general problems of the 1996 Ford Explorer - part 1

On July 28, at approx 4pm est we experienced tread separation from the front passenger tire that caused our Ford Explorer to temporarily loss control. The tire was a firestone wilderness tire that was provided by Ford for a recall replacement about 8 or 9 years ago. The right passenger front tire separated on rt i95 near the sharon, MA exit. Loud sounds came from engine area of car and tread hit side of car and fp window. Car began to loss control, but the driver was able to stabilize and pull off of the highway. We were traveling from PA to MA (we left conshohcken, PA at 9:45 am) and I was averaging 65 to 70 miles per hour, but was slowing down when tread separated. I was moving from the right to the left lane, exit was about 1 to 2 miles ahead of us. The right front wheel well plastic covering, some air conditioning equipment, and the radio antenna all have been damaged. There is some paint damage on right side of car and the and running board seems to have some damage as well. A roadside assistance person came to help us remove the tire and replace it with a spare. We brought the car back to a firestone dealer in brockten, MA and was told that firestore would likely fix the damage to the car. There were four of us in the car, we were all shaken up, and bumped around, no one was cut. A report was filed with the roadside assistance person, but no police report was filed.

The contact owns a 1996 Ford Explorer. The vehicle has goodyear wrangler tires, size p235/75/r15. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact experienced abnormal vibration in the vehicle and heard road noise. He took the vehicle to a local repair shop and the technician stated that all of the tires were defective and sustained abnormal grooves in the tread. The technician recommended that the tires be replaced. The tires have not yet been replaced and the contact still has them in his possession. He called the place from where the tires were purchased and was not provided any assistance. The failure and current mileages were 4,000. Updated 05/05/09.

Firestone tire p235 75 r15 fr480 ms separated causing our Fordexplorer to roll over. Near venus, texas on hwy 67 south.

Ford Explorers model 1996 (xtl) problem-seeking professional help. There were two accidents due to tire bursts.

Second firestone (p235/75r15s)tire recall work performed, resulted in damage to the shock absorbers, rear and front suspension had to be replaced. Consumer is requesting reimbursement.

Tire totally broke down like never before seen; inspected by goodyear; said normal blowout of under inflated tire. Inspected by certified mechanic. Stated such never before seen and showded why underinflation could not be the cause. Still have tire in my posession. (tiresize: p235/75r15) (tiresize: p235/75r15).

Left front tire separation contributed to rollover accident on March 10, 2001. Tires were not on recall but they were under investigation, and by the account of the emergency personel, at the site,the tow company, and body shop, ahve all said the separated front tire contributed to the rollover. What is my options at this point? (tiresize: 255/70r/15)( dot number: tire size: 255/70r/15 ).

While returning from christmas vacation on I-70 we suffered a blowout on the passenger side rear tire of our 1996 Ford Explorer sport. We had just passed a tractor-trailor and I was in the inside lane. The this caused me to swerve immediately into the outside lane in front of the semi and then onto the sholder of the road. I was able to control the vehicle and stop partially off the road in the snow. I later took the tire to my mechanic and he examined it and stated the tread had seperated to the best of his knowledge. I contacted Ford and they stated it was a goodyear problem. I contacted goodyear and they stated it was a Ford Explorer problem. Neither I, my wife who is 4 months pregnant, nor my 21 month old child were injured but had I been in the outside lane I would not have been able to control the vehicle when it went into the ditch and this could possibly have been a very serious accident. I ahd just had the frod Explorer recall for the sway bay links and a tire inspection completed by the Ford dealer before we left on our trip (900 miles before the tire failure) and I was given no advice about needing new tires or if the sway bar links had caused any damage to the tires. I had my tires rotated at 35281 miles. I believe there is possibly a problem with my goodyear tires of the Explorer is the source of the problems. (tiresize: p265/75r15)( dot number: tire size: p265/75r15 ).

Noticed hairline crack circling tire at bottom of tread. I contacted firestone, initially I was offered 1 replacement tire of the same type as the failed tire if an inspection of the problem tire verified my concern regarding the beginning of tread separation problem. I informed the firestone hotline and dealer rep that this was unacceptable, I wanted all tires replaced even though these were not under recall. I informed them that it was ludicrous to be put in a situation where I would be forced to continue checking all tires every three days. I would not be put in that situation. Being persistant, I was advised to contact dist mgr. No toll free #, at my own expense (phone) I contacted dist mgr. He approved all replacement, when confirmed. Confirmed by company owned tire store 11/13/00. All five replaced 11/14/00 with bridgestone dueler at. I am satisfied at this time. I simply wanted to report failure of tire made in wilson, nc. After being pushed, bridgestone/firestone did the right thing, although they had to be pushed, after the first line of contact tried to minimize and deflect. I praise firestone for eventually doing the right thing. (dot number: w2hlipyl08 tiresize: p235/75r15).

