Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
TIRES - TREAD/BELT
01X001000FORD MOTOR COMPANY X1300000006/04/2001MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY05/22/200105/22/2001
Defect SummaryThis is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. equipment description: ford is replacing all firestone wilderness at 15, 16, and 17 inch tires mounted on ford trucks and suvs. ford reports tread separation can occur due to a combination of the sensitivity of the tire design to stress, aging, and manufacturing differences between plants. ford is replacing these tires to prevent possible premature tire failure. vehicle description: the vehicles listed below may have been originally equipped with firestone wilderness at tires or may have had wilderness at tires installed during the firestone recall launched in august 2000. certain 1991 throught 2002 ford explorer certain 2001 throught 2002 explorer sport, and sport trac certain 1997 through 2002 mercury mountaineer certain 1991 through 2001 ranger certain 1999 through 2001 expedition certain 1991 through 1994, and 1997 model year f-series certain 1991 through 1994 bronco note: both original equipment and replacement tires are affected.
Consequence SummaryShould the tread separate at highway speeds, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
Corrective SummaryThe replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on march 31, 2002. however, customers can contact ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.ford.com for possible assistance.
Notes

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
TIRES
01B7710/01/2001628153Owner notification program supplement 7 revised information - regarding replacement of wilderness at tires. *tt03/05/2002

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
TIRES
08/05/20125
 Cpsc#i12a0111a. 2001 ford explorer. consumer stated that a day after she brought the car it broke down. *ln the consumer stated there was a problem with the engine, as well as a hole in gas tank, which had rusted out, the bearings needed to be replaced, the tire were dry rotted, as they kept going flat, the driver's door did not lock, the rear doors did not open from the inside, the rear driver's door did not open at all, the outside handle was broke, the rear hatch would not close, and most of the time it had to be slammed shut.
05/09/2010112461
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford explorer with goodyear wrangler rt/s tires, size p255/70r16. the contact noticed the rear passengers tire was flat and the remaining three tires exhibited signs of dry rotting. the vehicle was towed to a local tire shop. the mechanic advised they would take partial liability for three of the four tires and the fourth would be replaced at the owners expense. the contact believed the tire manufacturer should take the liability for all four tires. the dot number was unknown. the tire failure mileages was 32,985. the vehicle failure and current mileages were 112,461.
11/01/20045
 Driver seat recliner bolt, the seat back/recline/forward broke, replaced several times. *bf the oil filter had come with a hole too large, the driver's side seat handle broke, the tires blewout and caused an accident that totaled the vehicle. *sc
08/19/20041
 The consumer noticed the rear passenger 's side tire was flat. when the consumer changed the tire, he noticed that the spare tire was a goodyear wrangler p26570r17. this tire was not the same tire that was on the truck. the tire that was flat was a coreovan wild track radial suv ms p2657017. please fill in additional information on the #dot number. *jb
11/29/2002101/01/2001
 No summary. dt
10/24/20001209/01/2000
 Vehicle is confined to driveway. consumer has replaced tires 4 times. mr
10/17/20001510/24/2000
 The consumer stated, while traveling, the vehicle will wander into traffic. the vehicles tires, have been replace four times. dealer has been contacted. *nlm the consumer states that she must strong arm to maintain control on the bumpy roads. the consumer has experienced an unsusual case of wandering, clunking noise-bolt missing/4 visits of repair, tire wear/noise vibrations-6 occurences, and alignment/suspension issues-5 occurences, that will not repair. the consumer has had several to many of the same opinions and suggestions of/for repair, and has tried just about everything to remedy the problem(s) and keeps getting the same problems. all with no cooperation/consideration of ford. *scc
03/01/2001
 Ford stated to me that i need to make an appointment to replace my tires but they refuse to pay for this.*ak (tiresize: 17)
102/01/2001
 I have kept the tires in question in the event of any legal proceedings. i believe that my tires or some internal malfunction to the vehicle caused it to lose control and cause this accident. *ak
03/25/20011
