NHTSA Widens Probe of 1997-2001 Ford F-150 Trucks to 2.7 Million Units

WASHINGTON — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration broadened an investigation into whether 1997-2001 Ford F-150 pickups should be recalled because of a possible fire hazard related to the fuel tank. The defect investigation, which was opened last September into 1.4 million vehicles, has been expanded to include 2.7 million units.

In its original notification, the government safety agency's Office of Defects Investigation said: "The fuel tank can drop when one or both of the straps supporting the fuel tank rust and break. This presents a fire hazard from leaking gasoline as well as an obstruction hazard to vehicles following the subject trucks."

On May 4, NHTSA's ODI upgraded the investigation to an engineering analysis, typically a prelude to a full recall.

The ODI announcement noted: "Among the incidents reported to NHTSA or Ford, 243 involved the fuel tank dropping below the vehicle and/or dragging on the ground, 95 involved fuel leakage, and nine included reports of sparks from the tank being dragged on the road."

In response to an e-mail query from Inside Line, Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood wrote: "We are fully cooperating with the government as they review this matter and are not aware of any injuries related to the condition."

Inside Line says: If you own one of the aforementioned Ford pickups, be aware that this investigation is being expanded by the government.