Tires have cracks on and about shoulder area, dry rot. These tires were replaced and inspected by sears personnel. Firestone personnel refused to acknowledge any problem with these tires; did not inspect. I have retained all 5 tires. (dot number: w2uu1mx295 tiresize: p225/70r15).

Replacements for original good year. Purchased at costco. (dot number: 8xhl tiresize: p235/75r15).

Damage was done to the front right bumper, front right side panel, and front right door, inside floorboard near running board. I have exhausted all avenues in attempting to find a resolution to the problem. I do have a phone log stating all the frustrating phone calls I have made with no results other than "we will send you the forms". Meanwhile, I am stuck without a car, unable to get to work; I've had to compromise my lifestyle. I am expected to pay out of my pocket for repairs to my car. I am terrified to drive my car (it has been stored since the incident 9/16/00) having still, three defective "human killing" tires" putting my life, as well as the lives of others in jeopardy. One would think a large company would leap to the opportunity to prevent further tragedy. ( dot number: w2cu1px475 tire size: p255/70r16 ).

Consumer received recall about tires. One tire was replaced, consumer received reimbursement for one tire he purchased, however, wants reimbursement for the remaining 3 (including spare) tires he purchased. Firestone wilderness tire size p235/75r15 dot # enbndn2300 and vdhl1fm505 on 1996, Ford, Explorer.

All 4 tires have spider crackes on the outside of the rubber lugs. This tire should have been recalled. I should get 2 more years out of them, but I don't feel safe and think I'm take the off. Please look into this tire size. Thank you( dot number: w2culpx tire size: p255/70r16 ).

Outside layer of tire peeled off in a section across width of tire, almost put me in ditch. I could have been another fatality statistic. Ford and firestone will not acknowledge this as their responsibility. One( dot number: w2cu1px tire size: 255/70r 16 ).

Tire is starting to separate from thread causing dangerous condition( dot number: w2tcu tire size: p255/70r16 ).

This is just to let you know that the reimbursement program that firestone announced 08/15/2000 they are only allowing reimbursement for tires replaced from 08/09/2000 to 08/16/2000. Even though the program was only announced 1 day prior to the end date. This doesn't seem quite fair. ( dot number: tire size: 23575r15 ).

Local Ford dealer and firestone service center have been non-responsive to customer concerns related to "recall"investigation. Attempts to assure customers confidence is . I have a vehicle and tires that my wife does not trust and has limited our vehicle in town useage only. Out of frustration due to run around by Ford and firestone vendors, we as consumers do not trust the information provided by vendors blaming each other. The firestone, wilderness at have stress related deterioration, we have been advised by several alternative vendors to replace existing tires, regardless of the minimum tread wear, what is the "truth" and accountibility. We are in the process of replacing tires regardless of adequate tread life remaining on firesone wilderness at not part of the "recall" and NHTSA "advisory. Visory"advisory adequate tread life remaining but minimum tread, we expect products we can trust to provide ear. We expec vendors my wife does not. ( dot number: w2cuip4086 tire size: p255/70r16 ).

At 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 9, bridgestone/firestone (firestone) and Ford announced jointly that firestone will recall approximately 14. 4 million tires that contain a safety-related defect. (most of the tires in question were original equipment on Ford vehicles, primarily the Ford Explorer, although a small number were used as original equipment on other manufacturers' vehicles, and they have been used as replacement tires on a wide variety of models. )( dot number: tire size: 75 r15 ).

These tires were reletively new because there was plenty of tread left on them. ( dot number: ).

Firestone wilderness tire failed while driving (p255-70r16). Nlm.

The tire "blew out" similar to the images and descriptions of the firestone/bridgestone tires of recent reports. There was no indication of a foriegn object. We still have the tire if you need to examine the damage. We are concerened this is part of a manufacturing issue with Ford as some complaintants have stated. Please add this data to your investigation and contact us if there is a recall of Ford Explorers. ( dot number: tire size: rt/s ).