 Vehicle rollover accident march 25, 2001 in toledo ohio. approximate speed 25 mph. explorer rolled over 6 times with me as the passenger being ejected during the 3rd roll. driver and rear seated passenger were help in the vehicle and received lacerations a broken finger and chest injuries. front passenger ( me ) was ejected from the vehicle and came to rest against the front drivers side tire. vehicle at rest on tires. received 4 broken ribs, 5 broken , dislocated transverse process and multiple stitches for cuts and abrasions in arms and head. rear drivers side tire was flat after the accident and was the only tire damaged. pictures of the accident are available along with any other information.*ak (tiresize: p255/70r16)
105/19/2001
 The vehicles rear end shifts side to side over washboard bumps. the consumer received a letter from manufacturer offering to replace all five tires and request that his local ford dealer, order the tires.(firestone wilderness at tires p255/70r16 s)*yh
112/01/2000
 Have contacted ford country dealership for the recall/replacement of tires jun 6,jul 2,jul 13, jul 23 and on aug 16 & 17. in jun the service mgr larry said replacement tires would be in about 2wks. in aug he will not answer my calls or return my calls. i had orginally requested michelin tire as approved by the ford motor co. i feel like i'm just getting the run around. my wife and i are seniors and drive the hi-ways frequently, she is concerned about the firestone tires driving at the speed limit 75mph as well as at 109 degrees temp. and rightfully so. an accident at our age could well be fatal. the tire calls for inflated press. to 40lbs, ford co. says 30 in the front and 35 in the rear. when inflating at 30 in the front i notice the steering is hard (perhaps this vehicle is designed too top heavy and that is whay they have you lower the pressure in the front tires in turn making the steering hard to turn) anyhow i suspect the dealership is not replacing the recalls because their to busy replacing the tires on their car lot first, there in dangering other peoples lifes so that they can sell their vehicles. i have not had a blowout yet, nor do i look forward to having one at 75mph at 109 temp. i would appreciate your help in making ford co. and their dealership making good on their recall efforts. even though these tires are relatively new the temptures here in vegas and speed limits required can endanger my wife and family. will not answer or return my calls. in jun. *ak (tiresize: p25570r16)
05/11/2001105/20/2001
 Nhtsa recall # 01x001000, manufacturer's recall 01x001000. no size and date available while driving around 40 mph on wet pavement. vehicle hydroplaned due to tires. also stated tires recalled and have not be replaced yet.*ak
06/25/200102/01/2001
 Re brakes: they have replaced the brake shoes/pad twice ands rotors once. re tire/wheels they could not get them to balance out tried 4 times ( goodyear tried twice) total of 6 times. again a week and a half later, it pulls left when braking, and vibration is back again. i have spoke with wayne ( service mgr) and al mc donald ( general sales mgr). i have informed them of the nevada lemon law # nrs 597.630 he said to inforce that i would have to get a lawyer. please note i only marked the first time of the problems i have full doc's of every visit on these items. please help! thank you, crystal del giudice. *ak (tiresize: p235/75r15)
07/06/2000505/01/2000
 Since i bought this explorer i had problems with the tires, i contacted the dealer but they told me that my tires are not part of the recall and they cant do nothing about it , i explain to them that my explorer its been shaking a lot, a lot of vibrations and thomps that i was scared because its been few times that i almost lose control of my vehicle in the highway and regular streets and its been a year now and they keep telling me the same thing and now even more because my vehicle have approximate 28000 miles and they are telling me that i need tires as soon as possible but because of my millage they can't do anything now. i explain and gave them information that i have been taking my vehicle several times since i bought it but they never wanted to do something about it and now with only a year old my vehicle is shaking more than ever and they since a year ago dont want to repalce my tires just because there is no recall for my tires. i have the millage that i have because i went to tennessee for one week for vacation but i only work 15 minutes from my home, i go shopping , and visit my family and they live only 30 minutes from me it's not possible that with the care that i gave my vehicle that my tires went bad in only some spots like they are telliing me now if i warethem out should be in a complete side not in spots this is not an off road vehicle so i dont drive it that way. please i need a respond as soon as i'm worry for my safety and the safety of other people driving. *ak (tiresize: p235/75r15)( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 )
03/26/2001101/01/2001
