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 | |||
| 10/10/2010 | 1 | ||
| 2000 ford f350, unit #1 was traveling eastbound in the left lane when the right tire blew out. unit 1 went off the right side of the roadway, struck the ditch and struck a fence. bf the driver and passenger suffered minor injuries. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0415-89)*jb updated 12/10/10 *bf | |||
| 10/10/2010 | 1 | ||
| 2000 ford f350, unit #1 was traveling eastbound in the left lane when the right tire blew out. unit 1 went off the right side of the roadway, struck the ditch and struck a fence. bf the driver and passenger suffered minor injuries. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0415-89)*jb | |||
| 09/01/2007 | 228000 | 2 | 01/01/2000 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford f350. the contact stated that his front driver side wheel had a stress crack and was repaired. approximately one month later, the front passenger side wheel had a stress crack and failed. the dealer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and no recalls were available. the current mileage was 230,000 and failure mileage was 228,000. updated 12/12/2007 *bf | |||
| 08/05/2006 | 1 | ||
| 2000 ford f-350 tire blewout causing damages to the right fender and mirror. *kb the vehicle's right fender, right mirror, bottom right door, wheel and right side running board were damaged. *nm *nm | |||
| 06/20/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving between 65 to 70 mph front driver's side tire blew up. as result, driver lost the control, and vehicle rolled over several times. vehicle landed upside down in an embankment. upon impact, the airbag did not deploy. firestone, steeltex radial, size 265/75r16 dot vdw81xl2400. the driver and wife became unconscious and were transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Ltr in regards to her 1/25/04 inquiry re milton matthews problem w/ his bridgestone tires, request verification of constituent's name as milton matthews and not david matthews, ref es04-001320 /s/ breener 3/3/04. *ph *mr | |||
| 04/28/2003 | 21500 | 1 | 04/12/2000 |
| While traveling at 50 mph passenger side rear tire blew out. there was no warning. the dealer was contacted. *ak *nm | |||
| 08/08/2003 | 1 | ||
| Ltr fm david matthews (nv) re defective bridgestone dueler a/t tires requests a defect investigation into tread separation for possible recall, reply to las vegas ofc. *ph while driving left rear tire blew out causing over $1000.00 worth of damages to left rear quarter panel.*mr *nm *cb *jb | |||
| 06/21/2003 | 79478 | 2 | 04/15/2000 |
| Repeated tire blow outs, one in june 2003, one in september 2003, same truck, same tire location, same brand tire. *ak | |||
| 07/13/2003 | 59999 | 1 | 03/23/2000 |
| Consumer states while driving at 65 mph and with no warning, the front left tire experienced a blowout and caused damage to the vehicle. consumer had to pull over. firestone, lt # p265/75/r16 dot#- unknown. dealer had been notified. *ak the consumer was traveling east bound in the fast lane. there was a thud and the consumer pulled over to the left. the consumer left the east bound lane and had gone over the mound of gravel, crossed two lanes of construction over the cement divider wall and broke out two chunks of cement, landed over the drivers side, sliding, rolled over on top, and landed upside down in the west bound slow lane. the vehicle was totaled. (state of minnesota police report) *scc | |||
| 05/09/2003 | 1 | ||
| While driving on the interstate, the left front tire blew out. firestone steel tex radial tire. please provide details. *jb | |||
| 1 | 04/01/2000 | ||
| The consumer was concerned about a letter received in reference to the firestone steeltex tires. scc *jb | |||
| 08/01/2001 | 2 | 11/01/2000 | |
| Tread seperation on 2 tires and possible another. contacted firestone dealers and did not acknowledge problem whatsoever. have a signed card by a dealer for the 3rd tire saying nothings wrong that he could see. dt | |||
| 05/01/2001 | 1 | 11/01/2099 | |
| Lf came apart got rid of all 4 saved one i tow a 14000 lb boat couldn't take a chance of loosing another one at 75 mph all firestone tires are junk also ontario fire dept. was responding on fwy to a call & lost one on there brand new ford 4x4pickup pulling a hazemet trailer. ford & firestone both told me sorry, please call me. dt | |||
| 06/14/2002 | 09/01/2099 | ||
| Tire provided to state farm insurance claims center for adjustment with firestone. to date (10/24/02) no response from firestone. dt | |||
| 08/26/2002 | 1 | ||
| The tire began to vibrate and in about 20 seconds (about the time it took me to realize that the vibration was not caused by the road) the tread came completely off the tire, which did not immediately lose air. the truck swerved wildly to the right and thanks to a wide shoulder, front & rear way bars, and an experienced driver it did not roll over. the tire load was apx. 200 lbs under it's max. load rating, inflated to max. pressure of 80 lbs, and was not over heated. the air temp was about 95 degrees. i have the tire and tread in my posession. the ford dealer claimed that ford had no responsibility and told me to contact a firestone dealer. i did contact a dealer, they gave me an 800 number which i called, that person told me he would file a claim and that the firestone legal department would contact me. the firestone 800 number on the nhtsa website refered me to a dealer or their website. please do not hesitate to contact me if i can be of any asssistance in this matter, thank you, jim wells. *ak | |||
