Recall 05V515000: Fuel Tank Strap Replacement

MAKE/MODELS: MODEL/BUILD YEARS:

Ford/Five Hundred 2005

Ford/Freestyle 2005

Mercury/Montego 2005

MANUFACTURER: Ford Motor Company

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V515000 MFG'S REPORT DATE: November 07, 2005

COMPONENT: Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly: Mounting

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 123206

SUMMARY:
On certain passenger vehicles, the straps that secure the fuel tank to the vehicle body may break, causing the fuel tank and fuel tank heat shield to drop on the driveshaft (all wheel drive vehicles) or exhaust system (front wheel drive vehicles).

CONSEQUENCE:
If this happens, drivers may notice a noise or a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

REMEDY:
Dealers will replace both fuel tank straps. The recall is expected to begin on December 1, 2005. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

NOTES:
Ford recall No. 05S37. Customers can also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.