 Ihave lost controll of this vehicle several times due to the steering and overall handling ,my tires are also playing a roll in this i beleave this problem is much more pronounced in rain or snow . i feel this vehicle is very unsafe for myself and my children! i've already had the vehicle into auburn motor sales for 6 days for complaints of lack&surge of power,bad sulfer smell at idle rolling idle(up&down), extremely poor gas mileage. the dealership was unable to diognose problem. as of today i've lost 21 days of use ,on a vehicle i've only had about4 and a half months know they say i need an engine that i'm still waiting on. i told the dealership i didn't feel this vehicle was safe and wanted it replaced .i got know where, when they found out i got lemon law paperwork they told me ford would not do anything about it pursue it through the state. i don't see how they can tell you that you are stuck when you purchased a new vehicle and it has compromised your safety time&time again! my salesman told me to look at the bright side i was still here to talk about it!!! i don't find this very amusing ,i wonder if ford knows how he feels in my opinion he was telling me i could of been dead!!! brenda. *ak (tiresize: 255/70/16)( dot number: tire size: 255/70/16 )
04/06/20011
 Firestone, wilderness at tires mounted on ford, explorer ,2001. while traveling at 35-40 mph consumer hit a construction site and passenger rear tire fell off, then vehicle rolled over. contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak analyst is unsure ofcomponent, possible tire failure, possible lug, nut, and bolt failure, causing rollover, consumer was injured in accident. *slc
06/01/20004
 When appyling brakes vehicle severely pulls to right. also, a grinding noise occurs, cause unknown. *ak in less than 15000 miles, brakes have been replaced 3 times, was told by dealer that this was due to a factory defect and brakes were applied incorrectly. tire experienced blowout, there was a large deformed air pocket on the white letter side, consumer did not give any tire information. *slc
02/07/2001107/01/2000
 Blow out at 65mph no accident no tread separation (tiresize: p235/75r16)( dot number: tire size: p235/75r16 )
02/01/20010
 While driving down highway at about 50 mph and after hearing a noise, consumer then decreased speed to 40 mph due to problems with tires. this was original equipment. contacted dealer, dealer never seen it before. *ak
01/08/20011
 P25575r15, dot vdhl1rw050, rear passenger side of firestone wilderness ht tire exploded while at a stop, tire had only 9,000 miles. *slc
12/22/2000205/01/2000
 2 tire blowouts in less than 6 months is not normal... one while driving is unsafe..the 2nd while parked does not make sense. *ak (dot number: 8xhl ipy tiresize: 235/75r15)
11/21/20000
 2 tires blew out while driving, and caused truck to lose control, hitting curb. no serious injuries. *ak
10/14/2000103/01/2000
 Clear, dry roadway, 50 mph, right rear tire blew out. vehicle performed very stably, i was able to stop and had tire changed. dealer replaced all 5 tires with goodyears at no charge at my request. tire looked like it had been sliced through from sidewall to sidewall. i took pictures, not developed. dealer has tires. (dot number: don't know tiresize: p235/70r16)
09/01/2000
 My problem is that nothing has happened yet,i would like to know why no one has metion the fact that these tires are being sold an installed on new ford explorer sports 2001 models and that these tires have a tempiture rating of ( c ) the lowest rating,these tires will probley melt out here in arizona before the tread comes off.i have written 3 letters to ford an firestone and all they do is reply with some bulk generic letter,so i am sure no one really reads them so much for the full page adds that the ford motor company takes out to show the customer they cars about safty first.thank you for your time.allan sobrane..( dot number: 8xuc tire size: p255/70r16 )
09/01/2000
 My problem is that nothing has happened yet,i would like to know why no one has metion the fact that these tires are being sold an installed on new ford explorer sports 2001 models and that these tires have a tempiture rating of ( c ) the lowest rating,these tires will probley melt out here in arizona before the tread comes off.i have written 3 letters to ford an firestone and all they do is reply with some bulk generic letter,so i am sure no one really reads them so much for the full page adds that the ford motor company takes out to show the customer they cars about safty first.thank you for your time.allan sobrane.. (dot number: 8xuc tiresize: p255/70r16)
06/01/2000
 Very concerned as to why all firestone wilderness at tires have not been recalled, when it is clear they are experiencing failures of tires assembled in plants other than just the decator il. plant, while these tire have been recalled, and replaced in other countries, but not in the u.s. i do not feel safe driving this vechicle, and am constant fear for my families safety as we use this vehicle for trips, but have not been able to since this safety problem with firestone tires became known, yet other countries have taken action against firestone to replace tires, yet the u.s. continues to allow deaths, injuries to go on. please require firestone to expand their recall.*ak
09/24/2000106/01/2000
