Ford recalls nearly a quarter-million F-150 trucks over fuel tank defect
In an aerial view, vehicles are seen for sale on a lot at a dealership on April 18, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Ford is recalling nearly a quarter-million F-150 pickup trucks over a defect involving the front fuel tank becoming loose.
What we know:
A recall notice posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 223,472 F-150 trucks from the 2023-2027 model years have front fuel tank straps that may not be properly secured, creating a risk that the tank could leak or detach.
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Big picture view:
The trucks built between January 4, 2023, and August 27, 2026, may have left the factory with fuel tank straps that were not fully inserted into the frame rail, according to the NHTSA filing.
Why you should care:
A loose tank can leak fuel and increase the risk of fire, or cause the engine to stall. If the tank separates from the vehicle, it can also become a hazard for other drivers. Ford says there is no warning before the failure occurs.
Ford is also including trucks that were unsold or had fewer than three months in service as of August 27, saying the defect appears early in a vehicle’s life.
The backstory:
The company traced the issue to periods when cameras used to verify strap installation were not in continuous use at its F-150 assembly plants.
What's next:
The automaker says owners will be notified and are able to take their vehicle into a dealer to have the fuel tank straps inspected and replaced as needed, free of charge.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This story was reported from Orlando.