Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIRES | ||||||
| EA02018 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 08/19/2002 | 08/22/2003 | RAPID TIRE DEFLATION | ||
| This investigation was opened on certain ford pickup trucks and vans to evaluate the effects of a valve stem ejection (with rapid air loss) and a slow leaking valve stem on vehicle handing.during the investigation, odi evaluated over 1,100 complaints and warranty claims, conducted vehicle dynamic testing on a subject vehicle with the failure mode replicated, interviewed owners, and examined complaint vehicles in the field.the results of the test program indicates the effect of a valve stem ejection on these vehicles is easily controlled. further, with a population of almost 900,000 vehicles, having two to four years of exposure, odi is aware of only 3 minor crashes and is unaware of any injuries.the small number of crashes relative to the large population of vehicles is consistent with the testing which was performed. therefore, this investigation is closed.see the attached report for full technical details. | ||||||
| TIRES - VALVE | ||||||
| EA02018 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 08/19/2002 | 08/22/2003 | RAPID TIRE DEFLATION | ||
| This investigation was opened on certain ford pickup trucks and vans to evaluate the effects of a valve stem ejection (with rapid air loss) and a slow leaking valve stem on vehicle handing.during the investigation, odi evaluated over 1,100 complaints and warranty claims, conducted vehicle dynamic testing on a subject vehicle with the failure mode replicated, interviewed owners, and examined complaint vehicles in the field.the results of the test program indicates the effect of a valve stem ejection on these vehicles is easily controlled. further, with a population of almost 900,000 vehicles, having two to four years of exposure, odi is aware of only 3 minor crashes and is unaware of any injuries.the small number of crashes relative to the large population of vehicles is consistent with the testing which was performed. therefore, this investigation is closed.see the attached report for full technical details. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIRES | |||
| 04/01/2004 | 71750 | 2 | 09/09/1999 |
| Second disintegration of a firestone 225/75/r16e. caused extensive damage to the compartment housing water pump, water service line, 120v electrical, 3/8 propane copper tubing to stove, water heater, furnace, etc. motorhome is jayco, class c, new in 1999. damage to outside paneling as well. *nm | |||
| 05/28/2003 | 1 | ||
| Tread on rear right side separated while driving the vehicle at 50mph . firestone steel tex r4s size#lt225/75r16 dot# vd1le38. *tt | |||
| 01/08/2003 | |||
| The service of quick change oil shops to adjust tire pressures on warm/hot tires to recommended (cold) pressures. this results in cold pressures of 4 to 6 psi below recommended pressure if checked properly. | |||
| 04/17/2002 | 1 | 06/01/2000 | |
| No summary. dt | |||
| These tires are mounted on a 32 foot jayco class c motorhome on a ford chassis. the first tire to blowout was the left side inside dual tire at 15000 miles. the second tire to blowout was the outside right dual at 17180 miles. this blowout caused $3243.00 to my motorhome. air pressure in the tire was 72psi and the temperature was approximately 90 degrees f. my insurance company, state farm mutual, had the tire inspected and determined that a defect caused the thread separation. i am very concerned about our family's safety since there are still five of the orginial seven tire still on our motorhome. dy | |||
| 05/04/2002 | 2 | 07/01/2099 | |
| Firestone denies that the tires were faulty, they claim that i drove the vehicle with underinflated tires. before i drive this vehicle on the highway i always check the tire pressures and fluids. i replaced all of the firestone tires before one blew out on the front and caused a crash. in 26 years of driving numerous vehicles with various tires i have never experienced anything like these tires that have failed prematurely. i kept the remaining 5 of the tires from this set and am having them tested by someone other than firestone. i find firestones explanation of underinflation impossible to believe since i am the one who has properly maintained this vehicle. nlm | |||
