Tire Sidewall Problems of 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.

See all problems of the 1997 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Michelin ltx m/s xl p235/75r-15 on 93 Explorer xl. Tires are 5 yrs old with less than 5000 miles. Series of sidewall cracks about 8" long appeared in front right tire, approx 5/8" from rim, with the longest crack about 4" long and 0. 11" deep. No failure yet, and the americas tire dealer says the cracks are not a problem, but the number of complaints of sidewall cracking and blowouts in michelin tires concerns us.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer with mastercraft courser a/t 2 tires (size: lt265/75r16). While driving approximately 70 mph, the front passenger side tire exploded, causing the contact to crash into another vehicle and the highway median. The front axle and tie rod fractured during the failure. The contact sustained a fractured back and a concussion. The contact was transported to the hospital via ambulance. The police reported to the scene and a report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 08t005000 (tires:sidewall) that could have been related to the failure. The contact stated the recall did not cover the tires on her vehicle due to the date of manufacture. The VIN was not available. The dot number was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000. The failure mileage of the vehicle was 110,000.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Tire sidewall cracking on all 4 tires of the same type, mfg. , and locations. Treadwear 520, traction a, temp b. Nexen roadian ht p235/70r16 104s m+s dot 8ewl 2007 tires splitting on all 4 tires on outside only. Visuals of white underlying where poor vulcanization and splits are occurring.

See all problems of the 2004 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer. The vehicle has michelin tires, size p235/70r/16 (na). The contact noticed a crack on the sidewall that affected all four tires. These were the original tires on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they stated that the tires needed to be replaced due to the crack. At this time, the tires have not been replaced. The dot number was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 32,207.

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.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The vehicle has goodyear wrangler rt/s, size p265/70/r16 tires. While driving between 45-50 mph, the rear passenger side tire failed. The mechanic stated that there were severe cracks around the sidewall of the tires and they all needed to be replaced. The first tire that failed had severe tread separation. The dot number was unknown. The current mileage was 75,481 and failure mileage was 48,562. Updated 02-12-bf08 * the consumer stated Ford replaced all four tires with wrangler goodyear rt/s dot md70 d5hr, mts p245/75r16 and charged $100 for the new tires. Updated 02/12/08.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Tires have small cracks along tread lugs and sidewall tread lugs. I am afraid they will blow out at anytime.

See all problems of the 2005 Ford Explorer 🔎.

My michelin cross terrain tire blew out at the sidewall. It was a clear sunny day, 30 mph, on a smooth highway. I check my tire pressure regularly so I know the tire was properly inflated. I contacted michelin and they referred me to melody lakes tire and auto. My wife called and the receptionist told her it wouldn't do any good to come in but she could. The receptionist told my wife the problem was "heat infraction?" and it was not covered. It is incredible to me a receptionist, over the phone, can diagnose tire problems. Michelin, nor the dealer had any intentions to determine why a blowout occurred, let alone try to fix it. I will forward this complaint to the NHTSA and hopefully you will have to listen to them. I have 4 more of those defective tires which I have no idea when they will blow!! updated 02-01-08.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I was told from employees at amercan tire company . That the dominator tires had defects. Now will not replace another bad tire .

See all problems of the 1996 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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 owned a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph in the rain, the rear passenger side tire blew out and caused the vehicle to crash. The contact suffered injuries to the back and neck, but did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 01v171000 (tires: sidewall). The failure mileage and tire information were unknown.

: 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.

Contact states while driving the right driver's side tire blew out. The entire side of the tire came apart where it was glued.

Problems with defective michelin tires on the 2002 Ford Explorer. ** answer required***. On two occasions, noise was heard while going speeds of 40-45 mph. The brakes felt heavy and it was difficult to slow the vehicle down. On one occasion, the steering wheel was uncontrollable and a few minutes later, the consumer was able to control the vehicle again. The consumer found that the tire treads and wire were separated as if they were cut. Recall campaign #01v171000.

