Catastrophic failure of a Firestone steel tex LT245/75R16, the tire tread separated and completely delaminated, causing a blowout, significant damage was done to the right rear of the vehicle, including rupture of some fluid line which could cause a fire.

- Palm Desert , CA, USA

The first problem that I had with theses tires was back in July of 2000. On both of the front tires the belts had broken at that time the truck had about 12,000 miles on it. The problem was caught before any separation had happened. Then on 8/17/01 I was driving on I215 and the truck pulled hard to the right and there was a loud bang. I brought the truck back under control and pulled over to the shoulder and got out. I walked around to the front right side and the tire had separated, it didn't go flat. Then exactly a week later I had the left front tire blowout. This tire was in pieces. After the first separation I called Firestone and was told to take it to a Firestone dealer in my area to have the rest of the tires looked at. I did that I took it to ted wiens on warm springs. At that time I spoke with courtney he came out looked at the first tire and said since I was claiming product liability for the damage to my truck he said all he would do is replace the tire and nothing more. I asked him to please look at the others he told me there was nothing more he could do. So I left bought the tire somewhere else and had it mounted and the others checked. I was told at that time the tires seemded fine no sidwall damage and plenty of tread. Then I have the 2nd seperation. I went back to ted wiens and spoke to the owner carlos. He took the truck to the back looked at the remaing 2 tires said the tread was at 10/32 no side wall damage and called Firestone. Firestone told him since the tires had no cracking they would do nothing. He did replace these tires for me. Firestone would not. I feel let down both by Firestone and Chevrolet. I had no choice as to what kind of tires would be on the truck when I bought it. Neither one is now to eager to help me. I have $5,000 in damage to a leased vehicle and no one willing to step up and help. (dot number: V611B1A468 tiresize: Lt24575R16)

- Henderson, NV, USA

While driving about 70mph left front tire blewout. Sidewall blewout, and part of tread came off. Had not called Goodyear. Tire size P245/75R16. Goodyear tire, 38 psi, consumer states the road was dry and there was no debris on the road.

- Kennewick, WA, USA

Not towing trailer, felt vibration pulled over to check tire could not see defect went 3miles tire shop, tire separation, I had blow out on another Suburban 1 week before I knew what was happening before tire blew, tire replace with another Firestone at dealer in palmdale calif. (dot number: Na tiresize: Lt24575R4S)

- Carpinteria, CA, USA

Two Firestone R4S tires have failed on vehicle, the left rear tire developed a blister and the right rear tire experienced a blowout while driving at about 35 mph, tire size is LT245/75R16 and the dot number is V611B1A, consumer still has tires for observation.

- Santa Rosa, CA, USA

Instruments on the dash board have failed to work properly. Dealership examined vehicle, and could not remedy problem. Consumer states the tires put on the vehicle, kelly springfield, P235/70R15, dot number pjm1dekr268, were too small for the Suburban.

- Tampa, FL, USA

Was driving 35mph when vehicle started to vibrate. Problem was getting worse. Took vehicle to dealership. Mechanic tried rebalancing all four tires to remove vibrations. Vibration problem still exists. Original equipment on 1999, Chevrolet, Suburban with 33,000 miles. LT245/78R16. The consumer bought 5 new tires and replaced the ones that were unsafe.

- Battle Creek, MI, USA

While traveling at approximately 70 mph in Chevrolet, Suburban 1999 there was vibration in vehicle. Upon examination, right rear of tire had a section of tread peeling off and there was a bubble forming where tread meets sidewall. Firestone, size - LT245/75R16 were original equipment on vehicle, and had approximately 47,000 miles on the tires. Consumer states that all tires have been replaced due to other failures, a tire man examined the tires and stated that all of them had broken places in the steel belts.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

Vibration from left front at highway speeds, balance both front tires, possibly related to the suspension system.

- Houston, TX, USA

I was on vaction with my family driving on mountainous roads in northern Arizona at approximately 55 mph. I began to feel a vibration in the steering wheel and noticed the console shaking. I slowed the Suburban down to 15 mph and I could feel the rear end wobble. I took the vehicle to the nearest tire store and the informed me that the tire had separated and was on the verge of loosing its tread. I very carefullly drove to the nearest Firestone dealer and had to pay a prorated price for a new tire since this particular tire had not been offically recalled. I am concerned that there are other Firestone models with tire separation issues and I am fortunate that I caught my tire problem before a complete loss of tread occured at 55 mph with my entire family in the vehicle. (dot number: Vn11B1A019 tiresize: Lt24575R16)

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Original equipment on a 1999, Suburban LT245/75R16 size. There are dimples on all four Firestone steeltex tires that run from the bead of the rim to where the tread meets the sidewall. Firestone has inspected the tires. Dot# VN11.