Been on a "list" for several weeks to get my recalled firestone atx tires replaced. Dealer told me this week to go find another dealer. This is the only firestone dealer in my town. Can not get through to firestone on the 1-800 number. Contacted firestone throught website and only get a "form email". One of the tires seems to be going bad, dealer won't look at it or replaced with other brand unless I pay for it. I want my firestones replaced under the recall, what do I do next? can I have firestone pay for a rental car while my Explorer sits waiting for replacements? local Ford dealer only sent me to the same tire dealer as I bought my Explorer used. ( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 ).

Bridgestone e-mailed to the consumer that his tires are on recall, consumer called to the local store and they know nothing about recall. (bridgestone dueler at p225 x75 x15 ).

Driving 70mph when steering wheel began to shake. Heard thumping noises at the same time. Vehicle also started to vibrate. Was slowing down & pulled into walmart. Had a salesperson in the tire section look at tires. The left front had tread on it, but completely uneven. The tread still on tires barely. Pulled all four tires off vehicle. Firestone at p275/75r15 with 42,000 miles.

We were returning from calif. When my right front tire separated, which made my vehicle pull sharply to the left. When that happened it tore the molding off my wheel well, and the running board, also inflicting damage the body as well. When it separated it scared the heck out of my 11 year-old daughter and her friend. We were just lucky this time. Since then 3 dealerships 2 being firestone noticed my remaining 3 tires were beginning to separate and should be replaced immediatly, which I did reluctantly with bridgestone. The recall definetly should include the p255/70r16 as well , since my case is not the only one . The next one may not be as lucky!( dot number: w2cu1px tire size: p255/70r16 ).

Traveling off sanibel island and accelerating to 50 mph, I heard a loud thud and slapping at the rear of the car as if I had run over something. I pulled to the side and discovered that the rear passenger side tire had shreaded. The tire was still inflated but the tread had separated, tearing off the rear wheel guard and the driver's side running board. The driver's rear side was also dented. Since I had just accelerated to 50, I did not lose control of the car and no other vehicles were hit by the flying debris. We changed the tire and drove to the nearest firestone dealer to replace that tire and the other rear tire. They did not inform us of existing problems with the atx and sold us two new atx tires. After we arrived at our destination -- which was a family reunion out of town -- we discovered the problems with accidents related to firestone tire tread separation which had resulted in accidents and even fatalities. Upon return home we went to the firestone store and they took the two atx tires back and replaced them with bridgestones. The body damage estimate is $1,100. We still have two front atx tires and a spare and are waiting to see if a recall is put in place for those. ( dot number: ).

Had a blow out. Also happened in 1998. Same thing. ( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 ).

No summary listed for above vehicle. ( dot number: tire size: 23575r15 ).

Driver southbound on I-75. Left rear tire detreaded, vehicle veered to right and rolled three times across southbound lanes landing on passenger side on west shoulder. Two back seat passengers ejected. ( dot number: vdhlipm136 tire size: p235/75r15 ).

Purchased vehicle on 3/10/2000 mileage on vehicle 37,410. On may 21, 2000 while driving on highway 99 at approximately 67-70 mph at approximately 1:30 in the afternoon my front tire shred. This resulted in approx 1,700 worth of damage to my vehicle. On July 20 while traveling on highway 152 at approximately 65-67 mph the rear tire shred, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle and ultimately our vehicle rolling over. Both of these tires were firestone fr480's. My lawyer is retaining the vehicle at this time and it still has two of these defective tires on it. Please reconsider your recall list, as I do not think it is complete. ( dot number: tire size: 225/70r15 ).

Tire tread delamination. Dealer notified only through dealership's paint &body shop. ( dot number: vhdl1pm156 tire size: p23575r15 ).

I went to the tire store to have my tires rotated. The mechanic showed me two of my firestone atx radials with the tread separating from the rest of the tire. These tires showed very little wear and showed no other obvious damage. I wanted to inform you of this defect to help point out a questionable tire design. The mechanic said that I was lucky these tires did not come apart during use. I was about to start on an extended trip. ( dot number: tire size: 235/75/r17 ).

On July 13, my family and I were traveling from yuma, az to san diego, California. Our right front tire's tread came away from the rest of the tire while we were going 70 miles an hour. These tires were inspected by alexander Ford in yuma az in April and determined to be fine. On July 24th, I was once again traveling from yuma,az to California and the tread on my back left tire cracked and part of it came off as well. Both the tires were obviously replaced, and in fact I still have one of the tires in my possession. ( dot number: ).

Tires might still be on the car in a junk yard somewhere in alaska, near tok. ( dot number: tire size: r16 ).