While driving a loud popping noise was heard from inside of the vehicle. Consumer was able to pull over and noticed that the passenger's front tire sidewall blew out. Consumer called for road side assistance to change the tire. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for a replacement of michelin tire.

Four tires cracked at the sidewall. Dealer stated the cracks were cause from dry rot.

While driving the sidewall blew out of my bridgestone tire.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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 front tire tread separated. Dealerships mechanic was notified, but had not resolved the problem. Michelin, size p235/70r16.

On Saturday may 31, 2003, my wife and I were on our way to tucson, az from san diego, CA in separate vehicles. We were in arizona on interstate 8 travelling eastbound, 23 miles west of casa grande. The speed limit was 75 and that is what my wife was doing. The air temperatureound 100 degrees. All four michelin ltxams 255 70 r 16 tires were properly inflated. The right rear tire completely blew out. The outside sidewall completely separated from the tire at the shoulder. These tires are two years old and hadless than 20000 miles on them.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Explorer 🔎.

There were two tires blowouts at the sidewall simultaneously while driving. The blowouts caused damage to both driver's front and rear wheels. Tire info: firestone wilderness 235/75r15 (dot/unavailable) 20k miles on both tires driver's front and rear. Ts scc.

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).

Consumer was driving at approximately 70 mph and approaching an entrance ramp for interstate and another vehicle was entering interstate and was heading directly towards consumer's vehicle. Consumer could not move into next lane. Inched over into next lane, then all of a sudden, vehicle was absolutely uncontrollable, and rolled down the interstate atleast 2 times, landing up right. Upon examination, there was a 2 inch tear along sidewall of left rear firestone tire. There were approximately 14,349 miles on the tires. Firestone wilderness at tires, p255/70r16, dot vncu1px060, there were 3 injuries in the accident.

Original tire on a Ford, Explorer, 2000. Right passenger tire separated at sidewall at 40 mph. Firestone wilderenss, size p235/75r15, passenger rear tire experienced sidewall separation almost causing consumer to lose control.

Blowout in tire sidewall on dirt road, low speed. (dot number: w2uuipo517 tiresize: p225/70r15).

The tire blew out on the side wall where the thread adheres to the sidewall. (tiresize: p245/75r16)( dot number: tire size: p245/75r16 ).

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.

Travailing at 45 mph on cold road sidewall blewout. (dot number: 8xhl tiresize: p23575r15).

I was traveling down the interstate at approxiametly 75 mph. Tread of tire peeled away from the sidewalls almost perfectly. I had traveled approximately 120 miles non-stop when blowout occurred. I was traveling with my wife who is seven months pregnant with our first child. (dot number: O2-6555 tiresize: p255/70r16).

Consumer states tire is flat. A leak was found in the sidewall of the firestone wilderness at 235/75r15 tire. Dealer replaced bad tire. Consumer received reimbursement for tire through tire replacement program however, did not receive reimbursement for 4 additional wilderness at 15 inch tires (serial # w2hl 1py379).

When the firestone tire recall was first announced, I checked the tires on my 1998 Ford Explorer. The dot numbers and size were not among those listed in the recall, the tires seemed to be in good condition so I wasn't overly concerned. I have always maintained my vehicles meticulously, including the tires. Air pressure is checked weekly and kept at 30 psi as instructed in the owners manual, and rotated at every other oil change (6000 mi ). While washing the vehicle several weeks ago, I noticed a slight hairline crack on the sidewall about 3/4 of an inch down from the tread area. This crack did not go completely around the tire at this time and was evident on only two tires. I have kept a close eye on them ever since. This past weekend I noticed it on all four tires, nearly completely around on two of them. This crack looks like the early stages of tread separation,and has our family afraid to drive our Explorer any further than around town at city speeds. I believe that all wilderness at tires should be included in the recall, especially if they have visible defects. Thank you (tiresize: p255r70-16)( dot number: tire size: p255r70-16 ).

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).