 I was traveling southbound on hyw 99 on the afternoon of 9/24/2000 around 1:00pm. it was a clear sunny day. i was traveling at an approximate speed of 65 miles per hour in the right lane (slow lane). there were no objects on the freeway. as i was traveling on the freeway, i felt my car begin to fishtail and then all of a sudden my right rear tire came apart. fortanately, i was in the right lane and was near a shoulder so i was able to manuver and control my vehicle off the freeway to the shoulder. i was able to avoid an accident and there were no injuries. the firestone tire came completely apart. the chp took a report and pictures. my car is only three months old. it is a 2001 ford explorer sport. the tire should not have malfunctioned the way it did. the firestone tires are unsafe and i believe the recall should apply to all firestone tires not only the ones that were manufactured at the decatur plant. i was concerned about the firestone tires that were on my vehicle. i contacted the dealership where i purchased my vehicle and they would not return my call. when i did get a hold of someone i was told i was not part of the recall. i had my tires checked by big o tires. they checked the air pressure and it was fine. the dealership now is trying to tell me that road hazard caused my tire to blow out. there was nothing on the road that was a hazard and that would have cause my tire to come apart the way it did. then they told me that it was because of traveling long distance and having low air pressure in my tire. if traveling 15 miles is long distance then i would hate to see what would happen to the tires if i actually did travel more than 15 miles. i had the air pressure checked in my tires at big o tires and the air pressure was fine. it concerns me that i have a new vehicle and the tire comes apart so soon and it just happens to be a firestone wilderness at. ford and the dealership i purchased the vehicle at are very uncooperative. *ak
07/19/200007/01/2000
 The tires wobbled on our drive home from the dealer. after the recall, we took the car to the ford dealer, who exchanged the front tires, which they said were outof round. the wobble continued and these tires were not included in the recall, so i had the tires replaced at my cost because we needed to go on a highway trip and we didn ot trust the tires. i would like for you to explore including the 16 inch tires in your recall--the ford dealer in bentonville, ar said they thought they would be recalled--seems like a lack of confidence from someone who knows more than i. thanks( dot number: tire size: p225/70r16 )
09/03/2000102/01/2000
 While traveling on i 275 i experienced a flat tire. as soon as i felt my explorer started to lose control i pulled over and found the right rear tire had gone flat. i installed the spare tire and the following day had the flat fixed upon reinflation i found that the sidewall had a buldge running from the rim to the tread of the tire. i took the tire to a firestone dealer and he informed me that the damage was my fault. that i must have hit something to cause the sidewall belts to break. i called firestone customer hotline and the told me to take it to a second dealer. the second dealer told me the same thing. i also ask them what there warranty covered and they said manufacturing defects i ask what a manufaturing defect was and he could not tell me. if you look at there warrenty you will find that they do not cover anything . it is written so that anything that goes wrong is the users fault. i belive that if you have a flat you should be able to get off the road and change it and not have to buy a new tire as a result of it. *ak( dot number: tire size: p255/70r16 )
09/08/2000112/11/1999
 Left front tire fell out. consumer thought that tire had exploded. *ak the left front tire became loose due to the front upper ball joint bolt failure. *yh
08/04/2000106/01/2000
 Tire side wall blew out at highway speed at night. tire had proper inflation and was not punctured. pressurs were checked by dealer at 3000 mi.the remaining 4 tires have the same dot # and show bubbling at the side wall. the steel wheel was damaged along outter edge due to the tire failure.( dot number: vdhlirw130 tire size: p235/75r15 )
08/01/2000
 Although i have not had tire failure, how can anyone feel safe when riding on a tire which is idential to tires which were recalled except for the 16 inch size. this vehicle was sold by a ford dealer, knowing that the tires could be recalled do to safety considerations. i believe ford should replace all of the wilderness tires as a safety precaution.( dot number: tire size: p255/70r16 )
08/08/2000105/04/2000
 Vehicle vibrated at speed between 45 and 75mph. also, tires were wearing poorly. size o p235 r/15, the same ones that were on recall .*ak all the tires were replaced before the recall, because the tires caused noise, vibrationa and alignment problems. *yh
04/18/2000103/01/2000
 Bought 2001 explorer sport 3/14/2000, on 4/18/2000 was driving at crest of sunshine skyway bridge over tampa bay when right rear tire blew. it had separated on the side and was shredded. tried to have dealer replace, told it wasn't under warranty. replaced, got warranties on all 4 tires. firestone dealer now says isn't part of recall. currently in md: 3817 crow rock rd, myersville, md 21773 , (301) 293-9503. plan to drive back to florida end of sept. will have to replace tires, with or without dealer recall, don't trust them after near-death experience! think they're making a mistake not recalling all wilderness at tires. mine blew after 1 month (new), and wasn't included in the recall. (had sent info in your comments section of this site a week ago, not sure if you got it. thanks!( dot number: 8xhl tire size: p235/75r15 )
