10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
30 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
43 / 0
Average Mileage:
7,590 miles

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problem #52

Jul 042000

Explorer

  • miles
Driving at night. Slowed down to exit interstate, approx. 55 mph, when right rear tire blew out. Was able to get control of vehicle to prevent accident. When we looked at tire, tire tread was seperated from the side wall, as described in media accounts. Took tire to dealer to have it replaced. Was replaced with same brand of tire. Since news of problems with tires became public, we have replaced all the tires on the vehicle with a different brand of tire.L( dot number: Tire size: P235/75R15 )

- Acworth, GA, USA

problem #51

Aug 122000

Explorer

  • miles
We experienced a blowout on the highway at normal speeds in our Explorer. Both Firestone and Ford have refused to discuss with us only saying that the 16 inch tires are safe. Ford referred me to Firestone; Firestone referred me to Ford. This blowout clearly shows that the tire was of substandard quality. We do routine maintenance on our vehicles and keep them serviced at all times, including the tires. This was not due to low tire pressure or neglect on our part.( dot number: W2cu1px tire size: P255/70R16 )

- Dale, TX, USA

problem #50

Aug 291999

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Clear day/newly paved road/no debris/blowout/gash in tire where tread met sidewall( dot number: Vdhl tire size: P235/75R15 )

- Enola, PA, USA

problem #49

Jul 011999

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
This report is for a previously owned Explorer, not the one identified by VIN and purchase date here. This car was purchased in 1995 and had 2 tires delaminate on two seperate occasions. On both occasions I was travelling on I-15 at about 70 to 75 mph, both were on hot days. One was a right rear tire, the other was a left front tire. I have had previous troubles with Firestone tires shreading on a 1989 Bronco II. The Bronco II incident was taken to the Firestone dealer. The exployer incident was reported to the Ford dealer. I have repeatedly requested of the Ford dealer that I get tires other than Firestone, not only because of the problems I have had, but because they have refused to stand behind there warranties. I have been told that would cost me several hundred dollars more. When I reported the delaminations to the Ford dealer, I was told that these tires were designed for maximum mileage with minimum wear. This, I was told, required use of harder rubber, which was more difficult to bond to the rest of the tire. They said that the reason the tire delaminated is that is was a superior wearing tire and that I should be pleased that I got 50000 miles our of them. I, of course, strongly disagreed, and feel that a tire that delaminates with no outward signs of wear is extra dangerous. I now have another exployer, the one identified in this report, that has Firestone Wilderness AT tires. I also have an individual that works with me that has an Explorer that has had 2 tires delaminate. Now that I find how wide spread this problem is and how long they've known about it, I don't understand why immediate action is not taken to replace these tires. I have already had two terifying experiences and I do not want to be in jeopardy any longer. The Ford dealer to which I have referred is the same as listing in this form as the present dealer.( dot number: Tire size: Unknown )

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #48

May 012000

Explorer

  • miles
While driving West on atlantic blvd in front of the post office the left front tire blew out causing the vehicle to spin 2 times (360's) and strike the median breaking the wheel and flattening the left rear tire also. The vehicle came to rest between two median islands. The approx. Address is : 8801 atlantic blvd coral springs, fl( dot number: Vdhl tire size: P235-75R15 )

- Margate, FL, USA

problem #47

Aug 162000

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Tires show full length cracks/separation at tread bottom both rear tires, tires inspected prior to replacement by qualified technician, tire center Inc, Colorado springs, co.( dot number: Tire size: P25570R16 )

- Divide, CO, USA

problem #46

Jul 202000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.( dot number: Tire size: P255/7or16 )

- Strang, OK, USA

problem #45

Mar 172000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
On interstate 76 in northeastern Colorado, March 2000, air temperature 50 degrees, vehicle speed 75 mph, tire pressure 30 psi, vehicle load 2 adults and luggage, miles on vehicle and tires approx. 3500, first indication of trouble was increasing noise sounded like a helicopter was overhead and getting closer, then noticed control of vehicle was affected and realized a tire was going, decreased speed as rapidly as possible and was able to maintain control and get vehicle stopped, right rear tire was totally destroyed however tread seemed to be intact however was wrapped around rim and disc brake assembly, rim was on ground but did not damage rim or brake. Firestone would not cover replacement expense because dealer called it a "run-flat" and said he was unable to determine what caused the failure. With recent publicity and pictures in news media, I am very sure we had a tread separation, not a blow out or road damage. I feel very strongly that the 16 inch tires should also be included in the current recall.( dot number: Tire size: P255/70R16 )

- Hastings, NE, USA

problem #44

Jun 302000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
I know this size is not subject to the current recall. But I wanted to let you know that I had a similar blow out with the larger tire. I still have the tire.( dot number: Tire size: 16 inch )

