Seven problems related to spare tire have been reported for the 1999 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer with wilderness tires, size p255/70/r16. He stated that while driving 70 mph the driver side rear tire blew out. As a consequence the vehicle rolled over and was completely destroyed. He was taken to the hospital and sustained severe injuries. The tire that failed was the spare tire installed by the dealer. A police report was filed. The failure and current mileages were 105,000.
While driving, the emergency spare tire fell off the vehicle. The dealer replaced the cable twice.
Ltr fm john murphy owner of a 1999 Ford Explorer reporting spare tire dropped from vehicle. Writer concerned with position of spare tires and vehicle. The consumer's son had gone to the dealer to replace the defective part (fmc# f7721a480ab) which was in stock. The part was not suppose to fail per parts department.
Dealer was to replace all firestone tires on vehicle under Ford motor company recall. They replaced only four (4) tires, they did not replace spare tire, when asked about this they said recall program was over. If there is a safety defect in these tires it would appear this is an accident just waiting to happen! have checked other vehicles in parking lots and have found goodyear or michelin tires mounted but some spare tires were still firestone! should Ford motor company be asked to check recall vehicles to see if tires have been changed or is it really too late? mr.
On Monday oct 16, 2000 I was driving home from work on the freeway when the right rear tire blew out. I was in the far left lane traveling approximately 56 mph. When I heard the tire blow I immediately took my foot off the accelerator pedal and allowed the vehicle to coast to about 30 mph. Then I proceeded to use the brakes and change lanes to the right so I could get onto the shoulder and put the spare tire on the vehicle. I am suprised I didn't damage the rim by driving on it. Fortunatley no one was injured and no accident resulted from this incident. The next morning I drove by a firestone dealer to complain but they were closed so I went to bob turner's Ford country and had them replace all the tires on the vehicle. When I called firestone on Tuesday the 17th, I was told that I either had a flat tire or a low tire and that is what caused the blow out. I know that is not true because I check the air pressure in my tires every Sunday because I travel approximately 40 miles a day on the freeway. And the tire shows no signs of a puncture wound. The tire blew out on the sidewall and there is no damge to any part of the tread area or surface area that would be in contact with the road. It is just my opinion, but I believe this was a total tire failure and that firestone should reimburse me for the cost of replacing the tires. It is my understanding that these tires are not currently on the recall list, but I think they need to be included in the investigation and recalled before more people are injured or killed. Also, in an earlier part of this form you asked for the dot code. It is very hard to read on the tire, but I believe that what I entered is correct. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at the numbers or e-mail address listed above in this form. Thank you. Al petrova (dot number: vncu tiresize: p255/70r16).
I had noticed vibration at highyway speeds above 55 mph, kept my speed below 70 mph, and scheduled an appointment with the firestone dealer on s. Holly in littleton. I bought the Ford's extended care plan, and Ford rotates the tires every 6,000 miles does not check the tires' balance. Firestone dealer found (1) tire could not be balanced within manufactures' specifications and observed visible 8th-inch wooble on black interior sidewall on the machine. Dealer replaced tire with identical brand with a $13 charge for recycling-disposal. On 8/10/00, I went back to have the spare tire replace the right-rear used tire on the axle opposite the new tire ($29). I appreciated the prompt action, but of course was told, "your tires weren't covered by the recall". Maybe they should be, what do you think?( dot number: vncu 1px tire size: p255/70r16 ).
Noticed cracks along rim of tire where tread appears to be beginning to come appart. Have shown tire to a firestone store and Ford dealer and both agree that it doesn't look right. Had dealer put on spare tire. We noticed this after hearing about problems with these tires on the news. I believe we noticed this earlier but didn't realize it could be a serious problem. The nearest firestone company store is over 60 miles away. Sure don't feel comfortable driving that far to get them replaced. Also, the dealer told us it was a problem with the manufacturer and gave us an 800 number to call firestone (where you got a recorded message) and even though the dealer new there was a safety issue with this tire, they charged us $15 to put the spare on. Sheesh. Thanks for keeping us all informed of safety issues. ( dot number: tire size: p235/75 15 ).