Dearborn, Mich. – Jan. 30, 2017 – Ford has announced that it will recall two different types of light trucks due to a fuel systems leak that could result in a fire of not addressed.
The Defect
Ford will recall model year 2017 F-250 and F-350 trucks manufactured between Aug. 10, 2016 and Sept. 17, 2016, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some of these vehicles appear to have been built without a necessary frame reinforcement bracket attached to the front fuel tank strap. Without this component, regular wear and tear to the vehicle will eventually cause the fuel tank strap to separate from the frame, which could cause the tank itself to move and possibly hit the ground. Any resulting damage could lead to a fuel leak and possibly a fire.
Timeline of Events
- September 2016: A frame supplier notified Ford that a pickup frame had been manufactured without the necessary fuel tank strap reinforcement. Further inspection revealed that out of about 4,000 uninstalled frames, 58 were improperly built. At the time, it was not yet clear if any defective frames had been installed on vehicles and sold.
- October 2016: Further analysis allowed Ford to pinpoint the dates on which the defective frames were built. The manufacturer confirmed that some had indeed made it onto vehicles that were shipped.
- December 2016: Ford’s Field Review Committee approved a recall.
Resolution
Ford will notify affected owners by mail and will advise them to bring their vehicles to the nearest Ford or Lincoln dealers for inspection. If the trucks lack reinforcements brackets, replacements will be installed, free of charge.