| 07/27/2002 | 2 | 12/01/2000 | |
| 1st tire separated on 07/01/02; 2nd tire separation did damage to truck's brake line and lr quarter panel. nhtsa appears non-responsive, as is firestone. documentation on record to show tires rotated & checked every 3,000 miles by ford. tire checked for proper inflation 20 minutes prior to 2nd blow out on straight highway, not overloaded, moderate temperature. two remaining (not blown) tires removed and also show impending signs of failure. firestone sent tire and rubber stamped results as due to underinflation for unknown period of time. unknown period of time is when tread seperated, revealing belts and subsequently deflating tire. the now underinflated tire caused rim to damage tire wall which allowed firestone's inept conclusion. discount tire, gcr (bridgestone/fire stone), and ted wein's (firestone), agree independently on tire failure. apathy seems to sweep thru nhtsa and firestone setting in motion civil litigation/congressional investigation if nothing is done. add this to the over 162 other complaints on the steel tex, along with arizona's dps problems. this is third submittal to nhtsa with no response on first two!!! sen. reid, nv, also being advised. *ak | |||
| 03/01/2000 | |||
| Failure on this vehicle has not yet occured. a local county ambulance service has had failure of this same tire on one of their ambulances resulting in delay of emergency patient transport and stranding of ambulance crew and patient along side a rural road for over an hour before assistance could arrive. must we wait until an ambulance accident occurs before consideration for recall of these tires will be considered. ford has installed these tires on a great number of their 2000 model f-350 chassis that are then delivered for ambulance manufacture. i know this to be a fact. i own three 2000 model f350 ambulances and all of them have these tires. my crews and i are afraid to rely on these tires. my company routinely transports patients from our rural area to higher level medical facilities, most times over one hundred miles , and at speeds of 70 to 90 miles an hour under emergency conditions. please give us help with this problem. i am asking you to convince ford and firestone to recall these tires where applied to emergency vehicles. the use of these tires in a low speed application transporting freight may be relatively safe, but that is questionable. i have written numerous congressmen and senators as well as my state governor with limited reaction. please make this a priority. does any government agency regulate in any form and are their specific requirements for the type, size, tread , load range for tires used on ambulances? are tires of various manufacture and tread design allowed on the same emergency vehicle if of the size ? please advise me of any regulations reguarding ambulances that you have. thank you, danny connell same size? | |||
| 07/06/2001 | 1 | 12/01/2000 | |
| Tire failed on asphalt, no load, no warning. total separation , only bead the tire tread left. no road hazard at time. same as two previous firestones tires, not the same type or year. electrical system: diesel would die out for a few seconds, then came back on by itself. loss of steering and all power during lost power or curves and hills. ford reprogrammed computer after several visits there.*ak | |||
| 1 | 03/01/2002 | ||
| Front end started to shimmy, then front passenger tire blew out. vehicle was jerked off the road. model, dueler at, dot ejlf, size lt28j-75r16, not original.*ak consumer feels that this tire can be very dangerous, and he is concerned that this tire may blow out on the driver side and hopes to prevent this from happening, especially on a two lane road. *scc | |||
| 10/13/2001 | 10/01/1999 | ||
| While driving between 60 to 70mph the vehicle started shaking from the rear of the vehicle, got off the road and check the rear of the vehicle, found left rear tire flat. the truck was not towing nor was there a load on the bed. | |||
| 12/29/2001 | 1 | 11/01/1999 | |
| Tire blew out on interstate while traveling 70 mph...2nd instance. *ak (dot number: vnw8txm429 tiresize: 265 75 r16) | |||
| 07/01/2000 | |||
| Driving on highway when tire sounded like an explosion. took tire to selling dealer then to local firestone store. he examined tire for road hazard defect and found none. he offered to pro-rate the tire as he felt it was not a manufacturer defect. *ak (dot number: vdw81xl220 tiresize: lt265/75r1) | |||
| 09/01/2001 | 2 | 02/01/2000 | |
| First failure at 15900 miles was a tread separation and blowout. second failure at 20445 miles was a tread separation only. (tire did not deflate) tires were loaded near the maximum load range and properly inflated. *ak (dot number: vdw81xm509 tiresize: lt265/7516) | |||
| 09/25/2001 | 1 | 02/01/2000 | |
| Tire had catastophic failure, possible fatal accident narrowly avoided. tire inflated to correct safe pressure. tire info. sticker on vehicle is disputed by firestone, however tires were inflated correclty. 2 independent firestone stores said tire was defective. both stores checked and verified pressures as being safe and adequate. clearly, it is a defective tire. tire sent to firestone for evaluation, returned with excuses letter attached. firestone refuses to make good on defective product. i have destroyed tire/rim in my possesion, i would be glad to have it evaluated again. i hereby request payment for replacement tuires and subsequent damages from firestone. *ak (dot number: vnw81xl010 tiresize: 265-75r16e) | |||
| 10/05/2001 | 2 | 01/01/2000 | |
