The contact owns a 2001 Ford Taurus. The vehicle had cooper tires, line dean alpha, dot 3dx8dk30707, size P215-60-R16. The contact was driving 70 mph when the vehicle began abnormally vibrating followed by a loud, unusual noise. The contact discovered that the front passenger tire had blown. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the tire was replaced, as well as the rear tires. The mechanic advised that the steel belts were separated from the rear tires. The manufacturer of the tires would not provide any assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 48,000.

- Fortson , GA, USA

2001 Ford Taurus rear spring coils. Why isn't there a recall for the rear spring coils, when there is a recall for the front spring coils? the same problem happens with the rear spring coils that happens with the front spring coils. Tires are exploding! this is extremely dangerous!!!!!!! Ford needs to take responsibility for this problem!

- Billerica, MA, USA

We own a 2001 Ford Taurus with about 28,000 miles on this vehicle. I am handicap and this is the vehicle that we use to get me to appointments, etc. We are very lucky that the front tire exploded while my husband was backing out of our driveway and not while we were already driving on the highway or where ever! we had the car towed to our mechanic and he told us that the tire exploded because of the front spring coil. Once we found out the cause, I looked on the internet for any issues or recalls for this problem, and low and behold there is a recall because of the front spring coils. We then had the vehicle towed to the Ford dealership that we bought the car from. They are fixing the car now. Yesterday we were told by the dealership that there is a problem with the rear spring coils and that they also need to be replaced. There is not a recall on the rear spring coils, even though I have been researching this issue for the last few days and it appears that Ford should have an active recall on the rear spring coils. Ford needs to step up and issue a recall for the rear spring coils. We have been told the Ford will not pay for the tire that exploded (btw: The 2 front tires were just replaced this past summer) and they won't pay for the rear spring coils to be replaced, even though they have to be replaced! I thought that Ford made safe vehicles, but I now know that is not the case. Ford needs to do something before something serious happens to somebody. I am extremely disappointed!!!

- Billerica, MA, USA

I bought my 2001 Ford Taurus used, in 2004 it has been a good car until 2008 when it started shaking in the front end. I took it to the mechanic and they told me it was a rack and pinion, so I had that replaced and paid through the nose. The car was still shaking, I took it back he said that I had to get it aligned because it was towed out and he did not have the equipment to do that. I replaced the now bald tired and had it aligned. Still shaking and now worse, I am now unemployed and can not afford to take the car to the shop and the warranty on the mechanic I took it to is up and he says it is my responsibility to pay for him to look at it further. When I had it aligned they did tell me that the rods and the struts were fine. So what exactly could this be? after 40 mph the steering wheel shakes like crazy and there is a whirling noise coming from the wheels. Please help.

- Greenville, TX, USA

I own a 2001 Ford Taurus. The front and rear coil springs have been replaced two times over the years. There was a recall on the front springs but none on the rear. My recent incident occurred in October. I had five kids in the car when the front coil broke off and ripped the tire. The cost to fix was $1,700. Why hasn't there been a stronger demand for Ford to fix this problem. Searching the internet I know this is a widespread problem.

- West Mifflin, PA, USA

I noticed a noise after tires were rotated. I asked to have it looked at during 90,000 mile maintenance. Both rear coil springs on 2001 Ford Taurus broke. Rear driver side tire shredded as result of broken coil. Had to have both rear coils replaced, and buy two new tires for vehicle.

- Woodridge, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Taurus. While driving 35 mph, the contact heard a loud rubbing noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the shop and it was discovered that the rear springs failed and punctured the tires. The contact spoke with the manufacturer requesting assistance with the $1,300 repair cost, but was denied assistance. The current and failure mileages were 43,000. The consumer stated replaced 2 tires were needed 4 were bought, both sets of springs, struts, mounts. The dealer stated the left rear brakes seem to be hanging. Updated 08/07/07

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

Large bang noise on moderate (normal) braking to stop sign. Vehicle was taken to local Ford dealership for inspection. Found 2 fractured rear coil springs as well as two tire severely grooved on interior of sidewall. Replaced two springs, as well as two rear tires. Previous tires were about a month old.

