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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
45 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
86 / 7
Average Mileage:
2,440 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

1998 Ford Explorer wheels / hubs problems

wheels / hubs problem

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1998 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 8 of 17)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #200

Jul 242000

Explorer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving the consumer braked the vehicle, upon braking the Firestone ATX tires on the left hand side of the vehicle exploded causing the vehicle to go into a tail spin and rollover, injury to consumer as a result of tire failure.

- Harker Heights, TX, USA

problem #199

Jul 282000

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The Firestone Wilderness AT tire experienced failure while driving causing loss of control and vehicle accident.

- New Canaan, CT, USA

problem #198

Sep 192000

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Six flat tires on rear of Explorer since beginning of summer( dot number: )

- Woodville, VA, USA

problem #197

Jun 172000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After taking my Explorer in to the Firestone dealer in mesa, he replaced the 2 rear tires and spare. He inspected the other tires and said they were fine. He placed the front tires onto the rear and placed the new tires on the front. 3000 miles later w( dot number: Vdhl1py068 tire size: P235/75R15 )

- Chandler, AZ, USA

problem #196

Sep 192000

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Tires not made at plant on recall, although the "cupping" problem persists(relating to article in usa today a few weeks ago)( dot number: )

- Ponca City, OK, USA

problem #195

Jul 012000

Explorer

  • miles
Although these tires are not oficially recalled yet, I inspected the outer area of the sidewall and noticed that I have hairline cracks on 3 out of 4 of my tires!! this is exactly at the edge of the tire, about 5/8" deep around the circumference of the tire. It is just starting to delaminate at this edge. I hope this recall is widened to include this dot code. Also, how do I find out about the goverment's list of tires/ I want to replace these as soon as possible( dot number: Vnhlipy457 tire size: 23575R15 )

- Woodinville, WA, USA

problem #194

Sep 152000

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Though not covered in the recall, my tires are showing tiny cracks along the sidewall at the tread depth. Because there are nearly 50000 miles on these the Firestone dealer is saying they are only supposed to be good for that long. We are concerned, but tires are backordered. What should I do?( dot number: Tire size: P235/75/R1 )

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #193

Sep 222000

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Original equipment on a 1998, Explorer, P235/75R15 size, dot# W2hl. Tread on two tires have started to crack between the sidewall and the tread. The dealer told the customer the tires were not part of the recall.

- Benton, IL, USA

problem #192

Sep 162000

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Steve olinger, a service manager at walker Ford had my car inspected and found that three of my tires were subjected to the Firestone recall. He then told me that Ford would not replace the tires because Ford and Firestone had agreed not to replace tires with over 50,000 miles. I have called and visited Firestone and they have said Ford is wrong. I told Ford this but they have restated their policy to me.( dot number: Tire size: 15 inch )

- Largo, FL, USA

problem #191

Sep 152000

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Though not covered in the recall, my tires are showing tiny cracks along the sidewall at the tread depth. Because there are nearly 50000 miles on these the Firestone dealer is saying they are only supposed to be good for that long. We are concerned, but tires are backordered. What should I do?( dot number: Tire size: P235/75/R1 )

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #190

Sep 152000

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Three of the four tires have circumferential cracking ~1.5" from tire od (@ tread line). I have replaced tires on my own as Firestone dealer will not have replacements till December. I have retained the cracked tires for future settlement. Pls note that the cracked tires are currently not on the recall list.( dot number: Vnhl tire size: P235/75R15 )

- Vernon, CT, USA

problem #189

Aug 011999

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Blowout on garden state parkway during last summer. Rear tire blew and my rear mirror filled w blue smoke as the tire shredded along the highway.( dot number: "????????" )

