Component; Fuel filter Component Available; Yes Safety; Fuel leak on engine ( Fire Risk ) Reproduced; No Inspected; No Warnings; Smell of fuel/Fuel on ground and water
Ford F-350 fuel smell problems
14 of the 2,894 owner complaints about the Ford F-350 describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2003 model year.
- owner complaints
- 14
- worst model year
- 2003
- typical mileage
- 31,000
Is there a fix? There are 10 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20121
- 20082
- 20061
- 20041
- 20033
- 20021
- 20001
- 19941
- 19932
- 19901
Often reported together
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-350. The contact stated that the exhaust manifold detached from the head of the engine and caused exhaust fumes to enter the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a ford dealer. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000. ...updated 10/19/17 *bf consumer stated my independent mechanic confirmed the drivers sine exhaust maniford had separated from the head because all of the studs & knots were rusted off. Updated 10/3/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford f-350. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact stated that exhaust fumes were emitting from the exhaust manifold in front of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that there were exhaust fumes in the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.
Cracked "y" pipe is leaking diesel exhaust fumes into cab of truck. This occurred previously when the truck was under warranty back in 2004 but now it is not under warranty nor is there a recall. I have brought this up to several dealers in the area but unless it is under warranty they won't cover the repair. However, I feel it is a major safety hazard which I feel should be addressed immediately, as diesel fumes are linked to cancer or could leak to an accident if someone is overcome by the fumes, which could lead to a death. Please look into this hazard and let me know if you have any questions, I would be happy to answer. I do know from talking to mechanics that this does occur often in these trucks.
Strong diesel fuel odor at idle in cab with windows closed. Strong diesel odor around front of truck. No visible leaks or damp areas. Fear fire hazard.
I have a 2002 ford f 350 with v10 engine. The manifold bolts keep rusting off and breaking. I only have about 11,000 miles on the truck now. Ford fixed the bolts on the right side on may 8, 2007 as I had purchased the extended warranty. They should have fixed both sides at the same time as this is an obvious problem. The truck only had 8500 miles on it then. They actually brought a rep in from ford on may 2, 2007 to photograph my truck during the repair at whited truck center in bangor, maine. *dt now the warranty has run out and I noticed the bolts on the left side of the engine are rusted off and completely gone. Obviously this is a big ongoing problem with the v10 engines as there are many complaints posted on the internet about it. This is a safety problem as there are exhaust fumes leaking into the vehicle from these failed bolts. The fumes fill the engine compartment and then are drawn into the vehicle buy the heating/air-conditioning system every time I slow down or get stuck in traffic. This is by no means a safe situation and there needs to be a recall to fix the problem for good. Ford is dodging the problem as the cost of the repair is prohibitive, but the cost of a life is much dearer. I have had to park the truck for months now as I cannot afford the fix or to die. Thirty six thousand dollar truck with 11000 miles on it sitting around like it is a piece of scrap metal. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 ford f350. Whenever the contact started the ignition there was a generation of excessive exhaust fumes. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician was unable to locate the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on thirteen separate occasions for the identical failures which there were no resolutions. The vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunction. The contact had concerns of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Vehicle is experiencing a problem with the exhaust fumes which seem to be getting into the cab of the pickup. Vehicle has been to the dealers on several occasions. Also, contacted the manufacturer. However, they did not help the owner with this problem. The exhaust fumes were coming through the air conditioner and heat vents. When driving, the exhaust fumes burned the driver's eyes, and gave owner a headache. *ak updated 12/27/2005 - the vehicle has also been having injector problems
Exhaust fumes were leaking into the cab of the vehicle. Consumer contacted the dealer, who didn't think that this problem was important, and will not service vehicle in a timely manor. Also, consumer asked for manufacturer's telephone number, but the dealer refused to cooperate.
While driving consumer heard a popping noise. Then, consumer smelled gas fumes, and vehicle lost power. Vehicle was taken to dealer, and dealer informed consumer that engine turbo-charger needed to be replaced.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
- 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 assembly: filler pipe and cap
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: f-super duty crew cab pickup trucks (f-350 short wheelbase trucks equipped with a 6 3/4' pickup box and dual rear wheels) were built after a change was implemented to delete a clamp, and later a bracket that provided a ground for the fuel filler pipe. The pickup box may not have been properly grounded.
- Risk
- Without proper grounding, an electrostatic discharge could result during fuel fill up, potentially leading to a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a fuel filler pipe ground. Owner notification began march 26, 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 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 01V106000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- 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: storage: tank assembly
- 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 assembly
- 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: mounting
- 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 assembly
- 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: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- 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
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- A malfunctioning check valve within the fuel pump assembly causes a portion of the unused fuel from one tank to be returned to the second tank. When this occurs, the capacity of the second tank can be exceeded, causing fuel spillage.
- Risk
- Spilled fuel can result in a fire when exposed to asource of ignition.
- Remedy
- Replacement of the fuel pressure regulator and installation of redundant check valves.
Recall number 93V125000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: auxillary tank: selector devices
- What is wrong
- Incorrectly installed fuel line connectors have fuel supply and return lines crossed.
- Risk
- Fuel could be transferred from one tank to the other,possibly resulting in fuel overflow and spillage, in presence of an ignitionsource, a fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Replace fuel line assembly.
Recall number 89V141000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford F-350 fuel smell
Which Ford F-350 years have gas smell in the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2003 (3 complaints), 1993 (2 complaints) and 2008 (2 complaints).
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