| The oct. 5th. incident happened while my camper was on the truck. tread was thrown and then the tire exploded. it tore the fender, body panel and running board. the tire was destroyed this tire had been a spare and had only about 14000 miles on it. i sent the tire to firestone and they said it wasn't their fault. the first incident occurred on aug. 30 when there was nothing in the truck bed and caused about $1,700.00 damage. firestone compensated me for this incident. i am sure both tires were faulty and plan to go to small claimes court for damages. *ak (dot number: vdw81xm399 tiresize: 265/75r16) | |||
| 08/01/2001 | 3 | 02/01/2000 | |
| Tire went flat, found side wall failure, put spare on, it also had side wall failure, after having all tire inspected by firestone, 4000 miles later a third tire failed in rear left inside dually with no apparent holes all tires were original equipment with truck, spare had never been used when it failed, all other tires had less then 1/16th inch even wear when inspected (tiresize: lt215/85r1) | |||
| 08/12/2001 | 2 | 12/01/1999 | |
| I have also faxed this information to your office. no safety defect mentioned. *ak (dot number: 28163exbm1 tiresize: lt21585r16) | |||
| 08/08/2001 | 1 | 05/01/2001 | |
| The inside right rear tire on my new 2000 - f-350 dual wheel truck peeled on the face and sides while traveling on interstate highway i-10 at approximately 65 miles an hour. this truck has not been used to transport any heavy weight, just to travel between my home in scottsdale, az and quartzsite. az (a distance of about 142 miles). the other tires on the truck (all the same original tires that came with the truck) show signs that they also may peel and/or separate. in october 2000 the state of arizona replaced all of their general tires because of peeling (i came across an article in the paper while researching if there was a recall on these general tires). these tires, with only about 6600 miles on them and plenty of tread left are a hazard to any driver having them on his/her car. luckily the defective tire on my truck was on one of the dual inside back wheels. i have contacted the dealer, bell ford and will take the vehicle to the dealership in the next few days. on the phone, they said once they saw the tires they would see what they could do.*ak (dot number: ador1jc230 tiresize: t235/85r16) | |||
| 08/13/2001 | 2 | 01/01/2000 | |
| Knots on the inside of both front tires. service-manager said common problem! only on. *ak (tiresize: 235-85r16) | |||
| 07/01/2001 | 10/01/1999 | ||
| I had one blow out 5/27/01 at 50 miles an hour coming off the highway. i then took the tire to ted wiens firestone in las vegas on 6/2/01; they refused to exchange the tire or give credit. i then went to discount tire and replaced the back two tires with goodyears on 6/2/01. i did not replace the front two! the last blow out on 7/01/01 caused the truck to veer off the road, causing a major crash. the crash totaled the truck , trailer and horses. all of the occupants of the truck suffered life threatening injuries.*ak (dot number: vdwd1xm359 tiresize: lt265/75r1) | |||
| 06/29/2001 | 1 | 10/01/1999 | |
| Tire failed at 70 mph with no warning.vehicle is serviced at ford every 3000 miles,and tires are checked every time and rotated at required times.at the time of the incident,the tire made a flapping sound,and quickly deflated,causing the vehicle to fishtail violently at which time i pulled vehicle off to the side of highway.i contacted ford,they sent me to a firestone dealer,they in turn sent me back to ford.finally ford offered to put a used replacement on,of the same make and model!! i am afraid to drive on these tires,but cannot afford to replace them.*ak (dot number: vnw81xl tiresize: lt26575r16) | |||
| 06/01/2001 | 03/01/2000 | ||
| Grapefruit size air bubble from the inside to the outside. happened to friend on 2 tires, same truck purchased at same place. general is giving him 7 new tires and only offered me 2, at first i was told i had to pay $50.00 for replacement tire. *ak (tiresize: 235 85 16) | |||
| 05/15/2001 | 1 | 01/01/2001 | |
| While returning from a call driving at normal speeds. the tire completely separated. the only part of the tire that remained was the side walls. i have sinced been told that the two tires on the front of this unit are bad and need replacing. i am concerned if these tires are safe to run on an ambulance. i called firestone and got the run-a-round. my local firestone dealer stated that the tires are safe and they would not replace any of the damaged tires.*ak (dot number: 8x0p tiresize: lt 215/85r) | |||
| 05/23/2001 | 1 | 08/01/2000 | |
| Why did my tire come apart and they aren't on the recall list? no safety defec tmentioned. *ak | |||
| 05/17/2001 | 4 | 08/01/2000 | |
| One set of tires (front) are pulling to the right, and the left rear has a 10 crack, consistent with dry-rotting, in the sidewall. the local firestone dealer has agreed to replace all tires. this complaint is being filed for record purposes only.*ak (dot number: 008062 tiresize: 265/75r16) | |||
| 03/20/2001 | 10 | 11/01/1999 | |
| After tread on tires gets to approximatly half of the intended wear, the tire design/composition will not provide any wet surface traction. while attempting to drive on wet interstate i was not able to exceed 40 mph without losing control of vehicle. both front and rear wheels would lose traction. rear wheels break lose on any incline or turn. front tires have problems with hydroplaning and break loose on turns. had to replace tires.*ak (dot number: vnw81xl399 tiresize: lt26575r16) | |||
| 02/28/2001 | 1 | 04/01/2000 | |
