Tire Tread/belt problems of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan

Tires wore out within 40,000 miles and they were supposed to be an 80,000 mile tire. I kept the tires rotated every 5,000 miles, wal-mart would not honor the 80,000 tread wearout warranty.

These tires were replaced as part of a recall in approximately 1998. The thread on this tire has virtually no wear. There is probably about 12-15,000 miles on these tires. My son and I were drivng down the highway when the tire completely blew out, nearly causing an accident. I hate to think what would have happened had a car been closer to us than they were, and we were not able to get to the side of the highway safely and quickly. Upon inspection of the tire, I saw that the thread had completely come off the sides of the tire. The tire was in three distinctly different parts. The tow truck driver who came to change the tire was flabergasted at the condition of the tire. He said that the only other tires he has seen that looked like this were the firestore tires on the suvs. When I went to the tire dealer to replace the tire, he had the same type of comments. It was obvious to the two repair men that these tires were defectvie. Both said we were lucky to be alive given the condition of the tire. My question is now, what should I do with the other one that is on there, and can I get retribution for the cost of these tires. Also, how can I find out if this has happened to others in the past? should I contact the dealership or the manufacturer. If you could supply me with this information, I would appreciate it. Thank you. (tiresize: p215/65r15).