August 1, 2011

Ford Motor Co. says it is recalling 1.1 million pickup trucks because the gas tanks can fall off and cause a fire.

The company is recalling certain Ford F-150, F-250 and Lincoln Blackwood pickups. The recall affects certain models from the 1997
model year through the 2004 model year. They were sold in cold-weather states where salt is used to clear roads. That salt
can corrode straps holding the tanks in place.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday
on its website that the straps holding up the tanks can rust, causing them to fall to the ground. The tanks can rupture and cause a fire.

Ford's F-Series pickup traditionally is the top-selling vehicle in the U.S.