Ford Recalls F-150 Pickups Over Fuel Tank Fiasco

Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 220,000 F-150 pickup trucks because of a problem with their front fuel tank straps.

Ford recently told federal auto safety regulators the straps may not have been properly assembled. That could allow fuel tanks to jostle around and even detach from the trucks while they are on the road.

“An improperly secured fuel tank may cause fuel leaks, which could increase the risk of fire or engine stall from fuel loss,” Ford said in a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “A detached fuel tank also creates a road hazard to other vehicles.”

The recall covers F-150 trucks from the 2023 through 2027 model years, which were built between January 2023 and August 2026. Some trucks’ front fuel tank strap T-slots weren't properly inserted into the vehicle's frame rails during assembly, according to Ford. The company said it has received 16 warranty claims related to the problem, but no reports of accidents or injuries.

Ford plans to notify owners of recalled pickup trucks by the end of September. Owners can also check the NHTSA website to see if their trucks are included in the recall.

“Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have their fuel tank straps inspected and replaced if necessary,” the automaker said. “There will be no charge for this service.”

Ford Safety Risks Pile Up

Ford has issued more recalls than any other car manufacturer in several years running. The automaker announced more than 150 separate recalls last year alone.

The global auto manufacturer recently recalled some 600,000 Bronco sport utility vehicles, for example. Ford told NHTSA that engine wiring in the vehicles can short-circuit and spark fires.

Around the same time, Ford announced it was calling back roughly 388,000 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs. Ford said the cars’ third-row seats could unexpectedly tip or slide forward while in use, increasing the risk of injury in accidents.

Know Your California Lemon Law Rights

There is some good news for Ford drivers in California. The state’s lemon law forces auto manufacturers to perform certain repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also requires the companies to buy back cars that they cannot or will not fix.

The buyback requirement includes compensating the owner for any down payment, monthly loan payments, and the outstanding balance on any vehicle loan. The manufacturer is also responsible for towing, rental car, and other related expenses. 

Ford or another auto manufacturer can instead offer to replace the vehicle. However, the owner decides whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. 

No specific number of repair requests or attempts must occur before the buyback or replacement requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.