Ford/rear leaf springs
Defect Summary
Vehicle description: light duty 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. if the vehicle is overloaded, the rear leaf springs can be overstressed. a fatigue fracture of the spring can occur. the center leaf of the spring can fracture at the forward edge of the spring seat and, in some cases, contact the fuel tank.
Safety Consequence
Fuel tank contact can damage the tank and result in fuel leakage. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Corrective Action
Dealers will inspect the rear springs and install an additional clip on the forward end of the rear springs to prevent fuel tank contact in the event of a leaf fracture. any fractured springs will be replaced.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Fuel System, Gasoline.
FAQ: Recall 98V161000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 98V161000?
NHTSA recall 98V161000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on July 15, 1998. It addresses: Ford/rear leaf springs. The recall affects approximately 202,000 vehicles, with the defect involving the Fuel System, Gasoline component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 98V161000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.