Ford massive recall: defect could cause fuel leak and fire

American automotive giant Ford has announced a recall of 223,472 F-150 pickup trucks in the US due to a defect in the fuel tank connection to the chassis. The flaw could cause fuel leaks, engine stalling, and even fire. Ford estimates that only 1% of vehicles actually suffer from the defect, but the comprehensive inspection call includes all vehicles within the relevant production range.

American automotive giant Ford has announced a massive recall of 223,472 F-150 pickup trucks in the United States due to a defect in the fuel tank connection to the vehicle's chassis. The flaw could cause fuel leaks, engine stalling while driving, and even fire. In extreme cases, the tank could detach completely, creating a road hazard. The recall spans model years 2023 to 2027, manufactured between January 2023 and August 2026. Ford estimates that only about one percent of vehicles actually suffer from the defect, but since it is impossible to know in advance which vehicles are affected, the call for inspection covers all vehicles in the range. The source of the problem is not the fuel tank itself, but the assembly process: the tank's connecting straps were not properly inserted into the chassis rail. Ford began investigating the issue in July after identifying 16 warranty claims potentially related to the defect. No accidents or injuries caused by the flaw have been reported. Ford is expected to begin sending letters to vehicle owners starting September 21, and the repair will be performed free of charge.