06/01/2000106/01/2000
 No summary( dot number: tire size: p255 70 16 )
08/01/2000105/01/2000
 Look like tread separation about 5 inches long on one of my wilderness ht tires. the tires came with my new explorer sport 2001. the car currently has 9400 miles on it. i went to a firestone dealer who inspected the tire and confirmed the defect. he recommended i change the tires for safety, but it will have to be out of my pocket since wilderness ht is not part of the recall. he confirmed the tires were manufactured in the decatur plant, and the size is the same as those in the recall. but since the model is different, firestone will not replace it. i am very concerned with this problem since i have to drive 100 miles each day roundtrip to work. i don't feel i should have to pay to replace defective tires if the products are at fault, but i don't want to put my life at risk when the firestone dealer has already inspected and confirmed that the tire exhibit sign of tread separation. i don't think this separation is due to the wear and tear since my car is new and the tires only have about 9400 miles on them. i have contact firestone directly and they are still telling me that my model of wilderness are not under recall, and any defect would not be firestone's responsibility.( dot number: vdhl tire size: p235/75r15 )
07/20/2000102/01/2000
 I can't believe im seeing this in the news! they should have told us! i thought it was a unique incident so i just replaced the tire myself. i did mention it to a service rep at my dealer and he said it was my problem (before i knew about this irregular failures). i would like the tires replaced. i do not feel safe with the tires now. that day was a normal morning in miami and i was driving down the street when i was approaching the same bridge i do daily to get to work when suddenly i here a something hitting the back of the car. continuously. it acted as a loud bang. not like a flat. so i stopped and there it was, a blown tire. how upsetting!!! well i hope someone does something about this!*ak( dot number: )
 Firestone wilderness/atx tires were four days old and right rear tire exploded while traveling at 60 mph. dealer has been contacted. *ak
TIRES - TREAD/BELT
10/01/20031
 2001 explorer lost tire tread and blew out. *ts *jb
10/08/2006900001
 While driving on interstate, tire tread separated from the right rear tire causing vehicle to come into contact with gravel along the edge of the highway resulting in vehicle turning over several times. driver and passenger injured and vehicle was a total loss. *jb
02/16/20051
 The tread peeled off of the tire while the consumer was doing 55 miles per hour. the consumer made her way off of the freeway this tire included in the tread separation nhtsa recall 01t016000. *nm
04/07/20041
 I have had bf goodrich tires seperate and lucky for me i did not have an accident i had a auto shop tell me about it before an accident occurred. *ak
06/25/20011
 Nhtsa recall 01x001000 concerning firestone wilderness at tires. consumer contacted the dealer, and was informed that the parts were not available. it has been three years, and the dealer does not have the parts available. *ak
08/01/200438592105/26/2001
 Driver's rear tire experienced tread separation while driving 70 mph on a ford explorer 2001 vehicle. the tire remain inflated. original equipment, tire size 275/60r17, and dot# adt044t0101. *ak
1
 While driving 72 or 73 mph, the left front tire tread separated. general maxus p23575r15. please provide further information. *ph
08/31/2002
 Vehicle was parked, and consumer noticed that right front tire tread had separated from vehicle. firestone, wilderness, p235/75r15. dealership was aware of problem.*ak
03/04/2001111/29/2000
 Vehicle was going 30-40mph in 4 wheel with a light coating of snow. 4 vehicles lost control and started spinning out of control in front of the consumers vehicle, the consumer pumped the brakes lightly while the vehicle was in four wheel drive when the tire on the drivers side (both) experienced tread separation, the vehicle leaned to the left going out of control and ended up going down an embankment flipping on its left and right side before stopping in an upright position, the tires were original on a 2001 ford explorer, approximate 32,000 miles. consumer is currently waiting for tire from ford. *akdotp255170r16 firestone wilderness at size 16.*nlm
02/26/20010
 Pe00 020; consumer was traveling about 70mph on highway and heard a poppying noise. she was able to pull over to shoulders and noticed rear right side of tire was completly flat. firestone, p255/70r16 109s , dot vncu1r0090. firestone willbe notified.*ak
107/01/2000
 Consumer received recall 00t-005 and is having a difficult time finding replacement tires. *slc
03/01/2000