| 04/05/2002 | 1 | 06/01/2099 | |
| Inside right rear duel tire blew blewout. *ak | |||
| 07/28/2002 | 1 | 07/01/2001 | |
| Dot # was hard to read on the sidewall, so i'm not sure if i got it correct. there wasn't enough room in the block to enter complete tire size; it is lt225/75r16. catastrophic tire failure (tread separated) on low-mileage, properly-inflated tire. did significant damage to the underside of my rv. i have a written repair estimate of $2,010.00, which was prepared by property damage appraisers of albuquereque, nm, 505-242-1531, estimate id # 2080027.*ak | |||
| 05/04/2002 | 1 | 07/01/2099 | |
| Both of these tires were produced at the decauter il plant, where the majority of the previously recalled tires were produced. these tires failed at highway speed, fortunately they were of the rear duals and i did not loose control. i know of other people who have experienced this same failure with this exact same tire. all firestorne tires produced at this plant should be closely examined for defects in manufacturing. in 26 years of driving various sizes of vehicles and various tire manufacturers i have never had a single tire fail like these two tires failed. these tires are completely detreaded .*ak | |||
| 06/27/2002 | 3 | 07/01/2099 | |
| Driving on highway. right rear outside dual blew out. appears tread seperated from casing. loss of control onto dirt shoulder causing damage to motorhome body. 75 miles later, left inside dual blew out, tread seperated. return trip 6-30-02 right inside dual blew. less than 11,000 miles on tires. all original tires. vehicle ourchased new in july of 1999. i have possession of tires | |||
| 06/01/2099 | |||
| This tire was on a jayco eagle class c motorhome. *ak (dot number: vd1l1xd438 tiresize: lt225/75r1) | |||
| 08/26/2001 | 1 | 06/01/1999 | |
| While driving 60 - 63 mph, i started to feel a vibration. i thought it was because of the road, but a short time later, i heard a loud bang and felt something hit underneath the motorhome. i immediately slowed down and pulled over to the shoulder. i found the rear, inside, passenger side tire was swelled up. the rubber tread was gone. only the cords were there. i slowly drove a short distance to the exit and into a parking lot, where i jacked up the motorhome, released the pressure from the tire, and proceeded to change the tire. i reported the incident to ford and they told me to contact firestone directly. i called firestone and was told that series tire was not on recall, and to contact a dealer for prorated replacement. after numerous calls to several dealers, i finally found one that would replace the tire. he calculated the proration by averaging the tread on the rest of the tires. he replaced the original, steeltex r4s 225/75/16 tire with a steeltex r4s ii 225/75/16.*ak (tiresize: 225/75/16) | |||
| 07/21/2001 | 3 | 02/01/2000 | |
| Firestone stated the tires were caused by an impact break ,ifind this hard to believe at 4,700 -6,700&7,252 miles i see this as serious and dangerous problem .i hope there will be a recall before someone dies .my motorhome only has 8,000 miles on it now and i have never ran over avything.thank you,bruce mcallister. *ak (dot number: vd1l1xd309 tiresize: lt225/7516) | |||
| 08/03/2001 | 1 | 02/01/2000 | |
| 0nly having 8,000 on mtr.home with proper inflation on 3 tires there iss a problem. *ak (dot number: vd1l1xd309 tiresize: lt22575r16) | |||
| 09/19/2000 | 1 | 06/01/1999 | |
| Inside rear tire tread separated, causing damage to rv. *ak (dot number: vdilixd828 tiresize: lt22575r16) | |||
| 06/23/2000 | 3 | 12/01/1998 | |
| This was the third steeltex tire to fail on this vehicle. this vehicle was manufactured overweight. the secondary manufacturer has offered to exchange it for a new motorhome. i have serious reservations that the new unit is safe. (tiresize: 225 75 16e)( dot number: tire size: 225 75 16e ) | |||
| 08/01/1999 | 2 | 04/01/1999 | |
