I have an F150 that about 5 years ago I received a recall on, regarding the straps that hold the gas tank onto the frame. I ended up taking it to Earl Floyd Ford down in Carrollton to get it checked, and they said everything was fine.

 

Fast forward to last year...I had to have my gas tank replaced. Place that I got it done at (not a dealership) ended up using the same straps.

 

Now to today, I take the truck in (to the same place that replaced the tank) to get the oil changed and to have them check out this "clunking" noise I hear when I go over bumps, and they tell me that the back strap that's supposed to hold the tank, is completely and totally shot. The sound I'm hearing is actually the tank moving around.

 

I totally and completely trust the people who've done the work, and consider them friends. But, my question is, do I have any recourse through Ford for the failed strap in the first place? And if so, do I have to go back down to the dealership that did the initial recall inspection in the first place? Or will they say that since the tank was replaced by a non-dealer mechanic that everything is now my responsibility?

 

Anyone with any insight?

Sounds like your going to have to buy a strap.

I have an F150 that about 5 years ago I received a recall on, regarding the straps that hold the gas tank onto the frame. I ended up taking it to Earl Floyd Ford down in Carrollton to get it checked, and they said everything was fine.

 

Fast forward to last year...I had to have my gas tank replaced. Place that I got it done at (not a dealership) ended up using the same straps.

 

Now to today, I take the truck in (to the same place that replaced the tank) to get the oil changed and to have them check out this "clunking" noise I hear when I go over bumps, and they tell me that the back strap that's supposed to hold the tank, is completely and totally shot. The sound I'm hearing is actually the tank moving around.

 

I totally and completely trust the people who've done the work, and consider them friends. But, my question is, do I have any recourse through Ford for the failed strap in the first place? And if so, do I have to go back down to the dealership that did the initial recall inspection in the first place? Or will they say that since the tank was replaced by a non-dealer mechanic that everything is now my responsibility?

 

Anyone with any insight?

 

My guess would be that you will have to take your truck to any Ford dealer to have the original recall done. I may be wrong, but this may be considered a safety recall. It may never expire. Call Airport Ford's service department and ask for Guy. Have your VIN handy and tell him your situation. He is a good "guy" and give you answer to your problem.

Why didn't you take it to Ford to have the straps replaced to begin with? You took it in the first time, they said no issues, yet 5 years later you had to have them replaced? I'd been all over Ford to fix it for free. That being said, I'm 99% sure they will fix it. I don't think recalls ever expire. I had the AC fixed on a jeep years ago by a personal mechanic. Later it went our again. Jeep ended up fixing it via recall and actually refunded/covered the parts for the first repair, but not the labor.