Tires had more than 50% tread left. Right front tire suddenly started shaking the vehicle. Determined belt had broke. Tire dealer also said other front tire was going bad. A few miles later on a busy highway read tire split open. Performance tire of topeka and cooper tire company would not make any adjustment for an obvious defect. (3 out of 4 tires breaking within a week).

- Topeka, KS, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Express 1500. The vehicle has cooper cobra radial tires, size P255\70R15 (na). While driving approximately 70 mph, the tire tread separated without warning on the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The contact pulled to the side of the road and called roadside assistance. The tire was changed and the contact continued to his destination. The failure recurred on the rear passenger side of the vehicle. An independent tire company replaced the tire. The contact noticed that the air pressure in the front passenger side tire was continuously low. The failure mileage, VIN, and dot number were unknown.

- Fort Myers, FL, USA

2002 Chevrolet conversion van Express 1500 had a problem with the drivers side window. Express window would go down but not go back up. The motor was replaced three times, finally the switch was replaced. The brakes and master cylinder had to be replaced. The consumer was told the brakes were insufficient for the weight of the vehicle. The Michelin tires only lasted 24,000 miles.

- Lynchburg, VA, USA

The contact stated the left rear tire developed a bulge within the tread. He brought the vehicle to an independent repair shop, and they replaced the tire with a spare. When he returned home the vehicle was taken to a Firestone dealer, who discovered there was a complete belt separation on that tire. A second incident later occurred on the left front tire in a similar fashion. Both of the failed Firestone tires were replaced with Goodyear tires. While driving the right rear remaining Firestone tire blew out at 75 mph resulting in damage to the vehicles fender and bumper area. He avoided any collision. He took photographs of the extensive damage. No further repairs or corrections have been made at this time. This is a Firestone steeltex R4S LT245/75/R16 load range E. these were the original tires on the vehicle at purchase. Update 12/27/2005 - the tires were made in Canada.

- Wilton, IA, USA