The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Ford Motor Co. have issued a recall notice for 2007 model year Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego sedans. An improper weld in the cars' gas tank system may fail during a collision, leading to a fuel leak and potential fire.

The recall affects nearly 3,000 Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego cars manufactured in September 2006. The faulty weld between the fuel tank and fuel filler neck could also cause a crack in the joint which could lead to fuel leakage. An improper seal of the two part could also cause fuel vapors to seep out of the fuel tank system, which would illuminate the car's emissions malfunction indicator light.

In mid-August, Ford will begin to send out notices to owners with cars affected by this recall. The gas tank system will be inspected and, if needed, replaced for free by local Ford dealers.

Consumers can find more information about this recall by calling toll-free Ford's customer relationship center (866-436-7332, Ford safety recall no. 11S20), NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline (866-327-4236) or by visiting NHTSA's Safer Car website: www.safercar.gov.

Recall of 2007 Ford 500/Mercury Montego (Campaign # 11V355000) [NHTSA]