Tire Marking Problems of Ford Explorer

I previously filed this complaint but did not have the tire marking numbers at that time. While driving my Explorer straight on the freeway in southern CA the rear tread completely separated from my tire causing me to lose control of the vehicle and the vehicle overturned. The tire remained inflated following the tread separating. My car had been inspected, including the tires, approximately 6 weeks prior to the accident. I sustained a concussion, neck and back injuries due to this accident. ( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 ).

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I was traveling approximately 60 mph when the left rear tire blew out. I did not lose control of the vehicle , hence no damage to the vehicle. These tires were installed at 74960 miles on the vehicle. The tire was taken to the firstone store in madison, WI and I was told that the tire would not be replaced because the blowout was due to 'road hazard' and not covered by warranty. I bought a new tire and then contacted firestone directly and explained that I thought that this failed tire had a manufacturing defect; firestone then sent me a check covering the cost of the new tire. The blowout point was where the tread was vulcanized to the sidewall. Also starting in may, 2000 (80702 miles) I had trouble keeping these tires balanced; after the tires warmed up there was a severe vibration starting at approxiametly 55 mph. The tires were balanced three times over a period of about six weeks. I had the tires inspected by firestone and just one of the tires had the 'dot vd' marking. I was told by the firestone rep that they recommended replacing all of the tires, firestone would replace the one tire and I would be responsible for the other three. Firestone did not have any replacement tires in stock and couldn't give me a target date. They also said that they thought the vibrations were due to the vehicle and not the tires so it was a Ford problem. I have since, at my cost, replaced the firestones with michelins; the new tires cured the vibrations. I have my tires inflated at 32 to 35 psi at all times. ( dot number: unknown tire size: p235 75r15 ).