Tire Sidewall Problems of Ford Explorer - part 2

***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.

See all problems of the 1997 Ford Explorer 🔎.

*** 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).

In examining the tires for the recall, I noticed that the right front tire had a crack all around the sidewall just about 1 inch below the tread. Even though my tires were not a part of the recall because they were not manufactured at decatur, I went to the firestone dealer and got the tire replaced. I had to pay a pro-rated cost for the tire based on its tread wear. I believe that this tread separation problem may extend to more than just the recalled tires. In the 20 months that I have owned this vehicle I have had the tires rotated three times. (dot number: w2hl1py447 tiresize: 235/75r15).

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Explorer 🔎.

When I inspected my tires in response to the firestone issue, I found that all four tires plus the spare were cracked at the intersection of the sidewall and the tread. . . All the way around the tire. Firestone replaced these tires with the same make for no cost under the warranty. So far, no problem with the new tires, which were installed on October 13, 2000. (tiresize: p255/70r16)( dot number: tire size: p255/70r16 ).

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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).

Pe00 020; took vehicle to an individual tire place for balacing and rotation of tires. Mechanic told him that rear driver's side tire has cracking all around the sidewalls. Firestone, wilderness #at, p23575r15 #dot w-2. There were no injuries.

Had my tires checked at firestone but did not feel comfortable, did not see the tires myself. I felt very unsafe driving my own new vehicle, so I went to a place that my son knows the people very well. Goodyear. While the truck was up on the mount, I inspected the tires myself and had notice something on the sidewall facing the inside truck. It was on all the tires sidewall. And outer wall. Looks like cracking and peeling. Also the outer wall on the outside of the truck is turning a funny color. When I asked someone to look at them, a good friend, they said it was the belts ready to give way. The gentlemen at goodyear, was very concerned for my safety and that of my family. They replaced my tires of course I paid for them. They took the time to mark the reciept of the purchase with the damage of the tires. I then went to firestone and showed them, they told me it was heat damage and could not do anything about it. I then took them to where I had purchased the truck and was told that it was tire dressing and mold. So I preceeded to go to the corporate store where I was told that it was rubberized paint. My tires were and still are unsafe and have defaults. I believe that I am entitled to reimbursement for the 5 tires. I was not about to put firestone tires back on my truck. I would not have felt any better. ( dot number: 8xhl tire size: p235/75r15 ).

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Firestone wilderness at tire (p235 75 r15) experienced sidewall blowout.

Original equipment on a Ford, Explorer 1999. Consumer was hearing a noise coming from tire. Consumer took vehicle to a dealership, where they inspected the tires, and informed consumer that there were cracks in the sidewalls of the tires.

Pe00 020; consumer made a personal choice to change firestone tires. One of the tires showed stress marks and cracking around tires sdeiwalls. Firestone wilderness#at, p23575r15 #dot w2hl. There were no injuries.

While driving 70mph heard noises hitting vehicle. Driver had vehicle under control. Pulled over & checked the tires. Noticed left rear tire's outside wall had come off. There was about a 6-8 inch of rubber holding thread to the tire. Replaced tire with the spare. Still has the tire. Was original equipment on vehicle. Firestone wilderness at p235/75r15 with 38,000 miles.

I was inspecting the tires and testing the inflation pressure before driving our Explorer when I noticed a crack running all the way around the tires where the sidewall meets the tread on both rear tires. I also noticed the front tires starting to show signs of cracking in the same location. We immediately went to the firestone dealer and had the tires replaced under pro-rated warranty. Fortunately for myself, my wife and our 16-month-old son, I discovered this problem before it resulted in a blow-out situation. I strongly beleive that firestone should be made to recall all wilderness at tires as there is obviously a serious flaw which poses a threat to anyone who owns these tires. I also feel that it is unfair that I had to pay any amount to have these defective tires replaced and would like to see them recalled so I can receive total reimbursement. Thank you for your time. (dot number: vnhl tiresize: p235/75r15).

When inspecting these tires I found small cracks in the sidewall and an obvious split in the vicinity of where the sidewall and tread meet. I have had them inspected at a firestone dealer who, after only looking at the size, said they were fine. He would not provide anything in writing stating my tires were safe or road worthy. I have contacted Ford and firestone numerous times with no satisfaction. These tires were manufactured in the decatur plant. I strongly feel these tires should be included in the recall. These tires have not failed (blown out) yet, however I believe it is only a matter of time. I stronly urge the NHTSA to recall these tires before these indications of eminent failure lead to a blow out and the loss of more life. . . Namely a member of my family. (dot number: vd tiresize: 25570r16).

