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Ford F-250 fuel leak problems

53 of the 4,361 owner complaints about the Ford F-250 describe fuel leak, most of them for the 1990 model year.

owner complaints
53
worst model year
1990
typical mileage
127,586
Is there a fix? There are 12 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Mar 4, 2025 · Fuel system · TX

Truck started leaking fuel and then the engine shut down the next day it was drove, while driving! I’ve received 2 quotes and need the whole fuel system replaced due to CP4 pump failing which will cost about $13,000! This is the same issue as the 24S78 Ford recall but my truck doesn’t fall in the correct year! I still owe 10k on this vehicle so it’s basically totaled now.

Filed Aug 26, 2024 · Fuel system · 133,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the fuel strap failed and there was a hole in the fuel tank. The contact stated that there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 11V385000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 00V231000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

Filed Jan 1, 2020 · Fuel system · NV

Fuel leaked from heater wire in fuel filter. The fuel followed the wire up the copper core until it reached a crack in the insulation any time there was fuel pressure, ie engine running or even with boost pump pressure with engine off.

Filed Sep 21, 2017 · Fuel system · 125,000 miles · WA

Excess fuel from rear tank is returned to front tank causing fuel overfill and fuel leak.

Filed May 4, 2017 · 160,000 miles · GA · fire

Ejected spark plug rupturing the fuel rail catching the truck on fire, burning it to a crisp. Happened 4 times, (ejecting the plug) the first time the ford dealer repaired it. We were driving it down the road heard a bang than a hiss of the fuel leaking got the truck stopped and just got out in time. Full flames in less than 2 minutes.

Filed Sep 11, 2015 · Brakes · 180,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f 250. While driving approximately 5 MPH and making a left turn, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to decelerate without warning. The contact observed that there was fuel leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake line was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. Updated 11/23/15*lj

Filed Jul 15, 2015 · Fuel system · 45,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford f-250. While driving at 15 MPH, the clamp used to secure the high pressure fuel line leading to the fuel injector fractured causing a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fractured clamp was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed Dec 4, 2014 · Fuel system · 130,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 1994 ford f-250. The contact stated that there was a visible fuel leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Nov 1, 2013 · Fuel system · 156,000 miles · MO

Rear gas tank leaking gas.straps appear to have rubbed hole in tank.

Filed Jul 15, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 495 miles · MI

1995 ford f250. Consumer writes in regards to problems with leaking gas line, brakes, transmission and several other issues with vehicle. Consumer states unsatisfactory customer service from several dealerships. *smd the master cylinder, air pump, brake pads, serpentine belt, brake lines, alternator, cruise control sensor, battery, headlight control and upper switch were all replaced. Also, the starter solenoid switch was replaced, as well as the oil pan, that was rusted. The tires were replaced, due to cracking.

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: deliveryReported April 25, 2008 · 64,754 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford is recalling 64,754 my 2008 f-250 and f-350 single rear wheel, 4x4, 156 inch wheel base pick up trucks equipped with a two piece drive shaft for failing to conform to the fuel spillage requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity." during a 30 MPH frontal impact into a rigid barrier, the fuel tank can move forward and contact a frame cross member, potentially causing damage to the fuel delivery module which can result in fuel spillage.
Risk
Fuel spillage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a bracket on the affected vehicles free of charge. The recall began on may 23, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 08V191000 · 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

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported November 4, 1999 · 107,540 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with gasoline engines and 8 foot boxes, may not fully satisfy the requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity." in a 30 MPH frontal barrier crash test, a fuel tank vapor recovery valve separated internally. During the subsequent static rollover test, fuel spillage exceeded the specified rate.
Risk
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a stop plate assembly on the vehicle frame to prevent recovery valve contact with a frame crossmember during the impact sequence.

Recall number 99V311000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported August 12, 1999 · 245,300 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: gasoline and diesel engine pickup trucks equipped with 8 foot beds, do not fully satisfy the requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity." the fuel tank front strap isolator may not be properly positioned which could result in the strap cutting the tank during a 30 MPH front barrier test, resulting in fuel spillage.
Risk
During the subsequent static rollover test, fuel spillage exceeded the specified rate, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will reposition the front strap isolator.

Recall number 99V219000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mountingReported April 27, 1999 · 102,700 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with 6" beds manufactured from january 5, 1998 through june 4, 1999, do not not fully satisfy the post crash test static rollover requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity." contact between the fuel tank and a fuel tank locator bracket during a front barrier impact test resulted in a cut in the tank, resulting in fuel leakage.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank locator bracket with a similar bracket whose design has been revised to incorporate more rounded surfaces where contact with the tank occurs.

Recall number 99V093002 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported April 27, 1999 · 293,650 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: gasoline and diesel engine pickup trucks equipped with 6" and 8" beds manufactured from january 5, 1998 through march 21, 1999, do not not fully satisfy the post crash test static rollover requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity." six attachment bolts (m12 bolts) may have been damaged during the 30 MPH front barrier test allowing the bolts to shift or become detached, resulting in fuel spillage.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will augment the box-to-chassis attachment by installing box-to-chassis retaining cables.

Recall number 99V093001 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection systemReported August 19, 1998 · 1,700 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The fuel pressure regulator o-ring may have been damaged when the fuel pressure regulator was installed in the engine fuel rail. If the o-ring is damaged, fuel vapor or leakage could occur.
Risk
If an ignition source is present, a fire could result.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pressure regulator.

Recall number 98V194000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported February 23, 1994 · 89,770 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The steel fuel return tubes that connect the frame fuel return lines with the engine fuel rail can contact the pinch weld flange connecting the dash panel to the floor pan. Continued contact leads to abrasion of the steel fuel return tube and eventually results in a fuel leak.
Risk
Abrasion of the steel tube wall that eventually causes a fuel leak may result in a fire, if a source of ignition is present.
Remedy
Ford dealers will replace the fuel return tubes with flexible stainless steel braided/teflon tubes. Dealers will also inspect the fuel supply tubes.

Recall number 94V040000 · Recall details

Questions about the Ford F-250 fuel leak

Which Ford F-250 years have fuel leak problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1990 (11 complaints), 1997 (8 complaints) and 1993 (7 complaints).

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