Tire Sidewall problems of the 1997 Ford Explorer - part 1

On 7/29/2013 we purchased a set of 4 kumho solus kr21 tires. The car is used primarily for highway travel – once weekly work commute and for vacation road trips. We had not yet driven it off pavement with the new tires. On 4/16/2014 I started the car to go to work. I heard an odd noise from the rear passenger side, almost like a rhythmic popping sound, but it stopped, and since it wasn’t identifiable I proceeded to leave my driveway. About a block away, I heard the noise again, but again it stopped. At this point the car was handling fine. As soon as I got on the freeway (approximately 2 miles from my house), I noticed I was having trouble accelerating to speed (65mph). I also began to hear a rhythmic bumping noise, so began to pull over to the shoulder. By the time I got over, I could feel the bumping and knew I had a flat. The rear passenger side wheel had suffered a complete sidewall separation (see photo). The tires only had 6,624 miles on them – all paved road, no dirt. They were supposedly warrantied to 85,000 miles. In retrospect, I believe the sounds I heard in my driveway were the initial sidewall separation. The separation did not cause immediate loss of air pressure or structural integrity; that only happened once I got on the highway and started driving at 60mph. There was no explosive noise like a blowout. In subsequently researching kumho tires, I discovered that this brand has a long history with sudden sidewall separation and/or blowouts – all at low mileages. This occurs across several tire models and years. The complaints were so consistent that I went back to the tire dealer and requested a different brand. They replaced them and I notified them of my research results. I am very concerned that kumho is allowed to continue selling tires with such a safety risk. I was very lucky that I did not lose control and that traffic at that moment was light.

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The vehicle has cooper trailcat all season tires (235/75r15). While replacing the brakes on the vehicle, the contact noticed sidewall separation on all four tires. He was informed that his dot number was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 01t014000 (tires:sidewall). The current mileage was 75,731 and failure mileage was 75,700.

I have been having a problem in tallahassee getting tires that are not broken, intentionally preinstallation at the sidewalls / and then overpressurized on a big red tire machine, see previous complaint against tires plus, confirmation no. 10181407. I replaced 4 bridegstone dueler alenzas on 3/22/2007 with pathfinders trail a/p at discount tires in tallahassee FL. The assistant manager, chris cerge, saw the damage done to the bridgestones before I bought the pathfinders from him. I specifically requested that my new tires not be mounted via the red tire machine, that his mechanics used the 1950's method of mounting the new tires with a screwdriver. Technician ignored my request, and my new pathfinders are broken at the sidewalls, which causes them to drive and ride like they have 15,000 miles on them when they are brand new. I would like a replacement set of tires which are not mounted via the red tire machine. No tire, no matter the quality, can withstand the damage that these locals are doing to them.

I bought 4 new dueler alenzas from tires plus on apalachaee parkway on or about 11-2-2006 which are obviously defective, substandard and/or recalled tires, and they will not replace them or swap out for a better tire. Four (4) other bridgestone dealers in tallahassee also will not honor the manufacturer's warranty: sears-0% trade-in value, discount tires-35% trade in value, tires plus on capital circle-obviously were defective; firestone on apalachee parkway-obviously are defective. The Ford/chevy dealerships will not give me a dime on a trade-in, 1997 Ford Explorer. The tires have bulged at the bottom after 1 week, it feels like I am driving on mush, my Ford shimmies and rolls to the left if I get over 50 mph. I have returned to tires plus almost every time I drove my Explorer after getting the new duelers since 11-2-06, and on 1-29-07 tires plus finally replaced the left rear tire at no cost to me ($163 value), which was obviously defective when it was put on. Bridgestone dueler h/l alenzas p225170r15 100t, dot quality grade 044-090, eh-3jr-bl-5l7, sku #92971-15416-5. I reported tires plus's failure to honor the manufacturer's warranty to the tallahassee police department in Jan 2007, to which the intake officer replied "that is a civil issue". These tires are so unsafe to drive on that all mechanics and dealers can take one look at them and know it, yet all that I have contacted deliberately ignore my complaints. I have photos. Updated 02/15/07.

