Where was the gas tank on a Ford Pinto?

Location of the Gas Tank on a Ford Pinto
The gas tank on a Ford Pinto was located behind the rear axle, making it susceptible to rupture and fires in the event of a rear-end collision. This design flaw led to significant safety concerns and legal controversies surrounding the vehicle’s fuel system.
In 1978, Ford Motor Company agreed to recall 1.5 million Ford Pinto and 30,000 Mercury Bobcat sedan and hatchback models for fuel tank design defects which made the vehicles susceptible to fire in the event of a moderate-speed rear end collision. The Pinto became infamous in the 1970s for bursting into flames if its gas tank was ruptured in a collision, leading to lawsuits and public outcry.
Despite the known weaknesses in the fuel tank design, Ford neglected to add reinforcements to protect the easily ruptured fuel tank, endangering drivers and earning the Pinto a reputation for catching fire that persists today. The controversy surrounding the Pinto’s gas tank design led to a voluntary recall by Ford in 1978, which was the largest recall in automotive history at the time.
The decision to place the gas tank behind the rear axle was a subject of debate, with some arguing that the Pinto would have been safer had its gas tank been placed above the axle rather than behind it. The cost-benefit analysis by Ford suggested that it would be cheaper to pay liability for burn deaths and injuries rather than modify the fuel tank to prevent fires in the first place.
In conclusion, the gas tank on the Ford Pinto was located behind the rear axle, a design choice that led to significant safety concerns and controversies. Despite known weaknesses in the fuel tank design, Ford neglected to add reinforcements to protect the easily ruptured fuel tank, leading to a reputation for catching fire in the event of a collision.

Where were gas tanks in old cars?

Back in the old days, many gas tanks went directly in the center of the car, with the door in the back. They found that this design could turn a run-of-the-mill accident into something much more fiery and explosive. So, for safety reasons, they moved it to the right or left.

What Ford car has a gas tank in the bumper?

The Pinto’s design positioned its fuel tank between the solid live rear axle and the rear bumper, a standard practice in US subcompact cars at the time.

How many people died in Ford Pinto case?

An official total of 27 deaths was tied to the vehicle, though some estimates are far higher. Of course, even at the conservative end of the spectrum, 27 preventable fatalities caused by a car with a propensity to explode and burn is still 27 too many.

Did Ford know the Pinto was unsafe?

Thus, Ford knew that the Pinto represented a serious fire hazard when struck from the rear, even in low-speed collisions. Ford officials faced a decision. Should they go ahead with the existing design, thereby meeting the production timetable but possibly jeopardizing consumer safety?

How much would it have cost to fix the fuel tank issue in the Ford Pinto?

Ford’s conclusion, following the crash tests, was that the rear end structure of the car was not satisfactory because of several types of damage deformation of the gas tank, leakage and damage to the filler pipe. Suggested changes to repair the defects were not expensive, something in the range of $11 per car.

Why do old Fords have two gas tanks?

The additional tanks could double or even triple the range of a standard pickup. Since older pickups were often used for carrying campers, towing trailers or for work in remote locations, additional fuel was important.

Was the Ford Pinto a death trap?

As a result, the Pinto was highly vulnerable to lethal fires in rear-end collisions and was in fact a “fire trap” and a “death trap.” Ford decided to ignore the defect anyway, because re-design would have delayed the entry of the car into the market and caused a potential loss of market share to competitors.

How many people died from the Ford Pinto gas tank?

An official total of 27 deaths was tied to the vehicle, though some estimates are far higher. Of course, even at the conservative end of the spectrum, 27 preventable fatalities caused by a car with a propensity to explode and burn is still 27 too many.

What was the tragedy of the Ford Pinto?

The Pinto, a subcompact car made by Ford Motor Company, became infamous in the 1970s for bursting into flames if its gas tank was ruptured in a collision. The lawsuits brought by injured people and their survivors uncovered how the company rushed the Pinto through production and onto the market.

How do you know if fuel tank is bad?

The most obvious symptom for drivers who might have a water-contaminated fuel tank is difficulty starting the vehicle. Another symptom is an instant decrease in power after accelerating or no power at all. The engine could also jolt and rev to higher speeds without the driver trying to do so.