All 4 firestone wilderness at tires p235/75r15 dot w2hl1py188 experienced cracking at the sidewalls, consumer replaced tires and is requesting reimbursement.

Tire was flat in the morning following five hours of continuous driving the previous day/evening. Possibly due to sidewall puncture; concern that this may be related to firestone tread separation issue. I only replaced this tire (I kept the failed tire for further analysis), but am seriously concerned over the quality of the remaining tires. ( dot number: tire size: p255/70r16 ).

Firestone wilderness at tires p255/70r16, dot vncu, have slits on them, consumer could see tire fabric from inside the sidewall, the slits un vertically up the sidewall toward the tread.

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).

All 4 of the firestone wilderness at tires p255/70r16 dot vncu have cracks between the sidewalls and the tread part of the tires, firestone would only prorate 4 of the tires because they were not part of the recall.

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.

After driving from oklahoma city, ok to silver city, nm at high speeds (70 mph) and in high temperatures (100 degrees f), I noticed that a line of cracks had formed on all four tires on the sidewalls where the tread joins the sidewall. A tire dealer in s( dot number: w2hl1py138 tire size: p235/75r15 ).

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 are cracking and separating around the circumference of the tread on the outside wall. ( dot number: w2hl tire size: p235/75r15 ).

I have a 99 Ford Explorer with the 235 75r15 wilderness at tires. The dot code is from wilson nc not the decatur plant. However, I have numerous cuts on the sidewall below the tread and above the lettering. If you will review your database, there are at least 46 complaints of tire problems (I. E. Cuts, blowouts, bubbles, etc) from the wilson plant with the 235 75 r15 wilderness at tires. This does not include the hundreds of 235 75r 15 listings, where the tires were not properly identified within your database. The number could be higher. Firestone says the cuts are due to ozone. Although the tires on my SUV are not on recall, I have replaced them and will hold them in case the recall is widened. Hopefully someday it will be. (dot number: wh2l tiresize: 23575r15).

When applying for automobile insurance in tennessee (having recently moved here from michigan), the insurance agent/adjstor inspected the tires. Even though the tread is still good, all four tires have a stress crack on the sidewall below the treads. The adjustor indicated this was the final stage before the tread separates from the tire, and advised me to replace them immediately. I took the car to a local firestone dealer, and was told these tires have not been recalled; therefore, he would not replace them at no charge. The tires have 25,000 miles on them and should last an additional 25,000 miles. I am gravely concerned about my safety on the road. What can I do? I cannot afford to replace them without reimbursement. ( dot number: 8xhlipy169 tire size: p235/75r15 ).

See all problems of the 1996 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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

All tires are original equipment and are developing cracks along the entire outside circumference of the sidewall of the tire where it meets the tread. These cracks have continued to enlarge and two separate tire dealers in my home area have observed the tires and stated that they are separating and should not be driven on. I have advised Ford via a local dealer and via e-mail to the main headquarters and have had no satisfaction. These tires are kept at a 32 psi minimum and are even removed in the winter months. I would think that someone from firestone would want to view these before they completely seperate and they may hold a better clue as to the seperation problem that is taking place. (dot number: w2hl tiresize: 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.

I have a wilderness at tire which was manufactured at the canadian firestone factory. I dont recall the dot number but I had found that it was a canadian tire. I inspected the tires after the recall was announced and found that the right rear tire had a visible crack which went around the entire circumference of the tire. The crack was on the tire at the point that the tread meets the sidewall. The crack was on the side of the tire which had the raised white letters. After removing the tire, I saw no crack on the inside surface. Anyway, I have replaced the tires and still have the old ones. If this tire may be of any use to you in your investigation, you are welcome to have it. ( dot number: tire size: 23575r15 ).

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 ).

Tire failure, failure near edge of tire on inside near where tread and sidewall meet. Tire partially off rim. Tire beyond repair. No evidence that a road hazard caused this damage. ( dot number: 8xhlipy499 tire size: p235/75r15 ).

All four tires showing signs of tread starting to separate from sidewall. ( dot number: vncu 1 px tire size: p255/70r16 ).

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.