- Florham Park, NJ, USA

problem #188

Sep 012000

Explorer

  • miles
Vehicle experiences vibration and slight drift to the right around 65 mph. Rotated tires every 5000 miles, however inside of front tires experience severe cupping. At 35000 mile service, brought to bankston Ford (frisco tx) for maintenance. Tires rotated, but nothing noted on service report about severe cupping on inside of tires by bankston. Grew frustrated with lack of service and disregard for safety, took to Goodyear dealer. Tires were worn to the 2nd layer and near failure, and shown to me by tech. Replace with goodyears & had alignment checked, needed slight toe in adjustment. Vehicle still vibrates at 65 mph, already seeing cupping wear pattern on inside of brand new goodyears with less than 500 miles!.( dot number: Tire size: P255/70R16 )

- Frisco, TX, USA

problem #187

Sep 142000

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
Visible cracking around tread and sidewalls.( dot number: W2H1 tire size: P235/75R15 )

- Newark, DE, USA

problem #186

Sep 142000

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
We had a tire blow out. With all the news about the Firestone, I am concerned that this is related. The fact that there was no injury or accident is very lucky. We were told our tires werent recalled yet because they are 16 inch. I am very concerned, because we have 3 other tires that I do not trust. We travel on a highway and this could have been serious. Our dealership, although friendly, just states that its not part of the recall. Pay for the tire. I am very disappointed.( dot number: Vncu ipx tire size: PZ55/70R16 )

- Oak Harbor, OH, USA

problem #185

Aug 102000

Explorer

  • miles
Westbound on I-10 in madison county, fl when right rear tire detreads, vehicle steers into median, vehicle rolls over, roof crush.( dot number: W2hlipy088 tire size: P235/75R15 )

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #184

Sep 142000

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
Other countries have recalled Wilderness AT 16" tires for safety concerns. Why hasn't the us done the same?no safety defect, information inquiry.( dot number: Tire size: P255/70R16 )

- Redondo Beach, CA, USA

problem #183

Jun 232000

Explorer

  • miles
While driving my Explorer at highway speeds, I heard a noise as if I had kicked up a rock. Checking the drivers side mirror, I noticed a black object being thrown to the side of the road. I pulled over to stop my vehicle and inspect it. I found a section of the rear drivers side tire had come off. The section was about 3 inches in diameter and was down to the steel belts. The tire was replaced by Firestone, (pro-rated), on July 1st, 2000. I just had all tires inspected by Firestone and they want to replace all 5 tires, (this include the one I just received July 1st.( dot number: N/a tire size: P235/75R15 )

- Tempe, AZ, USA

problem #182

Sep 132000

(reported on)

Explorer 4WD

  • miles
I believe that I have evidence of addtional Firestone plants that have made defective tires. My vehicle doesnot have the vd tire code, but has a vn code with the tires having a distinct hairline crack just under the tread line around the enitre tire. I have been told by the Firestone dealer, my autodealer and by the tire dealer that just replaced these tires that they show the same "cracking" as the vd tire code. I have kept these tire and would offer them to you for further investiagtion. I am reqesting that NHTSA keeps the investigaion open and that they assist my self, and other vehicle owners with additional defective tires, in obtaining a refund from the tire manufactuer.( dot number: Vn tire size: 235 75X15 )

- Charlotte, MI, USA

problem #181

Sep 142000

(reported on)

Explorer

  • miles
When I purchased my vehicle I noticed unusual wear patterns on all four tires at 2000miles. I took it to the dealer and they said there was nothing wrong but rotated them anyway. The wear pattern continued and I returned again at 6000 miles. They checked the alignment and said nothing was wrong. At 15000 miles there was noticeable outer tread wear on all four tires. Went to Ford and they told me again, no problem. Now with 30000 miles on the tire I have severe outer tread wear. The alignment has been checked by five different shops including Firestone and everthing checked out including proper inflation. Now Firestone refuses to help with this problem citing I failed to rotate the tires even with proof from Ford. The outer tread will soon be off of these tires just like the others. How long will it take to get all these poor quality tires off the road.( dot number: W2 tire size: P235 75R15 )

- Conway, SC, USA

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