The problem
Vehicle description: minivans which were originally sold or currently registered in the following hot weather states: alabama, arizona, arkansas, california (10 southern counties), florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, nevada (clark county only), oklahoma, south carolina and texas, can develop cracks in the fuel tank in the forward strap area of the standard 20 gallon tank due to a combination of factors that are present in certain very hot areas of the country.
The risk
These cracks could result in fuel leakage if they propagate through the wall of the tank.
The fix
Dealers will install a brace assembly at the strap bolt hole location and replace the tank strap with a revised, longer strap. Dealers will also inspect the tanks for leaks. If a leak exists and is the result of a crack in the fuel tank, the tank will be replaced in addition to the installation of a spacer and longer strap.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 99V-309 (99V309000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 99R33 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly |
| Report date | November 2, 1999 |
| Owners notified | December 22, 1999 |
| Vehicles affected | 70,116 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the fuel & propulsion system
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 99V-309 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a brace assembly at the strap bolt hole location and replace the tank strap with a revised, longer strap. Dealers will also inspect the tanks for leaks.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 70,116 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.