Ford to recall 1.1 million pickup trucks for gas tank problem

Ford Motor Co. says it is recalling 1.1 million pickup trucks because the gas tanks can fall off and cause a fire.

The company is recalling certain Ford F-150, F-250 and Lincoln Blackwood pickups. The recall affects certain models from the 1997 model year through the 2004 model year. They were sold in cold-weather states where salt is used to clear roads. That salt can corrode straps holding the tanks in place.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said today on its Web site that the straps holding up the tanks can rust, causing them to fall to the ground. The tanks can rupture and cause a fire.

Ford reported eight incidents of the tanks falling, resulting in three injuries.