- Columbia, MD, USA

The vehical was a "buy back" the original complaint listed was vibration in front. Chevrolet claims the issue was fixed or not varified. When I brought the vehical in for service the service representitive noticed uneven wear and recommended an allignment. He noticed severe cupping psngr side front tire. The tires were rotated and an alignment was performed. I have noticed a signifigant pull in the vehical to the left against the slope of the road. I am concerned re: These tires because of the similarity in my experiences and many of the reports I have read on internet. Please keep me posted re: Your investigation into these tires. I am seriously contemplating having them replaced even w/O recall and would simply hang onto them in case of recall. Firestone dealer was not supportive or empathetic re: My concerns. I could not find dot code but tire were made in Canada the # that was on them was 235 45 vr BM05327-1. (dot number:, tiresize: 245-75-16)

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

Extreme vibration at hiway speeds. Firestone dealer said nothing was wrong with tire. (tiresize: 245/75/16)( dot number: Tire size: 245/75/16 )

- Greenville, SC, USA

The Firestone tire (steeltex A/T; 245 75R16) that blew out on my Suburban was brand new. It was my spare tire. I drove on it approximately 20 miles when an approximately 6 inch square piece of the sidewall blew out for no apparent reason. In light of all the recent problems with Firestone tires and recent news report that this particular tire is under investigation, I felt it was important to report this tire failure. (tiresize: 245 75R16)( dot number: Tire size: 245 75R16 )

- Reno, NV, USA

I was driving on the highway at about 70 miles per hour. I was about 106 degrees outside. My right front tire blew out. It disintegrated. I crossed two lanes of traffic before the car came to a halt. I have no idea why I'm even alive. I had aaa change the tire. A local tire place replaced the blown tire with an identical one. At the time I asked if my tires were part of the recall. They assured me they were not. Now I hear you are looking into the exact tires I have...the exact one that disintegrated on me on the highway. I thought you should know it happened to me as well. Please let me know if my tires end up on the recall list. I have no confidence in my car now-especially with my three children. Thank you for your time. Milly woodhouse. (dot number: R4S tiresize: 16 inch)

- Alta Loma, CA, USA

The 10/2/00 wsj article indicated now Firestone steeltex tires were under investigation. Our steeltex R4S 16 tires appear to be wearing excessively. Further, the drivers side rear tire appears to be wearing excessively and unevenly. This evening, I have E-mailed Firestone seeking a replacement refund offer similar to the ATX recall, as soon as possible. I will let you know their response. With this being my wife's car and with three small children, 12, 10 and 6, I am very concerned. What else should I do at this time? (tiresize: 16)( dot number: Tire size: 16 )

- Dewitt, MI, USA

Purchased vehicle in November 1998, in early March 1999 the vehicle had been driven about 4000 miles. On interstate 240, 1 mile South of the I-40 junction, the right rear tire blew out. I was able to safely get off of the highway and to a Firestone dealer at the intersection of I-40 and I-240. Before taking the tire off of the vehicle, I took pictures of the remains of the tire. Do you have an interest in these photographs? (dot number: V611B1A tiresize: Lt24575R16)

- Memphis, TN, USA

Leaving for hershey pa. On 10/04/00, afraid of tire failure to and from. Called Firestone dealer here locally, they brushed me off. What to do?? I don't want tradgedy to happen. (dot number: Tiresize: Lt24575R16)

- Altamont, NY, USA

We had a tire blowout on a vacation (7/6/00) on New York state thruway'six children and wife were in car at 55 miles per hour; I was able to safety get car to side of road. My dealer replaced tire with matching tire. It turns out all tires are the recalled Firestone tires verified by a Firestone dealer. I am on a waiting list for replacements. I am upset because I have seen same tires on other Suburban around my area and all the fuss is about Ford. A slower reaction on my part could have meant my 6 children hurt. Thought I would finally report to somebody for record.( dot number: Tire size: P235/75R15 )

- Cranford, NJ, USA

The tire blew while turning left on an up hill curve. Approximately 95% of the front sidewall shredded. No visable defects in the sidewall or tread. This occured after 3.5 hours of continuous driving at speeds from 55 - 75.( dot number: Vn11bab tire size: P245/75R16 )

- Phoenix, AZ, USA