NHTSA Recall 98V161000: Tank assembly (fuel system) and leaf spring assembly (suspension)
FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 202,000 vehicles. It affects 1997–1998 Ford F-150.
| NHTSA campaign | 98V161000 |
|---|---|
| Components | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE › STORAGE › TANK ASSEMBLY; SUSPENSION › REAR › SPRINGS › LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY |
| Report received | July 15, 1998 |
| Owner notification | August 10, 1998 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
Vehicle description: light duty 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. If the vehicle is overloaded, the rear leaf springs can be overstressed. A fatigue fracture of the spring can occur. The center leaf of the spring can fracture at the forward edge of the spring seat and, in some cases, contact the fuel tank.
Safety risk
Fuel tank contact can damage the tank and result in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear springs and install an additional clip on the forward end of the rear springs to prevent fuel tank contact in the event of a leaf fracture. Any fractured springs will be replaced.
Notes
Owner notification is expected to begin august 10, 1998.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Vehicles covered by recall 98V161000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.