 All the tires have dimples along the sidewall, its random and up to 8 on each tires, firestone says the tires is fine, thats the way all there tires are. plus its visiable when looking at the tires from an angle. they say its the way the belts are made, but the dimples or creveces are 2 apart then 4 then 6as an example. each tire has them randomly no uniform spacing to it. also the front tires havea strange wear pattern on them, according to indepentdent tires stores 9 to be exact, the belts are no holding therefore the tread wear is off at an angle and the inner part is dipping in.after having 4 ford dealerships and 9 tires stores tellingme there is a defect in the tire im scared to drive my new truck now. can anything be done to have my tires replaced? i went to 2 firestone tire stores they were no help. thank you........lisa campisi. *ak (dot number: vdh3333333 tiresize: p235/75/15)
4
 Firestone wilderness tires were replaced due to being included in recall, consumer is having difficulty being reimbursed by the manufacturer. *slc
06/24/20001
 #1 driving when tire blew out and #1 lost control and hit guard rail. the tire info on the iv is: firestone wilderness at 235 p 75r15 105 s mud + snow. (claim# 46-0320-408) *mw
4
 Firestone wilderness tires were replaced due to being included in recall, consumer is having difficulty being reimbursed by the manufacturer. *slc
2
 Vehicle was parked. noticed the tire was flat in the right rear. there was a 3 inch slit near the tread. put spare on in its place. took tire to firestone retailer & was informed nothing can be done. owner brought a different tire as spare. prot to flat, had experienced flapping noise against vehicle. the problem is still happening & getting worse.*ak
06/22/2000104/10/2000
 Consumer has a 2001, ford explorer with 800 miles on the tires. passenger's front tire started to separate at sidewall. dealer said it was covered. then reneged & said the consumer hit something. dealer ended up ordering a replacement tire. consumer wanted the old tire back which the dealer refused & a conference call was done with firestone to demand that the the dealer refund consumer for the full value of the tire. tire size p255/70r16. dot unknown.*ak
09/22/2000
 Pe00 020; consumer was travelng about 65mph on highway and heard a banging noise, and vehicle jerked. she pulled over to side of the shoulders, and right rear tire had tread separation. firestone, wilderness#ht, p2357515. she replaced tires with firestone.*ak
09/16/2000
 Pe00 020; went to have tires inspected and noticed that left front tire was split. she went to goodyear, and had all firestone tires replaced. tires were firestone, wilderness#ht, p2357515 #dot vdhl1rw070. there were no injuries.*ak
08/22/2000106/23/2000
 Pe00 020 ; consumer discovered defect on tire when she had oem tires replaced at american tire company. she had a puncture on her thumb because there was steel ply sticking from the tire wall. firestone, wilderness #ht, p235/75r15 , dot#vdhlirw150. there were no injuries.*ak the firestone wilderness ht with less than 4000 miles was found by customer to have defects on the inside wall. *yh
06/01/2000
 The left front 16 inch fs wilderness at was defective from purchase. no-one will listen. firestone claims ford did not balance the front tires, will only whine about ford. tried to sell me a $109 warranty on the tires. ford is worse, will only state i must deal with firestone. i've now talked to a firestone owned store, firestone, the dealer and ford. no help. since the 16 inch tire is not in the recall, i'm sol. the 16's are just as bad as the 15's. i'm 99% certain none of these tires are adaquate to light truck usage. i just went to tn, saw popped 16 inch wilderness at 16's all the way out and back. *ak( dot number: tire size: p255 r7016 )
07/28/2000106/01/2000
 The belts on this tire separated with very low mileage and had to be replaced with the spare. had it come completely apart it could have caused a very serious accident.*ak( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 )
08/18/20000
 Pe00 020; consumer was traveling about 25mph on a side street and heard a noise like a gun had been fired. then, noticed that his the front rear tire popped like a baloon. tires were firestone wilderness#at p23575 r16. tires tread separated.*ak
TIRES - VALVE
11/21/2000205/01/2000
 I am not the owner of this vehicle, nor the driver. my brother-in-law was a passenger in the ford explorer and was killed at the scene. there is a question of whether he was wearing a seat belt and if it failed during the rollover of the vehicle. there is also a question of firestone tire failure. both of the rear tires were missing the valve stems. we do not know if this occurred during the accident or if they blew out previously and that is what contributed to the accident. the driver was speeding, performed an unsafe lane change, then overcorrected, lost control, crossed the median strip into the opposite roadway, rolled over and hit another vehicle where another person was killed as a result of this collision. the driver was found not guilty in his manslaughter trial. so it seems this accident was attributed more to vehicle failure, even though there was driver error also.*ak