2007 Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego recalled for fuel-tank fix

Ford is recalling nearly 3,000 copies of the 2007 Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego sedans to fix a problem with the fuel tank.

The cars being recalled were built between Sept. 5 and Sept. 11, 2006, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The fuel tank and the tank spud--the part of the tank connecting to the fuel filler hose--might have been improperly welded. A bad weld could cause a fuel odor or fuel leak and trigger the emissions-malfunction light. In a worst-case scenario, a fuel leak paired with an ignition source could start a fire in the vehicle.

Dealers will replace the fuel tank free of charge. The recall will begin around Aug. 15. Owners of affected vehicles can contact Ford or NHTSA for more information.

By Julie Alvin