This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
This is a confirmation of troubles with the mentioned Firestone tires. We had three incidents of the tires blowing out, when traveling at speeds between 30 and 50 miles per hour. There were absolutely no penetrations of the tire rubber, as the tires had failed. Three different tires had to be fixed, two patched from small partial tears on the outer layer, and one absolutely destroyed from failure. These tires had to be replaced by michelen tires at 21, 500. Before replacing the tires, we did not drive far distances after the repeated failures, and even took the car to a dealer to inspect the vehicle (also in newman, ga), who did not find any traces of punctures in the tires. We spend good money to get these awful tires (and unsafe) "fixed" and $424 in the new tires. Firestone was written and never responded, as I have now told all friends about their products, lack of response, and frankly what I believe to be an unsafe product of which I was unable to receive replacement tires because they wouldn't fit under they standard "warranty" of which has so many stipulations that it does nothing for the consumer. I hope this helps in the investigation and would frankly like to see if a response could come from Firestone's end as I am sorely disappointed. Many thanks.( dot number: Tire size: 285/75/15 )
We experienced an unexplained blow out of our right rear tire driving down berthoud pass in the mountains of Colorado. Firestone replaced the tire at no charge. They found no explaination for the blowout. The weather was cold, Colorado in March, at a high elevation. Heat was not a factor. The tires had less than 5000 miles on them. We are very fortunate we did not lose control and plummet off of the mountain. This problem is not just occurring in warm southern states.( dot number: )
After reading an article in the local newspaper regarding Firestone tires on Ford Explorer, I scheduled an appointment with ted wiens Firestone (3841 E. craig road, las vegas, nv --702-644-3384) on Aug 5, 2000 to determine the safety of the wilerness at tires installed on my Ford Explorer. After being assured the tires were completely safe I left the store only to get a blowout that same day. The blowout occurred on the left rear wheel while driving approximately 55-60 mph on a smooth highway at approximately 9pm. I appreciate the offer from Firestone to check the tires, however, I question their ability to determine the tires safety based on my blowout happening the same day. I would like to register my complaint at this time, not only concerning the tires themselves, but also Firestone's inadequate ability to conduct a comprehensive check of the tires. Please feel free to call anytime 702-396-3803. 21 deaths is enough.
I have had two tires fail so far, at different times. I was told that the belt broke inside the tires. Firestone said it could be because the tires werenot inflated properly. I have been driving for 24 years now and have never had a flat tire on the road. I am now afraid to drive this car because of these tires. Something needs to be done to insure everyone's safety in the U.S. just as they have done in the other countries.( dot number: P255 tire size: 70R16109S )
One year ago I took my Explorer to the dealership because the tires are making a thumping noise. They stated the tires were "cupping". that it was a tire problem not a vehicle problem. They referred me to the Firestone dealership. I took the Explorer to the Firestone dealership they stated that the tires were cupping and that it was a Ford problem and that the" Explorer ate tires." To date my tires are still noisey and I am very concerned for my families safety.( dot number: Tire size: P235/75R15 )
On my way to poway, ca, southbound I-5, my car began to pull to the right and shake. I pulled off to check my tires. Checking all 4 tires for correct inflation, I found nothing wrong. I got back on the freeway, as I was out in the middle of nowhere, lowered my speed and continued. As I approached poway the front end started to make a thumping noise. I was less than 1 mile from my sister's house, so I lowered my speed again and finished my trip. We looked at the tires and noticed that the right front tire had a bulge in it. It was about 5" in size along the tire tread. On 7/17 I took my Explorer to the Ford dealer of poway (perry Ford) for an inspection. Robert saw the bubble and said that all four tires needed to be replaced. He suggested a new set of firestones. Having had problems with them on our 1993 Ranger, and seeing the bubble on a tire that should not have to be replaced I refused. He was very persistant saying Firestone makes a great tire, but I refussed. Having all four tires replaced, mounted, balanced, and an alignment, it cost $550.21 to get myself and my children home to anaheim. When we bought the Explorer in 1998, we asked for the tires at that time, before pick-up, to be replaced as we had had problems with firestones on the Ranger. The dealer would not replace them, but gave us the name of a place to go to get new tires and possibly at a discount as the Firestone tires were new and could be bought back. If this condition has been under investigation for awhile, why would the Ford dealer of poway suggest(almost insist) that the same tire be put back on"? isn't that a little neglectful of robert and the dealer knowing I was going to get back on the freeway with my children and drive over 80 miles" I am very angry and upset about hearing about this investigation going on and the fact that nothing was said to me, and it cost me $550 for a problem that they created. Please let me know of any further information.