| Your site did not except the full tire size of lt235/85/r16. no safety defect listed. *ak (dot number: adr1jc0700 tiresize: lt/235/85/) | |||
| 03/21/2000 | 2 | 03/01/1999 | |
| Two sets of general grabber aw owl tires (p235/85r16) have been replaced due to excessive wear, the tires were also causing the vehicle to pull to the left. *slc | |||
| 09/02/2000 | 1 | 01/24/2000 | |
| The firestone (steel tex radial r45) left front tire blewout on the ambulance during a medical emergency call. *et | |||
| 03/01/2000 | |||
| Failure on this vehicle has not yet occured. a local county ambulance service has had failure of this same tire on one of their ambulances resulting in delay of emergency patient transport and stranding of ambulance crew and patient along side a rural road for over an hour before assistance could arrive. must we wait until an ambulance accident occurs before consideration for recall of these tires will be considered. ford has installed these tires on a great number of their 2000 model f-350 chassis that are then delivered for ambulance manufacture. i know this to be a fact. i own three 2000 model f350 ambulances and all of them have these tires. my crews and i are afraid to rely on these tires. my company routinely transports patients from our rural area to higher level medical facilities, most times over one hundred miles , and at speeds of 70 to 90 miles an hour under emergency conditions. please give us help with this problem. i am asking you to convince ford and firestone to recall these tires where applied to emergency vehicles. the use of these tires in a low speed application transporting freight may be relatively safe, but that is questionable. i have written numerous congressmen and senators as well as my state governor with limited reaction. please make this a priority. does any government agency regulate in any form and are their specific requirements for the type, size, tread , load range for tires used on ambulances? are tires of various manufacture and tread design allowed on the same emergency vehicle if of the size ? please advise me of any regulations reguarding ambulances that you have. thank you, danny connell same size? (tiresize: 215/85/r16)( dot number: tire size: 215/85/r16 ) | |||
| 2 | |||
| The sidewalls have dime size chunks of rubber that have fallen off the tire. this seems to be from physical damage (rubbing curbs), but this has never happened before on any vehicle i've owned and i have never seen this before. rubbing a curb should only damage the white lettering, not pull out chunks of rubber. (tiresize: lt265/75)( dot number: tire size: lt265/75 ) | |||
| 10/01/2000 | 11/01/1999 | ||
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak (tiresize: l26575r16e)( dot number: tire size: l26575r16e ) | |||
| 09/29/2000 | 1 | 12/01/1999 | |
| Right rear tire shredded to pieces. two months ago left front tire messed up was able to repair that tire, right rear tire unrepairable. took tire to a local firestone dealer they told me they could not tell me what could have happened to the tire. my wife and 3 children was in the vehicle when the tire blew out, they were on a bridge in very heavy traffic, was very lucky to have maintained the vehicle to get to the side of the bridge without wrecking are causing others to wreck. there is no doubt that this is a defective tire and should be made part of the recall to get these tires off the road.*ak (dot number: vdw81xl469 tiresize: lt26575r16) | |||
| 09/29/2000 | 1 | 11/01/1999 | |
| Right rear outside tire (dual wheel vehicle) separated around the entire radius where the tread and sidewall join. we felt a brief vibration, followed by an explosion. the force tore the fender, running board and lights off the vehicle and threw us into another lane. thankfully no one was injured and no other vehicles were in the immediate area. also, the inside right rear tire remained in tact and helped to stabilize the vehicle. my children and their friends ride in this vehicle. are these tires safe? *ak (dot number: w10p3591 tiresize: lt21585r16) | |||
| 09/22/2000 | 1 | 12/01/1999 | |
| While traveling on highway 35 at high speed, the front right tire blew apart causing me to swerve accross 3 lanes of traffic and almost cause several wrecks. the sidewall of the tire blew out on both the inside and outside of the tire. there are four latteral slashes on the outside sidewall and one latteral slash on the inside of the tire. the tire instantly deflated causing loss of steering. i just watched the news which indicated an investigation of this tire. someone needs to see this tire to believe the damage. please contact me.*ak (tiresize: lt26575r16)( dot number: tire size: lt26575r16 ) | |||
| 09/08/2000 | 1 | 05/01/2000 | |
| I was driving on a major interstate freeway and the right rear tire exploded and quickly disinegrated. i somehow managed to get the truck to the side of the road and get the spare on. after getting to the nearest firestone dealer in springfield mo, they said the failure was due to the rubber valve stem breaking loose. they said ford should have equiped the truck with steel valve stems. ford and firestone have declined responsibility for the failure. luckily i was able to keep from crashing and being killed. *ak( dot number: vd tire size: lt265/75/r ) | |||
| 09/13/2000 | 6 | 06/01/2000 | |
