My Ford Explorer limited AWD V-8 started to shake and bounce while I was driving near my house in mililani Hawaii. I immediately drove it to the nearest tire dealer, Goodyear auto service center in mililani Hawaii and spoke with the general manager. He inspected my vehicle tires and determined that I had experienced "premature" tread belt separation and advised that I not operate the vehicle until all affected tires were replaced. He stated that operation of my vehicle w/O replacing the affected tires would result in total tire failure which could expose the driver and passenger(s) to harm, injury or death. As such, I complied with his recommendation that the affected tires be replaced. This took place approximately two months before Firestone recalled all Firestone radial ATX tires two weeks ago. I would like to note that Firestone did in fact send me a recall notice (unsolicited) but that the recall date is between Jan. 01, 2000 and August 9, 2000. Although not required by law, I feel that they should expand their "recall" to include any customer that can show documented proof that they had replaced their Firestone radial ATX P235/75R15 tires due to tread belt separation. Thank you, wallace choy( dot number: Tire size: P235/75R15 )

- Honolulu, HI, USA

I complained to Ford when center console area vibrated significantly anywhere from 65 miles per hour to 75 miles per hour. It was at its worst at about 72-73 miles per hour. I was unable to use the cd player installed (by Ford) in the compartment between the driver and passenger seats. Ford blamed the problem on the tires and had me go to a tire shop to have them replaced. This happened in 1997! the tire shop (don olson tires) claimed there was a suspension problem with the Ford Explorer and it would happen again. They replaced the tires with new Firestone radial atxs. We realigned the vehicle and the problem seemed to go away. After about six months, the problem came back (not as severe). I continued to have the vehicle realigned about every 4 months. Unfortunately, as the tires got older, the problem got worse. I continued the balancing of the tires and realignment process often. August 15, 2000 while driving with my family, we had a tread separation of the radial ATX tires. They had about 35000-40000 miles on them. They were replaced by the Firestone "firehawk" tires (not the recall ones). I had the vehicle realigned again. I still have a problem with the center console area shaking. It seems to be worse at about the same 72-73 miles per hour. Ford has never claimed any responsibility. I haven't asked them for their opinion since the first time I approached them (in 1997), they blamed the tires. It appears to me as if it is a Ford Explorer problem as much as a Firestone tire problem. Please research this if possible and have Ford reevaluate their position on this issue. Please advise me if you need any more information as I will be happy to discuss it with you. My office phone number is 305-526-1215. Thank you for listening. Brian fields( dot number: Tire size: 235/75/15 )

- Weston, FL, USA

Want Firestone to reimb me 2 out of 4 tires due to defects. They declined.( dot number: Vdbt tire size: P235/75R )

- Portland, OR, USA

Local Ford dealer and Firestone service center have been non-responsive to customer concerns related to "recall"investigation. Attempts to assure customers confidence is. I have a vehicle and tires that my wife does not trust and has limited our vehicle in town useage only. Out of frustration due to run around by Ford and Firestone vendors, we as consumers do not trust the information provided by vendors blaming each other. The Firestone, Wilderness AT have stress related deterioration, we have been advised by several alternative vendors to replace existing tires, regardless of the minimum tread wear, what is the "truth" and accountibility. We are in the process of replacing tires regardless of adequate tread life remaining on firesone Wilderness AT not part of the "recall" and NHTSA "advisory.visory"advisory adequate tread life remaining but minimum tread, we expect products we can trust to provide ear. We expec vendors my wife does not.( dot number: W2cuip4086 tire size: P255/70R16 )

- Abbeville, LA, USA

The police report # is 00-14477, washtenaw county. I swirl towards the midium to avoid a vehicle cutting in and my vechile lost control. There was loud noice from the tires(feeled like I was running on bumpy roads and clinking sounds) prior to rolling over to the side of the road. I didn't realize it could be tire issue till I read in the paper (usa today 8/22). The description on the tread separation matches exactly what happened to me. However, the vehicle ended up in the junk yard and hence I'm not able to get more details on the tires. No invesitigation was conducted towards the tire failure but I believe that's what happened. If you need any further inforamtion, please contact me via email or my cell phone 65-96663895 because I just recently moved to singapore for work. Thank you.( dot number: )

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

I was driving on the freeway and the passenger rear tire blew. The tread separated and I skid all over the freeway. I was fortunate enough to not hit anything and managed to gain control of the car. However, at the time I did think I was going to flip the car. When the car stopped I looked at the damage. The tread had knocked of a part of the bumper, the running gaurd, and damaged the rear panel. In total it did about $2,500 worth of damage to the car. I also had all the tires replaced with a different brand of tire. At the time I thought this was an isolated incident and did not report the accident to anyone except for my insurance company. When I heard the reports on the news, I felt I should report the incident to help in the hearings.( dot number: Tire size: P235/75R15 )

- Sierra Madre, CA, USA

Tires have not failed. They were replaced before they did. They exhibit definite splitting between the tread and body of the tire and although not subject to the current recall are being reported to support continued investigation into the problem. The tires are still in my possession.( dot number: Vncu1pl245 tire size: P25570R16 )

- Burnsville, MN, USA

Another Firestone firehawk ATX tire 30X9.50R15lt- dot vd 66axc146 failed.( dot number: Vd66axc156 tire size: 30X9,5R15L )

- Mayaguez, PR, USA

During tire service on 051099 the mechanic reported tires were not safe due to cracks running from the onset of the tread at the tire side wall. Each crack was less than one quarter of an inch from the next crack. Each crack was about 3/4 to 1 inch in length. The mechanic showed me the cracks on each tire and he advised that within the near future the tires would fail. Further inquires from others with tire knowledge confirmed the first observation. I had the tires replaced.( dot number: Unknown tire size: P255/70R16 )

