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Campaign 16V945 Posted December 20, 2016 7,105 units

2017 Ford F-250/F-350 Sd Recall 16V945: Fuel Tank Strap

Recall 16V945 affects 7,105 2017 Ford F-350 Sd and F-250 Sd trucks for a fuel-tank-strap defect. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.

Ford is recalling 7,105 2017 F-350 Sd and F-250 Sd trucks because the frame reinforcement bracket was not attached to the front fuel tank strap. If the strap separates from the frame, the tank can contact the ground, leak fuel, and increase fire risk; Ford dealers will complete the free repair.

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What's wrong?

The front fuel tank strap on the 2017 Ford F-350 Sd and F-250 Sd is a metal support that holds the fuel tank tight to the truck frame. A frame reinforcement bracket at the crossmember gives that strap a solid mounting point, so the tank stays supported as the frame flexes under load.

On affected trucks, a supplier material-handling problem let crossmembers built without the required reinforcement bracket enter Super Duty pickup production. Without that reinforcement, the front fuel tank strap does not have the support Ford designed into the frame. Over time, the strap can separate from the frame, leaving the fuel tank mount less secure.

Ford lists no warning sign before failure. There is no warning sign before failure, so a truck that looks normal from the outside still needs a VIN check and dealer inspection if it is included in recall 16V945.

Who's affected?

Covers both F-250 Sd and F-350 Sd pickup trucks from 2017, with the fuel system listed for each model.

2017 Ford F-350 Sd fuel system
2017 Ford F-250 Sd fuel system
Units affected7,105
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.

What's the safety risk?

A separated fuel tank strap lets the tank contact the ground. That contact can lead to a fuel leak and increases the risk of fire. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the inspection and bracket installation soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Ford F-350 Sd or F-250 Sd is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free fuel tank strap inspection and reinforcement bracket repair.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V945 when you call.
  4. Drive cautiously until the fuel tank strap is inspected and repaired.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the front fuel tank strap area and checks whether the frame reinforcement bracket is installed and attached correctly. If the bracket is missing or not secured, the technician installs the reinforcement bracket. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because Ford says that warranty coverage provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how the warranty applies if you have prior repair paperwork.

ReimbursementWarranty coverage applies

Timeline

December 20, 2016 Dealer notification began
December 20, 2016 Dealer notification ended
December 29, 2016 NHTSA published the recall
February 6, 2017 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
February 6, 2017 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
February 7, 2017 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 16V945?

Recall 16V945 covers 7,105 2017 Ford F-250 Sd and F-350 Sd trucks with a front fuel tank strap reinforcement bracket problem. If the strap separates from the frame, the fuel tank can contact the ground and leak fuel, increasing fire risk.

What should I do if my 2017 Ford F-250 Sd or F-350 Sd is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 16V945. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for recall 16S45. The dealer will inspect the fuel tank strap area and install the reinforcement bracket if needed for free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Ford dealers will inspect the truck and install the reinforcement bracket if needed free of charge. The repair has been available since Ford began the recall on February 7, 2017.

What is the safety risk in recall 16V945?

The safety risk is a fuel leak and fire risk. If the fuel tank strap separates from the frame, the tank can drop low enough to contact the ground. Ford's dealer repair secures the strap area by installing the reinforcement bracket if the inspection shows it is needed.

What if I bought this Ford truck used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2017 Ford F-250 Sd or F-350 Sd is included, then give recall number 16S45 to a Ford dealer service desk.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V945000
Ford customer service1-866-436-7332
NHTSA recall #16V945
NHTSA recall # (full)16V945000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →