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Ford F-150 fuel leak problems

389 of the 38,399 owner complaints about the Ford F-150 describe fuel leak, most of them for the 1997 model year.

owner complaints
389
worst model year
1997
typical repair cost reported
$1,000
typical mileage
129,400
Is there a fix? There are 14 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Fuel system · CO

Phil long ford motor city Colorado Springs worked on my truck July for injector 6 and other oil gaskets on [XXX] the fuel rail o rings fails on that side and leaks gas from Santa Fe New Mexico to Chalmers ford Rio rancho to seek diagnostic for fuel leak today is October 7 2026 and Phil long ford is denying responsibility and pretending not enough information the truck is fixed but not covered by the ford warranty INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Fuel system · 200,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions, while refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge fluctuated quickly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle needed to be refueled frequently because the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with fuel tank failure. The contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. While the vehicle was parked and turned off, fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Oct 9, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TN

After Ford performed a PCM (Powertrain Control Module) reprogramming recall on 16 July 2025, the vehicle began experiencing repeated engine misfires, loss of power, and engine warning lights. The condition progressively worsened, leading to a leaking fuel injector, an EGR valve that stuck open, and eventual internal engine damage requiring full engine replacement. These failures involve PCM-controlled systems (ignition timing, fuel injection, and exhaust gas recirculation) and occurred shortly after the recall calibration. The issue has been confirmed and documented by an authorized Ford dealer. The truck has become unsafe to drive due to stalling and shuddering at highway speeds, which could pose a risk of loss of vehicle control. Warning lamps and a wrench icon appeared intermittently before the engine shuttering and loss of power. The vehicle and all repair documentation are available for inspection upon request.

Filed Sep 29, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

Transmission Repairs, Molded Lead Frame Components Due to sudden downshift symptoms from sixth speed, gear to fist speed gear while drive higher speeds and low speeds. $1,421.00 Repairs completed 9/10/2025, at [XXX] , [XXX] , [XXX] . [XXX] , [XXX] , [XXX] , knowingly sold this said vehicle as Certified Pre-OWNED 8/27/2025. Now additional concerns, issues have been discovered with said vehicle Monday, September 22, 2025, AM, 1. Oil burning odor inside the passenger compartment. Vacuum Pump Gasket Failure, allowing oil to drip onto the exhaust manifold hot engine parts, components. Valve Cover Gasket Leaks. Safety consideration, due to symptoms, this vehicle is UNSAFE to operate, drive. Technical bulletins TSB’s were stated as issued from Ford Motor Company Engineering Service Operations, Ford Customer Service Division, Mr. [XXX] , Director, Ford Motor Company, [XXX] , [XXX] . Symptoms include Fuel Dilution PCV System TSB 15-00003, addresses fuel odor inside the passenger cabin on EcoBoost engines, this 3.5 L V6 (DOHC) Turbocharged Twin, PCV Valve Calibrations to reduce the fuel dilution in the engine oil. Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets and turbo seals especially when accelerating and stopping said vehicle. Creating the oil dripping onto hot engine parts, components, causing the strong burnt oil smell within inside the passenger compartment while driving said vehicle. Intercooler condensation, 2011-2012 EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine experiences intercooler condensation leading to above symptoms and causing stumbling while driving, operating said vehicle and misfiring, which also creates is accompanied by odors within passenger compartment. Safe Concern, vehicle can cause, catch fire due to oil, fuel leak, seapage into related component areas, while driving, operating. Your serious attention please and the costs asso INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Fuel system · MO

In December 2024 I had a massive fuel leak in my system. I drove into my driveway and my neighbor said they could smell gasoline. I look and fuel was leaking onto the ground. If there was a spark It would have explodes into flames. I took it to my dealer and the diagnostic was a squirrel has chewed a hole in the fuel line because it is coated or made from a soy-based product, and it drawls rodents by its sweet smell and taste. I have spent over $3000 to replace the line because they didn't get it corrected the first time and had to replace the whole system again. I am eliminating the squirrel problem to prevent this happening again but it's not a guarantee and this fuel line material should not be make with a soy-based product.

Filed Apr 22, 2025 · Fuel system, Transmission · IL

Driving at highway speeds and my truck began to shake violently and very loud banging sound. Slowed down to pull over on the highway. Found driveshaft broken in half with gas dumping out of the fuel tank. Broken driveshaft damaged heat shield for gas tank, punctured gas tank and dented/broke clips on exhaust. Very lucky back driveshaft didn’t hit pot hole and leaking gas didn’t start a fire. Stranded on side of road for hours. Sent my vin to the dealership and they said my was not under the recall #21S56 even tho it was built after known driveshaft issue and clearly the insulator caused the issue.