- Mullens, WV, USA

problem #43

Aug 152000

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
I have already removed these tires from my vehicle, due tothe safety of my family, these tires should be recalled immediately. Waiting to gather more information could endanger more people out on our roadways.( dot number: Tire size: P255 70R16 )

- Montclair, VA, USA

problem #42

Jul 292000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
We had come to a complete stop in traffic when we heard what sounded like a "gunshot". the right rear tire quickly went flat and I assumed from the sound that we had experienced a "blowout". the tire was able to be repaired (patched). I realize that the recently announced recall of Firestone tires is currently limited to 15" tires, however, this is the 3rd flat tire we have had in less than a year (2 were punctures which I realize doesn't enter in to the problem). I will never feel comfortable with these tires or safe. We were just lucky that we weren't traveling at a high speed when this tire "blew". we have a small son and this vehicle is our primary transportation. I believe the tire recall should be expanded to include the 16" Wilderness AT tires as well.( dot number: W2cu1px408 tire size: P255/70R16 )

- Clemmons, NC, USA

problem #41

Aug 071999

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
PE00020, original equipment; while driving on interstate at 60 mph suddenly it felt like car lifted, and then heard a pop. When car landed, consumer lost control, car swerved, and used a cement divider to help slow the vehicle down and to keep it from rolling over. The consumer feels the accident was due to faulty Firestone wilderness xt tires and 2 people were injured. The wiper switch was replaced.

- New Roshelle, NY, USA

problem #40

Jul 312000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Tire came apart when SUV went on to black top in 105deg. Temps. From a gravel road. No sign of problem on tire until we drove onto asphalt. At that time we came from a full stop and by the time we accelerated to 30mpg the tire had failed and the tread separated from the core.( dot number: Tire size: 255/70R16 )

- Cedar City, UT, USA

problem #39

Feb 112000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
The tire completely blew out the outward-facing sidewall while driving down a highway at 55 miles per hour. My Ford dealer told me that the Firestone rep. Attributed the failure to road hazards.( dot number: Vdhl1py468 tire size: P235/75R15 )

- West Lafayette, IN, USA

problem #38

Feb 012000

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
P235/75R15, dot vdhl1P49; left rear tire developed a bubble on the side, but not on the tread at only 8,000 miles. Consumer took tire to Firestone, but they refused to replace it.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #37

Aug 242000

Explorer

  • miles
While driving could hear noise coming from left front tire, and could not be balanced. Firestone wilderness 235/75R16.

- Himet, CA, USA

problem #36

Apr 022000

Explorer

  • miles
Side blew out of tire. Firestone dealer said it looked like the result of a prior hard impact with a curb. No such impact occurred. I'm reporting now in light of the Firestone recall of other tires and the fact 2 Firestone dealers said most instances of known tire failures on Explorer were to the right rear tire.( dot number: Tire size: 255/70 R16 )

- Round Rock, TX, USA

problem #35

Aug 082000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
I had noticed vibration at highyway speeds above 55 mph, kept my speed below 70 mph, and scheduled an appointment with the Firestone dealer on S. holly in littleton. I bought the Ford's extended care plan, and Ford rotates the tires every 6,000 miles does not check the tires' balance. Firestone dealer found (1) tire could not be balanced within manufactures' specifications and observed visible 8th-inch wooble on black interior sidewall on the machine. Dealer replaced tire with identical brand with a $13 charge for recycling-disposal. On 8/10/00, I went back to have the spare tire replace the right-rear used tire on the axle opposite the new tire ($29). I appreciated the prompt action, but of course was told, "your tires weren't covered by the recall". maybe they should be, what do you think?( dot number: Vncu 1px tire size: P255/70R16 )

- Englewood, CO, USA

problem #34

Aug 092000

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
My tires have not failed, but I have serious concerns about the safety of these tires. I understand that Ford has replaced Firestone tires for free on vehicles sold in other countries. I don't understand how Ford can consider itself liable elsewhere but not in the usa. I personally don't care where my tires were manufactured or who's liable. I don't trust these tires. My wife drives this vehicle. I can't believe that Firestone thinks 40 deaths caused by tire failure out of 48 million tires is acceptable. It wouldn't be if it was your mother or daughter. I think all of these tires should be recalled, not just the 14 million made in Decatur, il.( dot number: Tire size: P25570R16 )

- Overland Park, KS, USA

problem #33

Aug 092000

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
My tires have not failed, but I have serious concerns about the safety of these tires. I understand that Ford has replaced Firestone tires for free on vehicles sold in other countries. I don't understand how Ford can consider itself liable elsewhere but not in the usa. I personally don't care where my tires were manufactured or who's liable. I don't trust these tires. My wife drives this vehicle. I can't believe that Firestone thinks 40 deaths caused by tire failure out of 48 million tires is acceptable. It wouldn't be if it was your mother or daughter. I think all of these tires should be recalled, not just the 14 million made in Decatur, il.( dot number: Tire size: P25570R16 )

- Overland Park, KS, USA

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