Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
TIRES
03031000206/01/200410012160Use of correct installation procedure for loose hubcap assembly. this service bulletin replaces 030310002. *eh02/16/2005
26060106/26/2001623508Subject regarding tires that are produced with 17 inch, but the spare is a 16 inch tire mounted on a different style wheel.*jb10/29/2001

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
TIRES
11/29/20081510721
 I purchased a set of sigma stampede tires in 2-2007. 3 of the 4 tires purchased had side wal blow outs. i took the tires to where i bought them and the owner said it looked as though there could be a defect. i contacted tbc corp. about the problem and was told that this tire had been recalled but the set i had was the wrong dot #. i then told them 3 out of 4 tires that had no tread damage that blow out the side wall should be looked at i was told to get my receipt and fax it to them and they would make an adjustment on 2 of the tires this was done 2 weeks ago and i have not heard from them . the first tire blew out 11-2008, and i replaced it . the second on 4- 2009and the third on 7-12-2009. they said that i would need all the bad tires for them to look at , but all but 1 cannot be recovered they had me take the remaining tire 34 miles from my home to one of their distributors to look at ,when i went they would not even look at it . this company has done nothing but give me a run-around when all i wanted was to make them aware of a possible problem. they were the pnes that mention an adjustment, and after doing what they asked they will not contact me back. *tr
10/07/2003107/07/2001
 My vehicle, a 2001 chevy suburban is equipped with firestone wilderness le p265 7or/16, and was part of the recall as seen on the firestone settlement website, which also included a list of affected tires to nhtsa pe00-020. as stated on the legal notice, although firestone's recall and replacement programs were completed prior to the settlement, if a member of the class has not replaced, recalled or replacement tires that are still in use on his or her vehicle, firestone will replace those tires without charge if the vehicle is brought to a firestone tire service center. went to a firestone tire service center and the store manager (alfonso) said that he could not replace the tires because he was unaware of the recall notice, to that particular tire. spoke to a different manager (doug) and its supervisor (sandy) and both of whom are unaware of the recall situation. recommended to call 866-345-0360. she also took my information down in order to relay it to someone else in the company for call back. i called the number she gave me and received recordings that detail what the settlement web site describe. i would like firestone to abide by the proposed settlement as soon as possible. *la
12/25/200236000004/06/2002
 I have a suburban with wilderness le tires - p265 70r 16. had a flat tire while driving. when i stopped to put air into the tire, it was totally mishaped with numerous bubbles in the rubber. could find no apparent reason for the flat, and could still hear air escaping through the tire. my vehicle was assembled in mexico at the plant that is involved in the recalls. the recall covers tires from cars assembled in that plant in april and may of 2000. my car was assembled there in august of 2000. i believe that the recall should possibly be extended to a larger time frame. i am going to have all of my tires inspected.
09/02/20011
 With no prior warning, the consumer experienced a blowout on the left front tire. which was witnessed by occupants of a second company vehicle, in which they saw the explosive failure and seperation of the firestone tire. (firstone steeltex radial lt245-75r16) *scc
1
 Consumer purchased vehicle advising dealer he did not want firestone tires on the vehicle. dealer informed consumer that the tires were specifically for the vehicle. the vehicle wanders on the highway, and there is hydroplanning on wet surfaces and it handles poorly, the dealer released some of the air out of the tires, consumer is having trouble in determining what pressure tires should be inflated to. *jg (firestone steeltex r45 lt245/75r 16e)
02/08/2002109/01/2001
 While driving 75 mph the rear right tire blewout, there was a fist size whole on the side of the tire where the tread and sidewall meet (2001 chevrolet suburban, p265/70r16 spec # 155ms, original tires on the vehicle)firestone wilderness le. nlm
12/26/2001108/01/2001
 I took new suburban in twice for vibrations and pulling. chevrolet claimed nothing wrong. tire blew out on 12/26/01. chev said that it was not there problem. firstone said they would replace the one tire but that chev had to pay for damage to suv. chev said they will not as they can not see inside of a tire. now the 800 firestone says i have to mail in the tire and they will investagate as to if it was a tire defect. the local firestone already said it was. attorney said not to mail in the tire. firestone refuses to fix damage and to buy tires back that are only 5 months old. these people should be put out of business. local firestone says they will buy tires for 25 dollars each only if i replace them with more firestone tires. i have a 40k suv i refuse to drive because of firestone. i want the suv fixed and tires put on from another company. *ak (tiresize: p26570r-16)
09/01/2001207/01/2001
 I blew out the original tire on my suburban in sept, and spent $112.00 for a brand new replacement, and blew that tire out in november,the guy who put on my spare told me that there were problems with these tires splitting, or blowing, so i am having all of them replaced tomorrow... i talked to goodyear people here in haskell, and they say there is no warranty on them,, so it is my loss,, i dont think this is right.. and if these are defective i think someone, either the dealership or someone should replace them.... and goodyear should stand behind them,,,these tires are not safe<, please ,look into this and adivse thanks much,,jennabeth kimbrough, jkimbr8751@aol.com. *ak
11/02/2001208/01/2000
 Two of the original tires failed at under 10,000 miles. i was afraid to drive on the other two and was forced to buy 4 new tires at a cost of $462.00. i believe chevrolet installs inferior tires on this heavy vehicle. i havae never had tires fail at under 10,000 miles. i would expect compensation of $462.00 . if you want further info you may contact me at 602-678-1825. thank you. *ak (dot number: ? tiresize: 24575r16)