| I have noticed over the last three weeks what i believe was tire seperation on my tires so i called to ask if they were having problems with my make and model and was told no. i then drove my truck to the dealership and was informed that my tiers were infact seperating and that i should take them to a general tire store so i did that and it was confirmed by them that my tires are in the proccess of seperation but was told that it is not there problem that it is the dealerships responsibility. the tires are so bad that you can stick your fingernail under the rubber that is starting to come apart. i then drove to yet another dealership and got the same confermation but still no results. i was then left with no choice and had to replace the tires. they told me to hold onto the tires for a possible recall or for your viewing. i have also contacted the sc attorney generals office and they are the folks that told me to contact you. at this point i am out another $1,150.00 for tires that i should not be having to purchase yet, not to mention my safety.( dot number: 0600 tire size: 235/85r16 ) | |||
| 08/05/2000 | 6 | 11/01/1999 | |
| 8-5-00 had to buy a replacement tire on the left front of truck. there was a large size bubble on the outside of tires sidewall. on 9-1-00 had to have another tire replaced on the front right side due to large bubble on the inside sidewall. 9-6-00 went to pioneer ford and had service manager (mark elfring) look at tires and he stated that i have the same issue on more of the tires. contacted manufacturer and they are willing to only pro rate tires and we do not want to put more of general tires on our vehicle. 2 separate tire dealers (discount tires) employees have stated to us that these tires have this problem all of the time and they see them coming in like truck loads. we were also told by the mechanic at pioneer ford on 9-6-00 that he also sees this problem and recognizes that there is a problem.( dot number: tire size: lt235/85r- ) | |||
| 2 | 09/01/1999 | ||
| Two (2) blowouts on original equipment firestone tires @ 70 mph on major highways, replaced each tire with the same type tire. am very concerned about the remaining original equipment tires and potential failure.( dot number: ) | |||
| 02/26/2000 | |||
| Consumer drove vehicle out of town, and noticed that there was a knot on the right tire. the tire was sent to charlotte north carolina, and manufacturer was suppose to sent him a replacement tire. *ak | |||
| TIRES - BEAD | |||
| 07/15/2002 | 05/01/2000 | ||
| This is the second tire to totally shread to where after the tire is taken off of the wheel both of the beads are touching.*ak | |||
| 07/14/2001 | 6 | 12/01/1999 | |
| Tires cracking around bead all six tires. *ak (tiresize: lt 235/85r) | |||
| TIRES - SIDEWALL | |||
| 07/07/2003 | 1 | ||
| Consumer states that while driving at any speed and with no warning tire sidewall separation causing a distraction to the consumer. size#p18565r,15 dot#123/120qm/s. dealer notified. *ak | |||
| 07/10/2002 | 2 | 04/01/2001 | |
| Buldge (the size of and apple) in sidewall on 2 different tires on the same vehicle.*ak | |||
| 07/10/2002 | 2 | 10/01/2099 | |
| While driving on freeway at 70 mph right tire cap came off tire did not blow out , tire cap did vehicle wheel well damage this is second tire from same set on vehicle when purchase vehicle did sent info on 10-13-01 firestone was given the tire and all info, they deine saying low tire pressue was not so both tires were at the correct pressure, the other two tires show sidewall cracking, and are being taken out of services by me, during this tire failure the outside air tempure was at 115 degrees and driving less than 15 miles when it failed, the truck bed did not have any load in it just vehicle weight and two personnel inside at the time location of tire failure was south bound highway 14 on cement road bed please contact me for any other questions i do believe this tire should be recalled.*ak | |||
| 11/01/2000 | 5 | 10/01/2000 | |
| I have experienced a total of 5 sidewall blowouts on new general tires supplied on a f-350 200 ford truck. the appearance is that ford's tire problems extended to other makes and models in addition to the firestone recall. i still have most of the tires that blew/became severely warn/unbalanced. have there been other complaints on these vehicles? *ak (tiresize: 235_75_r16) | |||
| 07/23/2001 | 2 | 11/01/1999 | |
| This the the second general tire sidewall blowout on my truck in one week. *ak (tiresize: 235/85/16) | |||
| 07/16/2001 | 11/01/1999 | ||
| Sidewall delamination. *ak (tiresize: 235/75r16) | |||
| 07/13/2001 | 2 | 09/01/1999 | |
| Softball and golfball size bubbles on sidewall of two front tires. *ak (tiresize: 235/85/16) | |||
| 06/19/2001 | 1 | 03/01/2001 | |
| Complete seperation of insidewall on ambulance. *ak (dot number: wiop tiresize: lt21685r16) | |||
| 06/23/2001 | 2 | ||
| General, grabbers lt235/85r16, dot dk, original equipment on a 2000, ford, f350 with 9000 miles. passenger's front tire has developed a large bubble, 7 long, 4 wide. also, the same time on front drivers side developed a flat part to tire which is also be replaced. *ak | |||
| 07/24/2000 | 1 | 12/27/1999 | |
| When inspecting tires consumer noticed a large bulge on sidewall of tire. tire was original equipment on ford, f350, 2000 . the tires were replaced at the consumer's cost. *ak | |||
| 06/08/2001 | 1 | 09/01/2000 | |
| While driving, left front tire tread totally separated from the sidewall of tires causing a blowout. with less than 30,000 miles on tires and 95% of those miles are highway. tires have been rotated and balanced every 3-4000 miles, and the air pressure is checked weekly and everyday while away from home. all four tires were replaced as we were 1000 miles away from home at the time the blowout occurred. *ak (dot number: vnw8xm tiresize: 265/75r16) | |||