- Hartford, WI, USA

2001 Ford Taurus' left rear tire blewout. The drive lost control of the vehicle and traveled off the right side of the roadway striking a guardrail. The entire left side of the vehicle was scraped. The tire were purchased two weeks prior to the accident. The driver sustained injury to right shoulder.

- Sharon Hill, PA, USA

While driving at approximately 5 mph and approaching a stop sign the left rear coil spring broke and punctured the tire. The owner later contacted the manufacturer, and was told that there was nothing else they could do. All four tires were replaced due to cracking and not holding air.. two rear spring were replaced.

- Salem, MA, USA

Driver was backing out of parking space and the right side collapsed to the ground, and the tire blew out. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that right side coil spring and tire needed to be replaced.

- Lancaster, NY, USA

There were tire cracks 3-5 inches long and they leaked air. They manufacturer gave the consumer $88 which only covered the cost of one tire. (the consumers son in law wrote in on behalf of the consumer lawrence marinelli)

- Plymouth, MI, USA

Bought used 2001 Taurus in Aug. Of 2002. On the test drive I noticed the car pulled to the left and there was vibration in the steering wheel. The dealer at no cost to me did a wheel alignment and wheel balance. I drove again and it was fine. Approximately 4500 miles later the steering wheel vibration returned and the car was again pulling slightly to the left. I took it in to the dealer again and was told that the likely cause of the vibration was that a wheel weight was lost, but had no explaination for the pulling. They rebalanced the wheels and rotated the tires. Again everything was fine until Nov. 2003 as I was driving I once again felt the vibration in the steering wheel and it was much more severe on cornering. I took it to an independent repair shop(nearest Ford dealer was 25 miles away). They found the left front tire to have a flat spot on the outer tread area(slipped belt) and both outer tie rod ends to be loose, the left one being extermely worn. They indicated to me that they have seen numerous problems with the Continental oe tires not holding balance, having bad wear problems, etc. They installed two aftermarket, greasable tie rod ends and did a wheel alignment and rotation. At this point I have submitted the repair bill to a Ford dealer for possible reimbursment, however I am not holding my breath. My opinion is that Continental tires are junk and Ford knows it. The Ford dealer indicated to me that they have had no othe problems like mine, a much different opinion than the independent garage. Also tie rod ends usually don't fail at 39K miles for no reason. I have a friend that has a 2002 Taurus with Continental tires and has had to have them balanced several times due to steering wheel vibration.

- Milford, NE, USA

While driving at normal speed rear right tire tread separated. Firestone, infinity, size #P215/60R16, dot#unknown.

- Glen Arm, MD, USA

While driving at 65 mph, the heard consumer heard a loud popping sound and soon discovered the left rear tire blew out. The manufacturer was consulted about the problem.

- Angels Camp, CA, USA

While driving and without warning front and rear passengers side tires were separating. Dealer notified. Tire size P215/60R16.

- Riviera Beach, FL, USA

Left front tire, on Firestone affinity 206016, blew out while driving. If I was driving at a faster speed would have cause a lot of damage.

- Port Charlotte, FL, USA

The driver's side tire experienced a blow out.

- Columbia, SC, USA

Consumer experienced a tire failure. (Continental general tires)

- Mechanicsville, VA, USA

While driving on the interstate, the front right tires suddenly exploded and had gone flat in a matter of seconds. Consumer stated that the vehicle did not hit a curb, stone, or any sharp objects, and it was obvious that there was something wrong with the tire itself that caused the internal damage whether over a period of time or rapidly. Consumer is aware of the history of such incidents with Continental tires, and would like for Continental tires to replace the tires with another brand, due to their lack of reliability and concern over his family's safety. (Continental touring contact as tires-under warrantee tire/file#01265)

- Mechanicsville, VA, USA