Consumer Affairs took a complaint from a woman who owned a 1999 Ford F-150 pickup truck that dropped its gas tank while she was driving it and breaking for a red light, with her entire family in the vehicle. The woman says she contact Ford, who informed her there was not a recall for the vehicle at the time, and the woman filed a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Now, the NHTSA has begun an investigation into the pickup truck model years 1997 through 2001. The problem may be with a defective steel strap designed to hold the gas tank into the place. Over time the frame can weaken and fail. The gas tanks can then slip down and contact the pavement or fall off the truck entirely. This situation is particularly dangerous if the tank is dragged along the pavement, causing friction that could ignite gasoline spilling from open holes in the tank. Fortunately, no one has been injured from this potential fire hazard; however according to Consumer Affairs, two fires have been reported.
Ford has already expanded its recall of the F-150 to correct front airbags that deploy for no reason. About 1.2 million of the 2004 to 2006 model year vehicles have been recalled.
Florida product liability law allows the consumer to hold a manufacturer, designer, or distributor responsible for defective or dangerous products that are put into commerce. A product does not meet the expectations of the consumer if it is defective or dangerous.
Farah & Farah’s Florida defective vehicle lawyers can file a claim based on state law and brought under theories of negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty. Call us for a complimentary consultation today.
