Gas tank strap rusting out recall for F-150: Ranger too?

[nadsab]

Hi,

I heard yesterday that Ford is recalling F-150's because of gas tank straps rusting out and tanks falling off.

We had the exact same problem with our Ranger and I had to replace our straps last year,

I was wondering if anyone had similar problem and does Ford plan on recalling rangers as well for this same problem?

maybe I can get re imbursed for our straps...

 

[Toms01PSD]

Honestly, i'm not understanding why it's Ford's fault that steel straps rusted out over a period of 10+ years. It can happen on many other vehicles as well. I found an article that best sums it up...
http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-detroit/nhtsa-investigating-ford-f150-fuel-tank-straps-recall-coming

I understand that the NHTSA has to check up on things like this, thanks to Toyota’s refusal to acknowledge problems that cost some of their consumers their lives. However, we are talking about trucks that are generally driven year-round and metal gas tank straps are going to rust over time. When working as a mechanic, I lost track of how frequently we replaced tank straps on all sorts of vehicles (both imports and domestics) and within the last year, I replaced the straps on one of my Dodge Rams.

When you drive a car or truck through the winter and are bombarding the undercarriage with road salt, metal components are going to rust. If the NHTSA requires Ford to recall these F150s due to rust on the fuel tank straps, it opens a massive can of worms as all sorts of items are going to rust as the vehicles grow older. This isn’t an issue isolated just to Ford, so will the NHTSA require other companies to replace the tank straps on vehicles that are as old as the trucks being investigated?

Rust happens.

 

[nadsab]

I guess a logical question to pose then, is, are gas tankstraps rusting out after ten years a common problem among all auto manufacturers.? Or is this problem mainly with fords?

If all cars and trucks have this problem then I don't think Ford should be responsible but if this is mainly a ford problem, then they should pay for it. Because if other car makers can figure out how to prevent gas tanks from falling out and only ford can not, then this is something that Ford needs to be responsible for.

 

[Toms01PSD]

I guess a logical question to pose then, is, are gas tankstraps rusting out after ten years a common problem among all auto manufacturers.? Or is this problem mainly with fords?

If all cars and trucks have this problem then I don't think Ford should be responsible but if this is mainly a ford problem, then they should pay for it. Because if other car makers can figure out how to prevent gas tanks from falling out and only ford can not, then this is something that Ford needs to be responsible for.

Did you read what I quoted from the article? About how the guy replaced the gas tank straps on many import and domestic vehicles?

It's also going to be a geographical issue. Vehicles up there rust a hell of a lot faster than down here.

 

[nadsab]

Yes.

You may be right, I would have to see all the stats and data as to how many gas tank straps on ford trucks fail compared to other trucks and cars before I form an opinion.

One thing I am curious about though - did the feds - NHTSA compare ford gas tank strap failure to other vehicles before starting the recall or investigation? Or is that what they are doing now?

 

[bilzy7]

Seriously? And when your frame snaps in half are you gonna blame ford or yourself for not sanding it Down and putting a rubberized coating to stop or slow the rust.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yes.

You may be right, I would have to see all the stats and data as to how many gas tank straps on ford trucks fail compared to other trucks and cars before I form an opinion.

One thing I am curious about though - did the feds - NHTSA compare ford gas tank strap failure to other vehicles before starting the recall or investigation? Or is that what they are doing now?

Just like the Windstar fiasco I am thinking the only vehicles involved are the ones that are 5 years late for the crusher. Rusted all over, extremly high milage, running like crap with no intentions to fix... and running around with a shiny new rear axle.

IMO they would be better off to put a bullet in the nag and haul it off.

My brother has a '97 F-150 and I have an '02 F-150, 0 problems with fuel tank straps.

 

[straycat]

No recalls listed for Ranger, Bro.....only the F-150 series. The Ranger has not had a recall on anything for awhile.

 

[doorgunner]

Yep......the gas tank straps on my Dodge that I sold in 1995 had a good surface layer of rust on them, but they didn't need changing--just wirebrushing & a coat of paint.....

but....then again...the straps were OEM.......and it was a 1941 dodge truck...



maybe that year model used GOOD metal to produce the straps....

 

[Mac]

I think rusted out spring hangers is a more common problem from what I've seen here, even with some 2000's. I sue could see a broken hanger as a safety concern.
Dave

 

[bilzy7]

Ya I'm gonna be replacing my brothers as the expo is bouncing spring on frame at moment.

 

[stegomon]

i had mine sitting on my skid plate for 2 years

 

[Mark_88]

IMO they would be better off to put a bullet in the nag and haul it off.

good thing you're not setting the policies...lol


My first gas tank rotted out but the straps on the new tank are the originals...I think there was some serious corner cutting going on to try to reduce costs...or maybe just a bad whack of steel...I've seen that happen enough...wasn't coated properly or the guy testing the batch fell asleep...

 

[adsm08]

maybe I can get re imbursed for our straps...

Or you can stop whining about it and wash your got dang truck once a week during the winter like all car care experts say you should.


This is bigger load of BS than the Windstar recalls and the Continental tire recall.

The newest tire recall amount to "we have determined that if the tire is operated outside manufacturer recommended conditions (load, temp, inflation level, etc) it may fail, so we are recalling them".

 

[lindiA]

Ford vehicle safety

Did you guys read the news already? I've read in the papers that Ford Motor Business is set to recall 1.1 million pickup trucks. The recall will include the F150, which is the automaker's preferred model in the U.S. The automaker cites corrosion of fuel tank straps for the recall. There is a chance of fire should the tank drop from the vehicle. Here is the proof: Ford recalls 1.1 million pickups for fuel tank issues

I think that it's always best to prioritize car safety. Don't you think so?