Recall 98V-161
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recalled the 1997 to 1998 Ford F-150: Fuel system, gasoline (storage, tank assembly); Suspension (rear, springs, leaf spring assembly).
At a glance
- Campaign number
- 98V-161
- Reported
- July 15, 1998
- Vehicles affected
- 202,000 estimated by the manufacturer
Source: NHTSA recall records
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. If the vehicle is overloaded, the rear leaf springs can be overstressed. A fatigue fracture of the spring can occur. The center leaf of the spring can fracture at the forward edge of the spring seat and, in some cases, contact the fuel tank.
The risk
Fuel tank contact can damage the tank and result in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the rear springs and install an additional clip on the forward end of the rear springs to prevent fuel tank contact in the event of a leaf fracture. Any fractured springs will be replaced.
Notes from the manufacturer
Owner notification is expected to begin august 10, 1998.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-[removed].also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-[removed]).
Affected vehicles
- Ford F-150 1997 to 1998