Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Ford E-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving my vehicle caught on fire in the rear end of the vehicle. We pulled over and immediately got the children out of the car. Less than a minute later, the entire vehicle was blazing.
I had a fuel tank leak on my Ford e150 conversion van in 2001. The van had 85000 miles on it. Had the tank replaced at a dealer; originally he ordered the wrong tank, thinking I had the smaller one, but I have the 35 gal. Midship tank listed in 01V114000. They replace the tank about the time this recall was issued. Then, 85000 miles later, I have the same leak, exact same problem. I have visited two dealerships, even spoken to the original service manager who handled the repair in 2001; all deny that the recall applies to this vehicle. I called Ford at the number listed in 01v11400; they deny that I have this fuel tank, even though they installed it specifically, although obviously not according to the recall instructions. I figure because it was a conversion van they May not think it was the "original equipment". I have now had this problem twice, and paid for it the first time. …
This is a follow up to my complaint from last year (odi 10038825). I removed the gas tank from my van and found the leaks (several) were caused by the metal tank rubbing against the frame cross rails. The tank is metal to metal contact with the frame of the van, there is no isolation of any kind. This seemd to be a serious design flaw (to me anyway) and I called the Ford motor company to let them know. Ford expressed no concern, since there had not been any deaths or injuies reported. I can't believe that I am the only person that has experienced this condition. I have digital photographs of the frame and tank, prior to having it repaired. I took the tank to a shop and had the leaks welded, I also cut up an inner tube and placed it between the tank and frame rails, to prevent this from happening again. …
Ford's recall number is 01s14. My e150 fills the requirements of "near the gross vehicle weight with ... Rough road... The 35 gallon mid-ship fuel tank ... Crack ... " Ford tells me that my VIN is outside the range of covered vans. The recall covers 1997 through 2001 models. I see no way that Ford would know which vans are used in the above mentioned manner. This problem appeared from the beginning of my ownership. Any filling of more than 3/4 tank, resulted in strong gasoline smell and leakage. This was a very serious problem. Even though I tried to not fill past 3/4, sometimes I would exceed that. Explosion and fire were constant threats. My Ford dealer tells me that it certainly looks like my van should be included. I agree. I have paid for the replacement of the fuel tank. The below incident date is approximate. I bought the van in December 2001.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford e-150. For a month, the contact smelled gasoline when entering, exiting, and driving the vehicle. He drove the vehicle to a fuel station and gasoline spilled to the ground while pumping fuel into the tank. The fuel tank would not fill up past half a tank. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle has not been inspected and the cause of the failure has not been determined. The dealer stated that they would repair the vehicle, but at the contact's expense. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current and failure mileages were 126,000.
This is the exact same situation others have experienced on NHTSA recall campaign number 01V114000 relating to cracks/leaks to the 'mid ship' style fuel tank. My van is a 1997 e-150 conversion van. Unfortunately, I am in the same situation as many others in the fact that Ford motor company does not acknowledge my particular VIN number is affected in this recall. There have been a number of other incidents reported with vehicles mysteriously catching on fire for unknown reasons. Very disturbing that a manufacturer would not agree to replace a leaking/damaged fuel tank.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford e-150. While placing fuel into the vehicle, the contact noticed a huge puddle underneath the vehicle. He looked underneath the vehicle and noticed a crack on the fuel tank. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 01V114000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly). The contact believes that his vehicle should be included in the recall since the failures are identical. The failure mileage was 89,000 and current mileage was 94,000.
While filling the fuel tank on my 1997 e-150, gasoline begin leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken in for repairs, it was discovered that where the filler tube and tank meet, a tear had developed in the rubber hose. The repair shop contacted the dealer to inquire on any possible recall information. The dealer indicated there were no recalls, but this was a "common" problem. This is and can be a very dangerous situation.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford e-150. The contact stated that the fuel line was fractured and rapidly leaking gasoline fuel. The contact was informed of a potential recall on the vehicle by his independent mechanic (NHTSA campaign id number: 01V114000) but was advised by the manufacturer that his VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 71,289.
My van has been in the shop 3 times and they tell me I need to clean the injectors. Well it has been starting sluggish from day one. Today it will not start. Same symptoms as everybody else. Weak battery and smoke still will not start. I'm afraid to drive it again. I think it's going to catch on fire.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Vehicle description: on certain vans with ambulance prep packages or other severe-duty applications involving operation at or near the gross vehicle weight with frequent twisting of the vehicle body, such as off-road, rough road or speed bump events, the 35 gallon mid-ship fuel tank could develop a crack where it contacts the…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and, if cracked, will replace the tank. Insulator pads will be installed on all vehicles to reduce the stress levels in the fuel tank. Owner notification began April 19, 2001.
Fuel System complaints in other E-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1997 Ford E-150?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1997 Ford E-150, 22% of the model year's 102 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford E-150 fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-114 (tank assembly, Apr 5, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford E-150 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.