The Ford Motor Company is recalling 64,754 of its heavy duty 2008 F-250 and F-350 trucks because of a potential fire hazard.
Federal safety regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report that the trucks do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard imposed to maintain fuel system integrity and prevent fuel spills.
NHTSA warned on its Web site that single-rear-wheel versions of the trucks with 4-wheel drive and the 156-inch wheel base, equipped with a two-piece drive shaft contain a fuel tank system that can rupture or leak in a crash.
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, according to the NHTSA Web site.
The federal safety agency warned that fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Ford dealers will install a bracket in the trucks to remedy the safety problem when the recall gets under way in late May. The recall number is 080C04. Truck owners may contact Ford at 1-800392-3673 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).