: the contact stated the left rear tire blew out while the vehicle was parked in a driveway. The sidewall dryrotted according to the tire dealer. The tires had about 50000 miles of use on them before the blowout. The tires were recommended at 50 psi and were regularly checked for air pressure. The tires had been regularly rotated. The contact stated there was no vibration while driving however a bulge was noticed on it minutes before it popped. The tire was a michelin, size lt23575r15.

Pathfinder luxury SUV p235/75r15 105s tires purchased in 6/03. Three of four tires have failed. The first failed in 8/03 while driving 70mph. The second was found defective during tire rotation in 12/03. The third failed on 3/12/04 while driving 70mph. No apparent road hazard. Outer sidewall was completely split below the tire shoulder.

While driving and without warning, the right rear tire experienced a blowout, the driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle(michelin ltx m/s).

Rear driver's firestone wilderness at tire p235/75r15 blewout on 3 different spots on sidewall, causing damage to vehicle, there are stress marks coming from the rim and up on other tires.

I have been inspecting these tires on a weekly basis since the problems with wilderness at's became public knowledge. The subject tire are not part of the recall because they were manufactured in canada. This weekend I noticed cracking where the tread and sidewall meet. It appears that this will lead to trread separation. I have replaced all 4 tires. I believe that it is time for the government to force firestone to recall all wilderness at's regardless of the size or the manufacturing facility. Firestone has refused to reimburse me for the replacement tires. (dot number: vnhl tiresize: p235/75/15).

All four tires have a hairline crack that goes 360 degrees around the tire on both the outside and inside. This crack appears to be where the cap attaches to the tire. I you look at the sidewall you can see where the cap is attached. (dot number: vn tiresize: p235/75r15).

***alert*** I have four (4) firestone wilderness at tires that were not manufactured at the decatur, IL plant. Each of these tires exhibits a continuous fissure around the perimeter of the tire where the tread meets the sidewall. I replaced these tires immediately and have retained them here at my home so that I may bring them to the NHTSA facility here retained them here at my home so that I may bring them to the NHTSA facility here in northern virginia. I believe these tires were in immediate danger of catastrophic failure in a fashion similar to the recalled tires. I would like the NHTSA to extend the recall o the wilderness at tires to include all tires manufactured in all plants and am willing to provide the proof needed to justify this recall. Please contact me at my home phone immediately. Thank you. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*734318.

*** alert *** I have four (4) firestone wilderness at tires that were not manufactured at the decatur, IL plant. Each of these tires exhibit a continuous fissure around the perimeter of the tire where the tread meets the sidewall. I replaced these tires immediately and have retained them here at my home so that I may bring them to the NHTSA facility here in northern virginia. I believe these tires were in immediate danger of catastrophic failure in a fashion similar to the recalled tires. I would like the NHTSA to extend the recall of the wilderness at tires to include all tires manufactured in all plants and am willing to provide the proof needed to justify this recall. Please contact me at my home phone immediately. Thank you (dot number: vnhlipy336 tiresize: p235/75r15).

All four tires have cracks at the point where the tread and sidewall meet. The tires were inspected by a firestone representative at a firestone service center. The inspector indicated that there was a defect in the tires and that they would replace them on a pro-rated basis. I would have to pay 36% of the cost of new tires since there was still 64% of usable tread remaining on the tires. He inspector further suggested that the tires should be replaced since and that driving with tires in this condition could be dangerous. (tiresize: 255/70/r16)( dot number: tire size: 255/70/r16 ).

Pulled into parking lot off highway. Tire went flat with loud pop. Upon inspection of tire, noted sidewall had burst, leaving approx 4 inch split in sidewall from rim to tread. Had pressurized tire to approx 30 psi per recall instructions. Firestone dealer in voorhees, NJ replaced at no charge for tire. Dealer did charge for mounting. Tire had less than 5000 miles wear, purchased in March 2000. (dot number: 8xhl tiresize: p235/75r15).

These tires should have been recalled as they show signs of separation right at the tread/sidewall line. Firestone would offer me a credit in firestone dollars of $100 but I had these replace with a different brand at a cost of $350. More important is the fact that this tire is dangerous and yet has not been recalled. Please respond as I am going to auction these tires on the internet to attorneys that are suing the pants off these negligent morons that are not stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility for their defective product. (dot number: vncuipx366 tiresize: p25570r 16).