My tire blew out and the Explorer rolled several times. My dogs were ejected from the windows as all the windows blew. The car was totaled and I have suffered back injuries.( dot number: Tire size: 235/75 )
Turn signals and high beam indicator lamp failed suddenly. Fuses are good. Rear wiper has never work right. Has not work at all for some time. Always had low rumble when moving. Appears to come from front.( dot number: Tire size: 70R15 100S )
I had been driving for about 12 hours on a trip starting in Florida on my way to Michigan. In Kentucky I ran over a 2X4 peice of wood about 6" long. The front tire went over ok, but the rear tire blow immediately. There was no tread separation just a big hole toward one side of the tread (not in the sidewall). I was able to stop safely even with a 500 lb load in the rear section of the truck.( dot number: Tire size: 255/60R16 )
On 06/01/00 while heading to a family reunion we "hydroplaned" on the interstate just outside of las vegas, nm. The vehicle started to "fishtail" from the back tires (approx 5-6 times), then it swerved sideways off the road (right side lane) and onto the median. When the vehicle came up onto the oncoming traffic side it "popped up" onto two wheels, came back down, and then popped up again and rolled. The vehicle came to rest on the side of the road (oncoming traffice side ditch).( dot number: )
The tires look fine (plenty of tread). I have my car serviced as Ford suggests (they send a reminder letter) - this includes tire rotations, alignment etc. The damaged tires look like retreads, though I purchased the car new and the tire warranty indicates 6 years or 2/32nds of an inch of tread depth - neither of which had been reached. I have replaced all 4 tires, however I have kept the old ones. Firestone has requested we send back the damaged ones so they may determine if a reimbursment is warranted. When we called Firestone/cerritos (8/1) they insisted the tires had too many miles and were not defective (they didn't see the tires) - after not accepting that response and persisting they were defective, we were given a toll free number to Firestone. Firestone mailed us a claim form with instructions. Should we proceed with completing the claim and send back the tires?( dot number: Vdhlipy487 tire size: P235/75R15 )
Unsatisfactory performance from Firestone Wilderness AT P235/75R15 (SUV) tires. After routine service and (second) tire rotation/balance at 12,000 miles, I noticed my vehicle "pulling" to the right while on the highway. I returned the vehicle to the servicing dealer (kearny mesa Ford, san diego ca), and asked them to repair the problem. After several attempts, they were unable to rotate the tires and still have them balanced within specification. Consequently, the tires were returned to their original positions on the vehicle. The explanation given to me was that there was "likely a loose belt within one of the tires preventing it from balancing correctly, but since the vehicle didn't seem to "pull" when this tire was mounted on the rear, I should just leave it there and not rotate my tires in the future." When I inquired about warranty and/or replacement, I was informed that because the tires had 12,000 miles accrued, there was nothing I could do. As a result of not rotating my tires (...something I normally do as scheduled), my tires have worn irregularly and I believe have worn out prematurely (...in this case, approximately 40,000 miles; however I generally get much greater tire life due to the "highway" driving I do and proper tire maintenance). I am hoping this information will be helpful in your investigation of the Firestone Wilderness AT tires.( dot number: Tire size: P235/75R15 )
Tire came completely apart while traveling on a five lane highway. I was able to get the car to the center median but rim was also damaged. There is very little left of the tire, only 2 inches of the side wall. Everyone who has looked a the tire says they have never seen a tire so severely damaged. Luckily no one was hurt.( dot number: )
Rr tire blew out at highway speeds. External wall just exploded. No accident. My wife was able to control the vehicle while reaching the shoulder.( dot number: Tire size: ?? )
There were 5 other times besides the major two times(have to buy new tires), when I had flats on the road and had to be repaired. The quality of tires is unacceptable. I bought this car in clinton, wi and now I have moved to austin, tx. The closest Ford dealer for me is maxwell Ford, 5000 ih-35 South, austin, tx 78745. (512) 326-8141. Now I saw the news how 21 people with Explorer have died related to tire failures. Both times when I had the problems with my tires were on the highway.( dot number: Tire size: P225/70R15 )
I began having difficulty controlling the truck. It felt like it was hydroplaning on wet surfaces, at all speeds. Truck weaved on dry surfaces. Dealer replaced front tires with Firestone ATX. Truck now seems to "slide" when the wheels cross the painted lines during a lane change.( dot number: Tire size: P235/75R15 )
Driving on interstate when tire blew. Tread became tangeled in emergency brake lines eganging brakes and disabling vehicle. To date, all four tires have had to be replaced for various defects.( dot number: Tire size: P255/70R16 )
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
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