanic eight sparkplugs *$6.99 each, then eight coiled/sleeves $52 each and a new coil unit $163, he is having a company heliarc-coils to repair the sparkplug seats. This is a very poor design, and had I known this when we bought the truck, we wouldn't have. I sent ford motor a customer service complaint as well. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 3, 2010 · Fuel system · 100,222 miles · OH

Fuel tank fell off vehicle as a result of rusted mounting is a one owner well maintained ford f150 purchased new in 2003 and mileage is only 100,222. New straps were located and installed 6/29/2010 and old straps were labeled and kept.

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