| This tire had the exact same problem as what is being reported in the news for firestones on ford suvs - the sidewalls completely separated from the tread. the problem was reported to firestone shortly after the incident - reference number 018525. the tire was sent back to firestone for evaluation, after which they refused to compensate us or admit fault based on their statement the problem was cause by low tire-pressure. after additional requests, firestone paid for our tire and related damage to the vehicle in the amount of $685.27 with check number 231704, dated 11-300-1999. i called their hotline tonight to note the similarities between my problem and those in the news - ford vehicle, tread seperating, dot #s starting with vd. i was told they could not help me (i requested replacement of all tires) and was referred to the local service center. i will be taking the vehicle there for inspection.( dot number: vd111xd119 tire size: 24575r16 ) | |||
| TIRES - SIDEWALL | |||
| 07/07/2001 | 2 | 02/01/1999 | |
| Experienced tread separation on two tires within 24 hours and 500 miles. 1st incident did not result in blow out,, but 2nd incident did - causing damage to motor home. i have filed claims with st. farm (claim #255541240) and firestone. i have sent tires to firestone. i have photos of tires and damage to motorhome. i have replaced other 5 tires on motorhome - all steeltex r4s and have kept the tires. i am seeking help in recovering damages and expenses from firestone as i believe these tires to be defective. i have provided winnebago dealer with copy of claim data sent to st. farm and firestone. *ak (dot number: vd1l1xd039 tiresize: lt225/75r1) | |||
| 07/07/2001 | 2 | 02/01/1999 | |
| Experienced tread separation on two tires within 24 hours and 500 miles. 1st incident did not result in blow out,, but 2nd incident did - causing damage to motor home. i have filed claims with st. farm (claim #255541240) and firestone. i have sent tires to firestone. i have photos of tires and damage to motorhome. i have replaced other 5 tires on motorhome - all steeltex r4s and have kept the tires. i am seeking help in recovering damages and expenses from firestone as i believe these tires to be defective. i have provided winnebago dealer with copy of claim data sent to st. farm and firestone. *ak | |||
| TIRES - TREAD/BELT | |||
| 05/20/2005 | 10000 | 2 | 04/01/2000 |
| Loud noise from motorhome while driving. rear right tire (firestone steeltex r4s) had bulged and the tread had seperated from the tire, leaving the steel showing. it ripped the mud flap off and damaged the rear wheelwell. after replacing it, and less than 10 miles later, we heard a loud noise again. the rear left tire had a large bulge and the tread had seperated from it. a third tire also has a bulge. | |||
| 12/23/1999 | 2100 | 2 | 07/01/1999 |
| Problems with tires on 1999 big foot model motor home. *mr as the consumer made a turn, a loud explosive noise was heard. the consumer saw in the rear view mirror, large chunks of rubber and big pieces of tread flying from under the vehicle. the right rear tire exploded and what was left was 2 inch rings mounted on the rim, also the other tire looked as if it was partially deflated. this problem repeated, but this time the inner tire well and the exhaust system was damaged as a result. *sc *jb | |||
| 12/23/1999 | 1 | 07/01/1999 | |
| Right rear tire exploded while driving. *mr there were chunks of rubber and big pieces of tread flying from under the motor home. the tire looked as if it were partially deflated. (1999 big foot motor home mounted to the ford e450) *sc *jb | |||
| 06/17/2003 | 17434 | 1 | 06/26/1999 |
| Firestone r4s blow out on right front tire of 1999 ford f-450sd with coachman motor home mounted on frame. unit not over loaded and proper air pressure maintained.checking i have found other tires with hair line cracks around where thread meets sidewall. i am replacing tires and will hold firestone tires while waiting for tires to be recalled . | |||
| 06/11/2003 | 16500 | 1 | 12/31/1999 |