| 1 | 12/30/1999 | ||
| Consumer bought truck new from dealership, after getting truck home consumer noticed that all 6 tires had a bubble on the sidewalls (goodyear wrangler load range e lt235/85r16). nlm | |||
| 08/28/2000 | 1 | 08/08/2000 | |
| Pe-00-040; original equipment on ford, f350, 2000, tire size lt26575r16, tires have six thousand miles on them. dot number vdw81xl. while driving at highway speeds and hauling heavy loads, vehicle is very difficult to steer, poor vehicle handling, consumer believes that problem is linked to sidewall of the tires that is very bad. please provide any further details.*ak problem could also be suspension related. *slc | |||
| 07/18/2000 | 1 | 12/01/1999 | |
| While driving on highway side wall on the right rear tire blew out. *ak after the service man pointed out that the loud noise the customer experienced was coming from the tires, all tires were replaced and the noise stopped. the manufacturer declined to pay for the damages. firestone tire sxat,265/75r16 and dot no. vnw81xl469. *yh | |||
| 1 | 10/01/1999 | ||
| Left front tire has a manufacturing defect, bubble in the sidewall (firestone). yh | |||
| TIRES - TREAD/BELT | |||
| 10/13/2006 | 95000 | 1 | 10/01/1999 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70 mph on normal road conditions, a vibration could be felt immediately followed by the tread falling off the tires on two occasions severely damaging the vehicle. there was no abnormal bulging on the tires. the contact provided regular service to the tires as well as keeping up with the recommended tire pressure of 80 psi. the tire had not yet been examined. the tire was a cooper dominator sport a/t. size: lt265/7516. updated 12/28/06. *jb | |||
| 07/01/2004 | 57663 | 1 | 06/01/2000 |
| Dt: while traveling on highway 528 on 7/1/04 at around 9 a.m at 75 mph the front driver's side tread separated from the tire, causing the truck to lift up on one side about two feet. it was in heavy traffic, and it almost caused an accident. the impact dented the side of the consumers fender and damaged the trim panel on the truck. the tire was still full of air. the consumer managed to limp on the shoulder of the road to a ford dealership where they put the spare tire on for free. it is noted in the repair invoice the mileage 57663 and the damage that was done. the tires still have good tread and seemed to be in very good shape. the thing that scared the consumer the most was that there was no warning. the following week, he took the truck to sears and had a complete set of new tires cooper brand installed. the tires that were on the truck a 2000, f-350 were steeltex a/t, lt265/75r16 123/1200 m/s load range e. the consumer has some other #'s that could help in seeing if this is an ongoing problem, 28216 ex, bm14474-3, e4 00 8061. when the consumer asked the service tech. at greenway ford about the payment on the damage, he was told to talk to firestone. he talked to the manager at the firestone in merritt island and he said they should only be used for 50,000 miles although they still had very good tread on them.*ak *jb | |||
| 08/17/2004 | 18000 | 1 | |
| Firestone steeltex tires experienced tread separation. *bf this was a violent and catastrophic event without warning. the tire shredded sending debris high into the air and caused extensive damage. the consumer request reimbursement. *sc | |||
| 06/26/2004 | 1 | ||
| Right rear tire exploded and came apart while driving on i-17 40 miles s of flagstaff, az. this caused extensive damage to the right rear 1/4 panel of our f350 and completely removed the wheel well. the tail pipe was bent and the body of the truck was scratched and bent. the tires on the truck were factory issue, and had a considerable amount of tread left. we changed the tire, mounted the spare, bought a new tire in flagstaff and filed a claim w/ firestone. we received a 'letter' yesterday denying our claim based on their examination of the tire we sent to them. they are claiming damage to the tire from a pot hole or like incident. we are mailing back to them the form to reclaim our tire. we also mailed many photos of the damage to the truck which we have files of. please advise as to our rights in this matter. thanks for your time. *la | |||
| 04/13/2003 | 37000 | 1 | 02/14/2000 |
| Vehicle experienced tire tread separation while driving at 70 mph. *mr while the vehicle was in motion the consumer felt a heavy vibration that increased. the consumer tapped on the brake and it slowed, then the consumer heard loud noises and saw rubber flying to the left behind the vehicle. the tire was fully inflated but with no tread. *scc *jb | |||
| 08/08/2003 | 9000 | 2 | 12/01/2000 |
| Driver rear tire tread separated and tire went flat while driving at 60 mph.*mr while driving 60 mph the left rear tire tread separated and the tire went flat. about four hours later the right rear tire separated and caused damage to the vehicle. ts *nlm | |||
| 10/03/2003 | 15405 | 1 | 04/03/2003 |
| While driving approximately 55 mph rear passenger side tire tread separated. the cause of separation had not been determined. *ak *ph | |||
| 08/04/2003 | 1 | ||
| While driving at 65 mph two rear tires tread separated from the wheel. dealer notified. *ak | |||
| 06/01/2002 | 16500 | 1 | 10/01/1999 |
| Tire pressure set at mfr spec. tire was not over loaded. no puncture. tire was very well maintained. tread separation, destroyed tire and deflated. *jb *****dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cur-over to artemis****770831 | |||
| 08/26/2002 | 1 | ||
