Ford is recalling more than 1 million trucks because the straps that secure the fuel tanks may corrode, allowing the tanks to leak or separate from the truck body.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall today on its Web site and said the defect has led to three fires and one injury.
The recalls affect trucks licensed in 21 U.S. states, and the District of Columbia, where de-icing chemicals used on roads in cold weather may cause corrosion of the metal straps. The recall follows an investigation opened by the agency last year.
Affected models are:
FORD / F-150 | | 1997-2004
|
FORD / F-250 | | 1997-1999
|
LINCOLN / BLACKWOOD | | 2002-2003 |
The recall applies to vehicles sold or currently registered in these states: 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.
Ford said the recall covers 1.1 million pickup trucks, including F-150s from model years 1997 to 2004; F-250s from model years 1997 to 1999; and Lincoln Blackwoods from model years 2002 to 2003.
The company said it will notify owners of affected vehicles in mid-September and make repairs at no cost.
Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 about Recall No. 11S21.
Ford is recalling more than 1 million trucks because the straps that secure the fuel tanks may corrode, allowing the tanks to leak or separate from the tru...