| My rv suffered a tire blowout and complete tred separation on the road on vacation. damage was sustained to the under side of my rv by the tred wipping the rv as it separated. the tire had only 16,000 miles on it, was properly inflated and was going only about 55 mph on normal dry pavement. the tire is a firestone steeltex radial r4s lt225/75 r16 load range e dot vd1l 1xd 259 other numbers on tire 25439 ur bd99805-6 da180p d06l 06029. *ak | |||
| 03/10/2003 | 30000 | 1 | 11/03/1998 |
| A tire lost its tread while traveling on i40 in lebanon,tn, while enroute to new hampshire. the tire was a firestone, on a dutchman motor home with a ford chasis.*jb | |||
| 06/29/2002 | 1 | 06/25/1999 | |
| Two duel tires experienced tread separation while driving. tire size 227516, dot vd14xd199, original tires.*ak motorhome on a ford chasis. *jb | |||
| 06/23/2002 | 1 | 09/01/1999 | |
| While driving at 55-60 mph, with the driver and one passenger in a 1999, ford e450 right rear tire had blownout, and tread separation. the original equipment, tire size lt225/75r16, dot# vd1l1xd079. tire was available for analysis, and firestone was notified. *ak *scc | |||
| 04/08/2002 | 1 | 04/01/2099 | |
| Heard a loud bang and felt a shake in the steering wheel. pulled over to check the tires and found nothing. after about 30 mile the tread separated from the tire. i did not lose air and was able to change to the spare. the tire stll had 11/32's of tread left. the tires were built in the decatur plant.*ak | |||
| 06/12/2002 | 1 | 04/01/2099 | |
| This is the 2nd tire to have tread separation in 2 months. the first tire i caught in time and only lost a piece of rubber off the right front tire. the 2nd on was the right inside rear dual. the mud flap holder and the 3 tail pipe saved the rig from major damage (gray water holding tank).*ak | |||
| 11/15/2001 | 3 | 07/01/1999 | |
| While driving 50mph, both left and right rear tires on recreation vehicle had tread separation. firestone checked tires 3,000 miles prior to separation. contacted manufacturer.*ak | |||
| 12/01/1999 | |||
| Tread separated from right rear inside (dual) tire causing immediate deflation of tire and damage to wheel well, air bag suspension system, and right rear basement storage box. gvw and gaw well below maximum rated weights. tire checked 6 hours prior to failure. tire pressure was 80 psi cold and no damage was noted at that time. *ak (dot number: vd1l1xd259 tiresize: lt225r7516) | |||
| 12/01/2000 | 1 | 01/01/1999 | |
| Firestone, steel tex original tires on a ford, e450, 1999. tire size lt225/75r16, dot a180pd07r. tires are showing signs of tread separation and cracking. *ak the firestone dealer offered to replace the failed tire for $50 based on tread life formula. *yh | |||
| 12/31/2000 | 1 | 06/01/1999 | |
| Tread seperation, tire inflated to 75 psi. *ak (dot number: vd1l 1xd tiresize: lt225/75r1) | |||
| 12/08/2000 | 04/01/1999 | ||
| Tread separated from tire, but didn't peel off. *ak( dot number: tire size: 225-75r 16 ) | |||
| 12/08/2000 | 04/01/1999 | ||
| Tread separated from tire, but didn't peel off. *ak (tiresize: 225-75r 16)( dot number: tire size: 225-75r 16 ) | |||
| 10/30/2000 | 1 | 11/01/1999 | |
| Firestone steeltex tires lt225/75r16 dot vd1l1xd109 have ripples on them, causing vehicle to ride rough. *slc | |||
| 09/25/2000 | 2 | 01/28/2000 | |
| Ea00023; tire tread separation: while driving about 60 mph, tread separation from rear outside tire on the passenger's side. driver and one other passenger were in the motorhome. no one was injured. driver did maintain control of motorhome which was almost hit by an eighteen wheeler. original tire equipment on a 1999, four winds, funmover. tire size lt22575r16 ms, tire mileage about 14,500. firestone was not interested about the tire. please list dot # 25991 or bd99805-6. *ak outside rear tire separated and the steel belt whipping around destroyed the tire nex to it. *yh | |||
| 06/01/2000 | 3 | 01/22/2000 | |
| Firestone, steeltex radial original equipment on a f450, lt225/75r6s size, dt#vd111xd, ambulance vehicle. two of the tires had tread separation, and one tire blewout. *ak | |||
| 06/12/2000 | 1 | 06/01/1999 | |
| Tire seperated at tread while driving and nearly came off completly.( dot number: vd1l1xd tire size: 225/75r16 ) | |||