| The consumer was driving the vehicle which had a squire 5000 lance camper and pulling a small trailer that weighed 300 lbs with a tongue with a weight of 20 lbs. the consumer noticed a vibration that slowly increased in intinsity. the consumer wondered what caused the vibration and thought it was just the rough road surface. the vibration lasted about 20 seconds. then it occured to the consumer that it was not the road with such high frequency in the vibration, so he decided to pull over to see what the problem was, then heard a loud thump/whack sound and the vehicle swerved severely to the right onto the paved shoulder. the consumer found that the entire tread of the left rear tire detached from the carcass and warped completely around the axle, and did not look to have lost air but did hear a low hissing sound like a small leak. the consumer requests bridgestone/firestone to replace the failed tire(s) as well as the four other tires with non firestone tires or reimburse him for the cost of five non firestone replacement tires. (size 265/75r16, load range e dot# vnw81xl 2500) *scc | |||
| 1 | |||
| The vehicle experienced tread seperation of the left rear tire. *scc | |||
| 1 | |||
| Left rear firestone steeltex r45 tire tread separation. *scc ...*ak | |||
| 07/27/2002 | 2 | 12/01/2000 | |
| Tire failed on asphalt, no warning. total separation , only bead the tire tread left. no road hazard at time. fourth firestone failure, second for same tire size. *ak | |||
| 07/24/2001 | 1 | ||
| While driving, the left rear tire experienced tread separation, which then ripped of the fuel filler hose.*jb (no tire info given) (ohio traffic crash report#10-90-444) | |||
| 09/22/2001 | 1 | 05/01/2000 | |
| While traveling 55mph and without prior warning, the right front tire blewout while towing a trailer. tread had separated from tire. this caused damage to the right front end/wheel well and running board. tow driver pulled bumper out before towing vehicle to tire retailer and replaced the tire. bridgestone dueler at, lt285/75r16 with 22,000 miles.*ak *slc | |||
| 09/14/2001 | 1 | 05/01/2000 | |
| Tire tread separation. *ak (dot number: w10p tiresize: lt215/85r1) | |||
| 08/17/2001 | 2 | 09/20/2000 | |
| Firestone, steel tex tire, lt265/75r16 size, dot#: vnw81xm459 on one occasion tread on left tire separated at 65 mph, both times causing damage to vehicle. vehicle is currently at the dealer ship for repair.*ak right rear tire experienced tread separation at 50 mph causing damage to vehicle again and damage to trailer. *slc | |||
| 08/11/2001 | 2 | 09/01/1999 | |
| Tread separation on left rear and right front tire's at 11k miles. photo's taken. reported defects to firestone dealer; tech support; consumer affairs...no interest or concern shown...now attempting to contact corporate office. who has shown no. *ak (tiresize: lt26575r16) | |||
| 08/11/2001 | 2 | 09/01/1999 | |
| Tread separation on left rear and front right tire's at 11k miles. photo's taken. reported defects to firestone dealer; tech support; consumer affairs office...none indicated any interest or concern...now attempting to contract corporate office. *ak (tiresize: lt26575r16) | |||
| 07/16/2001 | 1 | 04/01/2000 | |
| Complete tread separation on right front tire. luckily, no one was injured. there was no trailor or real load in the back of the truck. it could have been much worse if it happened 20 minutes later on a twisty mountain road or hauling a load. tire pressure has been religiously checked at 72 psi for all tires and 48 hourd before this trip. these tires have never been off road 4-wheeling or heavy trailor towing. just finished a 1,000 mile trip to hamilton, mt and back to orem,ut over july 4th. there was no noticable wear, bubbles, or blemishes on exterior of any tires before this trip. only noticable damage is to the tire, scratches on wheel rim, and slight scuffing on fenders. the worst part of this is the attitude of both ford and firestone in blaming one another and no one will take responsibility for these defective tires. we will just have to wait for a serious injury accident and the lawyers to get it resolved!*ak (dot number: vnw81xl070 tiresize: 265/75r16) | |||
| 06/17/2001 | 1 | 10/01/1999 | |
| Full tread separation from the side walls. side walls on other tires are cracking. *ak (dot number: knw81xm tiresize: lt26575r16) | |||
| 05/01/2001 | 4 | 11/11/1999 | |
| Tire size lt 265/75r16; last year one of the tires had some tire separation. within last year all 4 tires had tire tread separation. last one to separate was front right passenger's side tire. tires mounted on 2000, ford, f350, original equipment.*ak on one of the occasions the rim was damaged and needed replaced. *slc | |||
| 02/19/2001 | 1 | 05/18/2000 | |
| The tread separated from the tire while driving causing damage to the rim, this incident has been reported to ford and firestone with no satisfaction or compensation from either (firestone steel tex radial r48 lt265-759-16 e). nlm | |||
| 09/20/2000 | 1 | ||
| The left front firestone tire (p265/75r16) experienced tread separation, causing damage to the vehicle, the consumer is requesting reimbursement for the cost of the replacement tires and for the damage sustained to the vehicle. *slc | |||
| 7 | |||
| The orginial tires on the vehicle (general grabber a.w.s 235x 85 x 16) began to separate at 3,000 miles, consumer is having difficulty obtaining replacement reimbursement for defective tires. *mjs | |||
| 09/01/2000 | 1 | 04/01/2000 | |