Pe00 020; was checking tires and noticed that all four tires are cracking all around the sidewalls. Firestone, wilderness#at, p25570r16, dot vncu1tx237. He will get in touch with firestone.

1997 Ford, Explorer with original tires. Approximate mileage 38,000, tire size p235/75r15, and dot#w2hl. All 4 tires were dry rotten completely around sidewall of the tires.

The left rear tire blew out on sidewall just below the tread. The tire did not go flat all at a sudden, but slow enough for me to be able to keep control of auto. The failure being so close to the tread and being that this series of tires is in question I feel that a report should be made. ( dot number: w2hlrinint tire size: p235/75r15 ).

Tires did not fail but developed cracks around sidewall where tread attatches( dot number: w2hl 1py tire size: p235/75r15 ).

1997, Ford, Explorer, firestone wilderness at tires size p235/75r15 dot#vnhl1py027, original equipment. Consumer noticed tires were cracking all around sidewall where they would have separated, but consumer replaced all four tires.

Tire exhibited 360 degree cracks in sidewall 1/2" from corner of tread, moderate loss of air pressure - replaced by firestone dealer( dot number: vn tire size: p235/75r15 ).

Tires were starting to seperate. All four tires had grooves where tread joined the sidewall. The grooves could not be seen until the air was removed from the tires. The first firestone store I contacted was very Smart and hateful when I asked what I was to do. That store is located in eastland mall charlotte,nc. They also told me that if I bought new tires on my own and did not wait my turn for them to replace the tires that firestone would not pay me for the new tires. I would have been # 251 to been inspected and these tires would have probably blown before then. Ford sent me a letter assuring me that the tires on my 1997 f-350 was not affected but failed to send me a letter telling me that my Explorer had the killer tires. Both companies have put my family at a high risk of being killed and have drug their feet to try to correct the problem. ( dot number: vdhl tire size: p23575r15 ).

Consumer has firestone wilderness at tires (p235/75r15 dot#vnhl) on vehicle, the tires are experiencing cracking and small slits on the outer and inner sidewalls, a service technician verified the symptoms on these tires are the same that are occurring with the recalled tires.

All four tires have substantial cracks at the base of those alternating tread blocks which do not wrap onto the sidewall. The Ford dealership says, "that size is not covered under the recall" and calls it "normal" but other brands of similar tires I have examined do not have cracks like these. I will provide photos if desired. I want to know if these tires are safe. If not, I want them replaced. ( dot number: tire size: p255/70r16 ).

Right front tire has bigger & deeper cracks in the sidewalls near the tread. Other 3 tires have same cracks, but not as pronounced. Been to dealer & was placed on a waiting list for tire replacement. All firestone wilderness at tires(p235 75 r15) dot #htw2 have been replaced.

Pe0002, original equipment, tire size p23575r15, dot # vnhl1py436. All four tires firestone wilderness at had cracked around tread and sidewall, bigger than a hairline crack. Firestone said it was due to normal wear and tear.

On July 21 2000, while driving at 60 mph passenger's side rear firestone wilderness tire p23575r15 blewout, and whole sidewall had come off. Consumer maintained control of vehicle. The blowout caused damage to the vehicle.

All four tires were showing a cracks all the way around the sidewalls. Consumer took vehicle to a local dealership, and mechanic advised him to have tires replaced soon as possible. Tires replaced by dealer at no cost.

