Ford Motor Company Recalls 3 Vehicle Models for Potentially Dangerous Defect
The Ford Motor Company has had to recall over 1 million of its F-150’s, F-250’s and Lincoln Blackwood vehicles because of a defect in the metal straps that secure the fuel tanks to the cars. The company stated it is possible for the straps to be corroded causing the fuel tanks to fall off of the vehicle. This defect could ultimately lead to a fire if the fuel tank does fall off. So far the defect has resulted in three different fires and one injury according to a company spokesman.
The company stated the vehicles affected were model years ranging from 1997 to 2004 for the F-150 models, 1997 to 1999 for the F-250 models and 2002 to 2003 for the Lincoln Blackwood vehicles. They will begin sending out notices to vehicle owners in mid-September and repairs will be done at no cost to the owner.
The company said the vehicles that were affected were primarily vehicles that had higher mileages on them. Wear and tear is often a factor in many product failures because certain products are manufactured to last a specific amount of time. Last year an investigation determined that chemicals used to remove ice on roadways could be potentially corrosive to the metal straps that hold the fuel tanks to the vehicles. If that factor is taken into account along with the potential for wear and tear in the vehicles, a potentially dangerous situation for drivers could easily occur.
Vehicle recalls often take time to complete because the companies must determine how many vehicles are affected and then they must find how many people own these vehicles. The quicker a vehicle manufacturer can initiate a recall and contact customers who purchased the affected vehicles, the better the chances are that an accident with serious injuries could be avoided. This will ensure the safety not only of the customers who have purchased the affected vehicles but also for the other drivers on the roadways. In this case, a fire could potentially injure the drivers of the affected vehicles and several others on the roads, especially if the fire spreads. Thus far only 3 fires and 1 injury have occurred. A speedy vehicle recall and user notification could prevent further injuries and accidents in the future.
I just had the straps on my 98 ford f 150 replaced in which 1 was already broke. They told me my tank was leaking,this would not be covered under warranty. Is this correct?