Ford Recalls F-150, F-250, and Lincoln Pickup Trucks for Fire Hazard

Corrosion from road salt can weaken gas tank straps on some Ford F-150, F-250, and Lincoln pickup trucks, prompting Ford Motor Company to recall more than 1 million of the popular vehicles. According to the automaker, the corrosion problems can cause a pickup truck’s gas tank to drop and leak, possibly resulting in a fire.

As we reported previously, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating this issue  last year and  stepped up its probe in May.

Ford is aware of at least three vehicle fires and one injury resulting from this problem.  The recall affects 1.22 million pickups sold in 21 sates and Washington D.C., all located in regions with colder climates where road salt is used frequently.    According to the recall notice, vehicles involved include:

•    1997 to 2003 Ford F-150;
•    2004 F-150 Heritage;
•    1997 to 1999 F-250;
•    2002 to 2003 Lincoln Blackwood.

Ford says it plans to notify affected pickup truck owners of the recall in mid-September and will repair the vehicles for free.

The affected vehicles were sold or 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 Washington, D.C.

According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, this action follows an April recall of more than 1 million F-150 pick-ups for defective airbags.  In that case, the truck’s front-seat airbags could inflate without the vehicle being involved in a crash.

Owners with questions about these recalls may contact Ford at 866-436-7332.