| After seeing repeated warnings about proper inflation of firestone tires i checked mine and noticed that the tread was separating on the left front tire. i informed my dealer as i had it in for a oil change and was told that my tires which are 16 inch are not covered under any recall. i have removed the tire and it is now being saved as a temporary spare.v. *ak (tiresize: 265/75 r16)( dot number: tire size: 265/75 r16 ) | |||
| 08/01/2000 | 1 | 02/01/2000 | |
| Firestone steeltex tire (p265 75 r16) experienced tread separation. *slc | |||
| 11/01/1999 | |||
| Tire separation identical to the separation of ford explorer tires.*ak (dot number:, tiresize: lt265 75r1) | |||
| 09/16/2000 | 1 | 01/01/2000 | |
| Tread separated in one complete piece with no load in truck. pictures available. *ak (dot number: vnw8 1xl tiresize: lt26575r16) | |||
| 08/27/2000 | 1 | 10/25/1999 | |
| Pe00040, firestone, steeltex r4s, orignal equipment on 2000, ford, f350, tire size lt26575r16, dot vnw81xm409. driver's rear tire tread come off entirely, and in between steel belts which caused major damage to vehicle. sent tire to firestone for compensation. *ak *slc | |||
| 08/01/2000 | 1 | 07/01/2000 | |
| Right front tire currently has small tread separation on corner of tread and sidewall. am going in the morning to firestone dealer for possible adjustment.*ak (tiresize: lt265/75r1)( dot number: tire size: lt265/75r1 ) | |||
| Yesterday on i4 in florida between tampa and lakefield paul thompson was critically injured when a 2000 ford f350 rolled over after a rear tire tread separation on a lt26575r16 firestone steel tex. he is not expected to survive. | |||
| 01/15/2000 | 4 | 10/01/1999 | |
| I have had ongoing tire problems since this truck was new. i have had casing separations in four of the six tires installed on the dual wheel truck, both front and rear. i have contacted ford customer service numerous times. i have been to two local dealerships. i have also made numerous calls to general tire customer service and i talked to five separate representatives. all to no avail. one ford dealership told me they were not in the tire business -- have a nice day -- good bye. another ford dealership has been waiting for three weeks for an eamil from corporate headquarters. i believe that they are hoping i will just give up or crash and burn -- whichever come first. general tire has agreed to give me a small credit toward the purchase of replacement tires or replace them with the same general tire junk that i have now. neigher of which is satisfactory or fair. someone is going to be hurt by their failure to respond to this problem or even take the time to question me as to when, where, or how my tire failures have occurred. your timely response would be greatly appreciated as this is a very widely used tire and i believe is a very dangerous problem to the public. thank your for your time and consideration. i will be happy to answer any questions you may have at your convenience.*ak (dot number: ador1jc279 tiresize: 235x85x16) | |||
| 07/01/2000 | |||
| Pe00 020; was traveling about 70mph on the highway and heard a noise. he was able to pull over, rear passenger tire tread separated. he has contacted firestone firestone #steal tex,#r4 lt265r1575. *ak | |||
| TIRES - VALVE | |||
| 06/27/2002 | 70000 | 1 | |
| Vehicle's tire valve started leaking and was split at the base. part was replaced , problem recurred.*ak | |||
| Consumer called complaining about having a problem with his tires left rear driver side had a flat down the tire valve had come out. dealer was contacted and stated that they have nothing to do with it. firestone tire size lt285/75/16. ts | |||
| 09/18/2001 | 1 | 04/01/2000 | |
| Firestone steel tex r4s, lt265/75r16, dot unknown, original equipment on a 2000, ford, f350 with 17800 miles. while driving 55 mph left rear tire had a blowout.*ak consumer contacted ford and firestone and was informed that it was not one anothers fault, firestone stated it was fords problem because of the bad valve stwm that was put on by ford, consumer stated there were 2 more bad valve stems found in bad condition and were replaced.*jb | |||
| 08/31/2001 | 2 | 03/01/2000 | |
| I had 2 valve stem failures within 2 weeks and 2000 miles. both occurred at 60 to 70 mph. both valve stems where original equipment. both occurred on 85 degree or higher days. each resulted in rapid deflation of front tires.*ak | |||
| 05/12/2001 | 1 | 03/01/2000 | |
| The oem valve stem were found to be fatigued wher they mount to th rim of steel-tex mounted tires. the right rear inside tire went down first and the spare was put on. then two days later the left rear inside tire went down due to valve stem failure. it was found at the time of mobile service repair that the left front tire valve stem was severely fatigued and the ambulance was removed from service until it was driven to a tire shop were the remaining 5 of 7 valve stems were replaced. all the original tires were put back on the ground and the spare was stored. two days later the right rear inside tire had a blow out while enroute to the hospital with a patient on board. the tire was replaced with the spare which is a steel-tex tire. the spare was replaced and stored away. there have not been any further problems with these tires as of 06/02/01. *ak (dot number: w10p1xn070 tiresize: lt21585r16) | |||
| 05/31/2001 | 0 | ||
| Pe00 020; was traveling 60mph on highway and heard a loud noise. then, noticed that vehicle was pulling to the left. he was able to pull over to the shoulders, and he noticed that passenger rear was flat. he was able to change it . firestone, steel tex, #2657516. he has contacted ford, and firestone. the problem was the vavle stem. *ak | |||