Two problems related to tire bead have been reported for the 1996 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Traveling on interstate at 70 mph. Left front tire came apart. Able to control vehicle to the side of the road. Upon inspection of the remains, which included the tread but no side wall, it was apparent that there was no cut, puncture or other external damage that would be cause for the blowout. I took the remains to the firestone store from which I purchased the tires and the manager agreed with me that the tire had failed at the sidewall , and involved an apparent high temperature. The tire was replaced with a new tire. That tire along with the others are showing, in my opinion, a strange pattern of "wear" on the sidewalls and near the bead. These tires were purchased brand new in Nov. 1999. These tires are not the size tires that are involved in recall as of 8-14-00, but I believe them to be faulty. They should also be recalled in the interest of safety. Thank you. ( dot number: 000 tire size: p255/70r16 ).
Vehicle was equipted with firestone atx tires ( p235/75r15). Tires were causing vehicle to vibrate, found out that cords were bad in the tire. They eventualy blew out. Dealer was contacted.