The Ford Motor Company just announced a recall that affects approximately 1.1 million Ford F-150, F-250 and Lincoln Blackwood pickup trucks. The model years included in the recall are: 1997 – 2004 for the F-150, 1997 – 1999 for the F-250, and 2002 – 2003 for the Lincoln Blackwood. The F-150 touts itself as the most popular pickup truck in America. So there are a lot of these trucks on the roads, and millions of truck owners and their family members who might potentially be affected by the dangers of the trucks’ defects. The current recall represents only the latest in a string affecting the F Series and related pickup trucks. Over recent years, recalls have implicated electrical system fire dangers, hose-related braking problems, dangerous air bags, faulty ignition switches, and cruise control problems that could cause fires.
The latest recall follows investigation by federal regulators of ongoing reports involving problems with the vehicles’ gas tanks suddenly dropping out of the trucks. Some incidents reported the tank rupturing and catching fire. In almost 100 incidents, the gas tank fell under the vehicle and dragged. Investigations found that the straps designed to hold the gas tank securely to the truck corroded from exposure to salts used on iced and snowy winter roadways.
Ford Company spokesman Wes Sherwood said that he was aware of 8 incidents where the dropped fuel tank caught fire, and of 3 where that fire spread to the rest of the vehicle. He claimed knowledge of one injury that caused first and second degree burns to the unfortunate victim. The victim of the fire has our sympathies. No one ever expects their car or truck to burn them with inherent defects. When you buy a pickup truck, you expect a safe and road worthy vehicle. The F-150 is supposed to be a sturdy workhorse, not a dangerous and cantankerous (or gastankerless) mule.
We are relieved that there seem to be no further reports of serious injuries from the defective gas strap. A fuel tank that suddenly drops and explodes is more than a little dangerous. At Denena & Points, we have extensive experience prosecuting defective, unsafe vehicle claims on behalf of our clients. If your car or truck has turned out to be a lemon, don’t give in and paint it bright yellow. Call us: we could help you. If you have suffered undeserved injuries form a defective auto or truck, we are also Texas Board Certified Personal Injury attorneys. We can put our knowledge and experience to work for you in your quest to obtain satisfaction from the manufacturer who placed a defective product into your unsuspecting hands.