One problem related to tire bulge has been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Our Explorer was in the dealership's shop to fix a transmission failure. While in, I asked them to look at a vibration in the steering wheel that intensified while braking. The response on the work order for a vehicle that had just 17,000 miles on it, "tires have rib wear" and "poor quality tires causing vibration". At the time Ford nor firestone would replace the tires despite the fact that their own personnel noted that the are poor quality tires. Now, with all of the talk of unsafe firestone tires, I am very concerned that the wilderness ht tires are not included in the recall. I am very concerned that the NHTSA is not looking at all possible poor quality tires and demanding that firestone replace these tires as well. Your assistance in bringing the issue of the wilderness ht tires out will be greatly appreciated. By the way, the tires are bulging and not wearing well at this time. ( dot number: w2uu tire size: p235r15 ).