- Salisbury N.C., NC, USA

All rear sets of tires (3 to date) have become cupped accompanied by auto vibration. Ford dealerships have given blame for auto vibration and cupping of tires to tire manugacturer. Goodyear, accordingly, has replaced 2 tires on two separate occasions. Cupping detected on first tire rotation when rear tires brought to front of vehicle...along with noticable deterioration in steering. This problem continues to exist with no apparent satisfaction provided by local Ford.( dot number: Tire size: P235/75R15 )

- Pinehurst, NC, USA

Casings are cracked on all 4 tires around edge took to alton blakely Ford they said not to drive on these tires on the interstate bad tires my wife will not drive this vehicle for fear of loosing her life.( dot number: Tire size: P25570R16 )

- Bronston, KY, USA

The tire "blew out" similar to the images and descriptions of the Firestone/Bridgestone tires of recent reports. There was no indication of a foriegn object. We still have the tire if you need to examine the damage. We are concerened this is part of a manufacturing issue with Ford as some complaintants have stated. Please add this data to your investigation and contact us if there is a recall of Ford Explorer.( dot number: Tire size: Rt/S )

- Greeley, CO, USA

When applying for automobile insurance in Tennessee (having recently moved here from Michigan), the insurance agent/adjstor inspected the tires. Even though the tread is still good, all four tires have a stress crack on the sidewall below the treads. The adjustor indicated this was the final stage before the tread separates from the tire, and advised me to replace them immediately. I took the car to a local Firestone dealer, and was told these tires have not been recalled; therefore, he would not replace them at no charge. The tires have 25,000 miles on them and should last an additional 25,000 miles. I am gravely concerned about my safety on the road. What can I do? I cannot afford to replace them without reimbursement.( dot number: 8xhlipy169 tire size: P235/75R15 )

- Clarksville, TN, USA

Tire blew out from side as described by the 15" recall, tread was still good. Blowout was on interstate, fortunately person driving was able to safely get to side of road. Replaced all four tires after failure, however, still have spare.( dot number: Tire size: P255/70R16 )

- Louisville, KY, USA

While driving on the freeway, the right front tire blew out . I lost control of vehicle, swerved to the left and sideswiped a vehicle in the lane next to me. I pulled to the right shoulder. I saw that the tire tread had seperated from the tire, and pounded the wheel well flat. I incurred damage to the left side of the vehicle as well. I am on a waiting list for tires, but I cannot find a tire replacement for my spare. I am therefor driving around on these dangerous tires, with no spare. I cannot sleep at night because of this accident, and I have to drive at least 500 miles a week for work. I still have nightmares. I have a $500 deductible to pay to fix my car, and I can't afford this. I am very dissapointed in Firestone.( dot number: Vdhl1pm405 tire size: P235/75R15 )

- San Diego, CA, USA

Been on a "list" for several weeks to get my recalled Firestone ATX tires replaced. Dealer told me this week to go find another dealer. This is the only Firestone dealer in my town. Can not get through to Firestone on the 1-800 number. Contacted Firestone throught website and only get a "form email". one of the tires seems to be going bad, dealer won't look at it or replaced with other brand unless I pay for it. I want my firestones replaced under the recall, what do I do next" can I have Firestone pay for a rental car while my Explorer sits waiting for replacements" local Ford dealer only sent me to the same tire dealer as I bought my Explorer used.( dot number: Tire size: P235/75R15 )

- Prattville, AL, USA

Firestone/Explorer tire blowout; photograph of tread separation was taken and is available; tires replaced, my cost( dot number: Unknown tire size: P235 75R15 )

- Hollywood, FL, USA

I was traveling approximately 60 mph when the left rear tire blew out. I did not lose control of the vehicle, hence no damage to the vehicle. These tires were installed at 74960 miles on the vehicle. The tire was taken to the firstone store in madison, wi and I was told that the tire would not be replaced because the blowout was due to 'road hazard' and not covered by warranty. I bought a new tire and then contacted Firestone directly and explained that I thought that this failed tire had a manufacturing defect; Firestone then sent me a check covering the cost of the new tire. The blowout point was where the tread was vulcanized to the sidewall. Also starting in may, 2000 (80702 miles) I had trouble keeping these tires balanced; after the tires warmed up there was a severe vibration starting at approxiametly 55 mph. The tires were balanced three times over a period of about six weeks. I had the tires inspected by Firestone and just one of the tires had the 'dot vd' marking. I was told by the Firestone rep that they recommended replacing all of the tires, Firestone would replace the one tire and I would be responsible for the other three. Firestone did not have any replacement tires in stock and couldn't give me a target date. They also said that they thought the vibrations were due to the vehicle and not the tires so it was a Ford problem. I have since, at my cost, replaced the firestones with michelins; the new tires cured the vibrations. I have my tires inflated at 32 to 35 psi at all times.( dot number: Unknown tire size: P235 75R15 )

- New London, WI, USA

These 3 incidents occurred within a couple hours on a very hot day (>100) in id. One puncture and then one blowout occurred on dirt roads. The last blowout occurred on pavement. Both blowouts involved separation of the tread from the rest of the tire.( dot number: W2uu1mx tire size: P225/70R15 )

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

I reported this incident just today in a prior report, but I was unable to include all of the necessary info., so this is the complete info. This tire failed in a catastrophic blowout, late on a very cold night on interstate 94 in Wisconsin. There was N( dot number: Vdhkawz tire size: Lt23575R15 )

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA