Government Steps Up Investigation Into Older Ford Pickups

DEARBORN (WWJ/AP) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into a possible fire hazard with older Ford pickups.

The investigation focuses on 2.7 million F-150 pickup years, from the 1997 to 2001 model years. The concern is that straps holding the fuel tank on the trucks could rust, causing the fuel tanks to fall off, creating the possibility of a fuel spill or even fire.

"There have been a relatively small number of complaints, there haven't been any injuries," said Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood. "That will be part of how we work with the government as they look into this matter."

NHTSA began looking at the fuel tank problem last year after it received 32 complaints. NHTSA and Ford have now received 243 reports of the tanks falling. In two incidents, a fire started when the fuel tank fell. One of the fires destroyed the pickup, while the other extinguished itself.

NHTSA said there was fuel leakage in 95 of the reported incidents. Nine reported sparks when the tank dropped on the road, which would increase the likelihood of a fire.

At this point, no recall has been ordered, and Ford's Wes Sherwood says it's too early to tell if there will be a recall.

"As the government looks into the matter, all we can say is that, as we always do, we will cooperate with the government as they review the matter."

The Associated Press and WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert contributed to this story.