08/23/2001106/01/2001
 Tire blew out- no apparent reason, photos available. *ak (tiresize: p26570r16)
08/03/2001205/01/2001
 There are small hunks of tread missing on the two front tires in different places. *ak (tiresize: p245/75r16)
08/03/2001205/01/2001
 There are small hunks of tread missing on the two front tires in different places. *ak
TIRES - BEAD
07/30/200101/01/2001
 Slow leak in tire. went to get repaired. found 2 kinked beads on both sides of tire. if not had brought in tire, was informed tire would have blown out. *ak (dot number: 8x72 4600 tiresize: p265/70616)
TIRES - SIDEWALL
11/04/20042
 While traveling a loud noise was heard coming from the front. consumer pulled over, and noticed that driver 's side front tire sidewall tread separated from the wheel. a second incident happened while the vehicle was parked in the garage. the passenger's side tire sidewall tread separated as well. future adveturer, h/t p265/70r16, dot ut72xd90804. *ak
07/10/200417000107/15/2001
 2001 chevrolet surburban - approx 17000 miles - months ago - received a recall on this surburban for the firestone wilderness tires - took it to dealer and they said that these tires looked okay. however - on 7/10/04 coming back from a 2 mile drive for groceries - (a major street) - heard a huge explosion sound - the truck swerved wildly - we were thrown and tossed but had seat belts and kids in carriers- going 35 miles per hour - my wife and children terrified and crying - and they were tossed side to side - wife in pain - son had huge belt bruise - i pulled my lower back - my baby seems okay. when it finally stopped in middle of road - i found thatrear left tire had completely blown out like a popped balloon - entire internal about 12 by 8 inches - v pattern - this is the same kind of damage that got all that news attention about firestone tires just blowing on the tire walls and roll overs on freeways. we were terrified when we realized this and knew that had we been going faster we would have nearly died! went to my chevy dealer immediately at henderson chevy (spare on) - completely ignored my complaint. please help !!!! we are terrifed to drive this truck and cannot afford to just buy all new tires - and what about being hurt and this happening just like it did to so many others the same way (their suv's and firestone wilderness tires) - again help please!*ak
10/18/2001203/10/2001
 Two rear tires experienced blowouts in the sidewall with no apparent puncture resulting in some property damage (general ameri 660 as p24575r16, dotad70ek14800). nlm
TIRES - TREAD/BELT
08/07/2004360001
 Driving a 2001 chevrolet suburban with 35,000 miles and original equipment firestone steeltex 16 inch tires during the day on dry road, i had an unexpected tread separation and explosive blow out at 70 mph.tire pressures were checked before the trip and no defects in any of the tires was noted. there was some damage to the car in the wheel well area that will require a fair amount of body work to repair. this just happened yesterday 08aug04, and i have not had a chance to contact a chevy or a firestone dealer.*ak
06/09/20041
 The tread separated on the rear passenger tire of our 2001 suburban. the tire is a firestone wilderness le with 48,000 miles on it the serial number is v672wl23600. it was a 65 degree day and there was no load on the vehicle. the inside 1/3 of the tire looked like someone took a knife and sliced down under the cords.*ak
36000111/01/2000
 Upon inspection of the tires by the dealership, while doing an oil change, they noticed that all four tires were experiencing tread separation. *ak *la
08/12/20031
 Firestone load range e tire had tread separation while towing airstream trailer. the tow vehicle was a 2001 suburban. *mr *scc *ph *nlm
07/18/200339562208/17/2000
 My firestone tires came apart on my trip to nev. i was in a curve at 70mph with the cruise control on when the tred came off on the left rear tire throwing us into a skid. the tred riped out the splash gaurd and the fender moulding then hiting the rear quarter and leaving a14 by 8 inch dent. then about an hour or so later the left front gets a ply seperation. i dont care about the junk tires but if my wife was driving i'm sure someone would of gotten hurt. i drove truck for about 16 years so my skill level is a little better than average.*ak
07/02/200313571110/30/2001
 On july 2nd 2003, we experienced a blowout on our 2001 suburban. the firestone steel-tex tires (245/75r16)only had 13571 miles on them and we had maintained the truck and tires according to the gm service schedule at the local dealership. we were hauling a trailer in the mountains; temperature was only 75 degrees. we experienced a weird bumpy feeling and then a loud explosion. the tire tread was separting totally from the sidewalls. we had nowhere to pull off the highway to change the tire; it was a very dangerous potentially, deadly situation. gm is unwilling to help cover the costs for replacement tires, so far. they only were willing to replace the blown tire with the exact same firestone. we did not even request that the tires be replaced at no cost to us; we just want some help towards the purchase of another make of tires. given the number of similar complaints on your website; i can't imagine that there's no inherent flaw in these tires.*ak
06/05/20031
 Driving 2001 chevy suburban when left rear original equipment firestone steeltex radial r4s separated and damaged the truck . body damage to truck rear fender . right rear tire has crack around tread like firestone wilderness,. *jb
1
 While traveling 60 mph without any indication left rear tire lost the tread, but still had air in tire. please provide further information. *ak
05/01/200326000002/05/2001
 Tire separation at 26000 miles
06/23/2002
 Tires are coupling on inside of tread. consumer feels tire may blow and cause a major accident. dealers are aware of problem, and offer to pay 50 percent. please provide any further information.*ak
1
 Consumer had replaced all 4 firestone wilderness le tires because of the danger associated with the tires, this size had not yet been included so consumer could not be reimbursed, however a few weeks later, this size was recalled and consumer was informed that she could not be reimbursed at this time (ref. #560360 and 560698) *slc