Filed Mar 25, 2025 · Fuel system · 42,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the contact noticed a fuel leaking sound. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was confirmed to be a fuel leak. The contact was informed that the failure was due to rodents. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred twice, and this was the third time the rodents had chewed through a fuel line. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Filed Dec 9, 2023 · Fuel system · VA

Noticed significant gasoline leak under fuel tank when the engine was running. From the ground, looked up and saw that fuel was leaking from a black fuel hose originating at the top of fuel tank and directed going toward the engine. The fuel hose had dropped below the top of the truck frame and chaffed against a frame mounting point wearing a hole in the hose. Suspect the hose was manufactured to long allowing the droop, or was installed incorrectly (not clamped to prevent droop), or the hose installation was just defective as the hose is to long and a clamp was not part of the vehicle design. My truck has about 23,500 miles and has only been operated on paved roads and used for either commuting or carrying light household loads.

Filed Nov 28, 2023 · Engine · NJ

Exhaust manifold bolt broken and now hear a whistling noise at idle. My concern is CO gas leak. Problem happened last year but took until last month to determine the cause of the noise

Filed Jun 13, 2023 · Fuel system · SC

My 2017 Ford F150 truck developed a fuel leak in the line between the gas tank and the engine. The leak is located at a disconnect fitting where the steel tubing from the tank transitions to nylon tubing. This presents a fire risk. The vehicle did not provide any warning messages. I discovered the leak after smelling fuel when parked after driving.

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mountingReported September 9, 2026 · 223,472 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2027 F-150 vehicles. The fuel tank may be improperly secured and leak fuel, or detach from the vehicle while driving.
Risk
A detached tank can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a fuel leak can cause an engine stall or increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank straps, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S69. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning September 14, 2026.

Recall number 26V578000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported July 7, 2025 · 850,318 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Recall number 25V455000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storageReported June 10, 2022 · 1 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling one 2021 F-150 vehicle. A single vehicle may have been assembled without a fuel tank front attachment resulting in an unsecured fuel tank attachment strap.
Risk
An improperly attached fuel tank increases the risk of a fuel leak and potential for fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair (if necessary) the fuel tank strap bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S42.

Recall number 22V414000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported June 12, 2018 · 5,645 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition, F-150, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI V6 engines. These vehicles have high pressure fuel pump assemblies with welds that can fracture, which may cause an oil or fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and associated components, free of charge. The recall began July 17, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S17.

Recall number 18V392000 · Recall details

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 June 28, 2007 · 203 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks built with 26 gallon fuel tanks, the fuel tank may have a depression at the seam between the top and bottom halves of the tank (not visible from outside the fuel tank). If a depression is large enough, fuel may permeate the fuel tank wall resulting in a fuel odor, or a "service engine soon" indicator light.
Risk
If left uncorrected, a fuel leak could eventually develop. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank free of charge. The recall began on june 25, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332.

Recall number 07V278000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mountingReported September 13, 2004 · 1,689 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks equipped with 4.2l, 4.6l and 5.4l gasoline engines, the fuel tank may have a depression at the seam between the top and bottom halves of the tank. If a depression is large enough, fuel may permeate the fuel tank wall resulting in a fuel odor, illumination, of the "service engine soon" indicator light, or a fuel leak.
Risk
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank. The recall began september 17, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 04V443000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported April 26, 2004 · 371 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain pickup trucks may have a fuel tank with localized depressions in the fuel tank wall at the seam between top and bottom halves of the tank. If a depression is large enough, fuel may permeate the fuel tank wall resulting in a fuel odor, or the "service engine soon" indicator light in the instrument cluster may illuminate.
Risk
If left uncorrected, a fuel leak could eventually develop.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank on these vehicles. Owner notification began on may 6, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1‑800‑248‑0186.

Recall number 04V200000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported December 29, 2000 · 275,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty trucks and cab chassis equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks. The carbon steel fuel pressure regulator in the fuel system can wear out during the life of the vehicle. If the fuel pressure regulator malfunctions, it can cause high fuel system pressure, which damages the fuel pump check valve. This allows fuel to be transferred from one tank to the other, possibly overfilling the non-operating tank, resulting in fuel overflow past the filler cap.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will have a stainless steel fuel pressure regulator installed. Owner notification began july 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332. (see previous the federal safety agency recall 93v‑125/ford recall 93s68).

Recall number 00V424000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported August 17, 2000 · 670,509 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks manufactured at the kansas city or norfolk assembly plants. The front fuel line assembly could have a hole rubbed through in one of two locations. The first location is below the fuel rail connection where the flexible hose is crimped to the steel tube. The bracket that attaches the front fuel line to the transmission could have been bent during assembly. The second location is at the rear steel tube section forward of the rear bracket. During installation the rear steel tubes of the front fuel line assembly could have been bent downward. In vehicles equipped with a manual 4xz4 transfer case shifter, the shifter linkage may contact the steel tubes as it is being shifted between 4h, 4l, 2l and neutral.
Risk
This condition could result in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these lines and replace the front fuel line assembly if necessary. Owner notification began october 27, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 00V231000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford F-150 fuel leak

Which Ford F-150 years have fuel leak problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1997 (51 complaints), 1993 (48 complaints) and 1992 (34 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix fuel leak on the Ford F-150?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 20 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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