Please accept the following information regarding the firestone wilderness at (p235/75r15) dot series "vnhl". I have a series of split sidewall cracks that is approximately 1/2-inch down from the top of the sidewall that run the entire circumfrance of the tire on both the "inside" and "outside" on all four (4) tire's. I have never driven this vehicle off-road or above 70-75mph. The tires have been maintained at 32psi cold and have 28,000 miles. The tire tread is in very good shape and still has over 10/32" (5/16") of tread remaining. This vehicle has been maintained by Ford as a leased vehicle and is in excellent shape. This is not a daily driver and has never been driven for more than 450 miles one way, or for more than 5-hours at anyone time. The series of cracks were not present when I purchased the vehicle and has occured over the last year. I first noticed these cracks after returning from a trip to columbus, ohio last June. They appear to have lengthened and have openned up slightly over the course of the summer. I had 32psi in the tires prior to this trip. Again, I would like to point out that the dot series number is "vnhl" and these tires were manufactured in canada. I urge "all" concerned to please consider the fact that these tires are not from the decantur, illinois plant, but from canada. The chance of one injury or fatality per million is one too many and this tire problem may be related to something other than using an awl to puncture the air bubbles or just the illinios plant. This is a major defect somewhere in the manufacturing process and "all" firestone tires regarless of the dot series needs to be thoroughly inspected and brought to the attention of all the parties involved and that includes all current owners of vehicles with firestone tires. Thank you for the opportunity to look into this very serious situation. Families are at risk here, not just a tire manufacture, but actual lives.

All four tires have a circumferential crack where the tread meets the sidewall. I am concerned that this may lead to a tread separation that I have read about this past weekend. I actually noticed the problem about two months ago. ( dot number: ).

All four of my firestone wilderness at tires on my '97 Explorer sport have cracks on the sidewalls about 1/2 inch from the top of the tires that run the full circumference of each tire. (dot number: bm07459-3 tiresize: p235/75r15).

I was on the highway driving 65 mph at the time when I thought there was a funny noise, then I started to swerve, but kept it under control, slowed down and pulled to the side of the road in a driveway. When I had left my home that morning I had felt a funny vibration, but had figured it was just a tire out of balance and on the front of the vehicle. The farther I drove the worse the vibration got, to the point my seat belt was "engaged" all the time. I was dressed up, going out of town to a reception, the tires were fairly new with correct air pressure and plenty of tread left. I do not enjoy changing tires, especially on an Explorer on the side of the road in nice clothes in the mist. I keep good tires on my vehicles, in fact these were 6-ply tires since I live in the country. Two good samaratins stopped and changed the tire for me (and put on my spare which is now in the recall!) and they said the tires were worn funny and the tread was split. I no longer have that tire, but I have the one that was purchased at the same time, if anyone would care to look at it. I replaced those tires with 6-ply kelly tires and put thenm on the front. Three weeks ago, I noticed some strange splits in the sidewalls of my remaining 2 bridestone tires, now on the back of the Explorer. I showed them to a mechanic who said I would be wise to get them replaced. I have since replaced them with 2 more 6-ply kelly tires. When I recieved my recall notice I noticed that, even though these were bridgestones and 6-ply tires, the symptoms of the tread failure were the same and I decided to report it to someone. I hope you can use this information to help othe people avoid scary situations on the highway. Thank you. ( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 ).

We purchased the 97 Explorer in 1999 - as a new vehicle - with 9,000 miles on it. We originally noticed that the tires had a problem in April of 2000 and experienced problems with the vehicle pulling to the right. We took to the dealer who performed a front end alignment that did not help. They rotated the tires that helped with the steering problem, however, the tires had already began to show signed of treadwear cracking and sidewall cracking. This vehicle only has 26,000 miles and we should not be experiencing problems with our tires at this time. After the recall notice, we took back to the dealer who referred us back to firestone. Firestone stated they are not recalling our dot number tire at this time, but we feel that this tire is an extreme safety hazard in hauling our family and feel firestone needs to recall these tires as well. We have always used firestone tires and have never experienced or seen this type of problem before and would like to see firestone recall these tires as well, in order to save our lives as well as the lives of many others! that could very well be prevented now!( dot number: vnhl tire size: p2357515 ).

The sidewall failed on this tire. To date two other tires are showing similar damage. I am a pretty good driver and do not rub my tires on curbs, etc. It is almost like the sidewall is peeling away exposing a white layer beneath. Naturally the recent news prompted this response, but my concerns are very real. Thank you and keep up the great work - I sleep better at night knowing you are protecting my family's interests. ( dot number: tire size: 23575r15 ).

All 4 firestone wilderness at tires p255/70r16 are cracking on the sidewalls, cracks begin where the tread starts, dot w2cu.