Ford Recalls 223,000 Trucks Due to Possible Leaking or Detaching Fuel Tanks

The Ford Motor Company has issued a recall of 223,472 trucks because of fuel tanks possibly either leaking or detaching, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of an accident.

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report posted on Sept. 14 indicated that the recall involves certain 2023 to 2027 F-150 models in which the fuel tank may be improperly secured. As a result, the leaking or detachment could occur while the vehicle is driving.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mailed letters, which are expected to be sent on Sept. 21. In the meantime, they may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, using the recall number 26S69. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall are now searchable on the NHTSA.gov website.

Local dealerships will inspect and replace the fuel tank straps as necessary, free of charge.

According to the report, Ford was aware of 16 warranty claims globally related to this condition as of Aug. 27. As of Sept. 1, the automaker said it was unaware of any accidents or injuries.

In its May 15 blog, online retailer Carparts.com explained the dangers of driving with a broken fuel tank strap, noting that it can sag, shift, or scrape the road.

“The longer it stays loose, the higher the chance of damage that turns a simple repair into a bigger one,” the report noted.

In addition, the blog said that even if the tank hasn’t dropped much, continuous movement can damage lines, hoses, and electrical connections. Even short-distance driving could cause damage.

Most vehicles have two straps, and if one suddenly fails, the other will do more than it was designed to do, increasing the risk of breaking as well.

Common signs of a broken or failing strap include a clunking or thumping noise from under the vehicle when accelerating, braking, or driving over bumps. Visual clues include seeing a low-hanging tank or strap, or rust on the straps or mounting points. A fuel odor in the vehicle is another indication.

The F-Series trucks, which include the F-150, have been the top-selling vehicles in the United States for more than 40 years, according to the Voice of America.

Earlier this month, Ford recalled 148,663 Mustang cars from 2024 to 2026 for a possible electrical system failure that could result in a loss of drive power and increase the risk of an accident.

This followed a July recall of 387,911 vehicles with possible malfunctioning second-row seats that could move suddenly, increasing the risk of injury to occupants during a crash. This recall involved certain 2020 to 2027 Aviator and 2020 to 2026 Explorer models.