general problems of the 2000 Ford F-350 - part 1

On [xxx], I rented a class c motorhome from cruise America at their duluth, georgia branch (reservation #[xxx]). When I picked up the vehicle, the cruise America employee pointed to a handwritten note taped over the tire pressure warning light on the dashboard that said: “ignore tire sensor. ” the note was already in place before I arrived, suggesting that other renters may have used the vehicle in that same unsafe condition. Three days later, while traveling northbound on [xxx] near memphis, tennessee, the RV suffered a sudden tire blowout at highway speed. We narrowly avoided a collision while maneuvering to the shoulder. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the incident was extremely dangerous and could easily have resulted in fatalities. Cruise America knowingly rented out a vehicle with an active tire pressure warning covered and concealed, depriving the driver of critical safety information. The company did not repair or document the issue, instead instructing renters to “ignore” the tire warning. This conduct may violate federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 138 (49 c. F. R. § 571. 138) and 49 u. S. C. § 30122, which prohibit making safety equipment inoperative or misleading drivers about safety system status. While tpms sensors can fail naturally, covering the warning light constitutes deliberate concealment and undermines the system’s purpose. I am concerned that cruise America may be circulating other rental vehicles in similar unsafe condition. Please investigate whether cruise America, inc. Is in compliance with federal vehicle-safety laws governing tpms functionality and rental-vehicle maintenance standards. Specifically, whether any branch locations are renting vehicles with disabled, covered, or ignored tire-pressure monitoring systems or other concealed safety warnings. Reported to cruise America customer relations (case #[xxx]). Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Tl- the contact owns a 2000 Ford F-350 firestone, tire line transforce at, tire size: lt 265/75r16. The contact stated that while the vehicle was been service for an oil change, the technician noticed the tread was separated from the left rear tire. The tire was not replaced and was not taken to a dealer. The contact called firestone complete auto care, (1439 s washington st, grand forks, nd 58201, (701) 203-558) and was informed that there was no warranty on the tires. The contact stated that there was a defect in the tire that could lead to a blowout. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage of the vehicle was 271,374 and tire was 42,200. Dot number: was 8xw8tr7. Aw.

(aa tire shop info) tl the contact owns a 2000 Ford F-350 equipped with alcoa wheels, 16x6k front (na). The contact stated that the front passenger side wheel lost air due to a splitting wheel. The vehicle was taken to a local tire shop, but they were unable to repair the tire due to the rim failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The contact researched online and found that the alcoa company voluntarily recalled the wheels. The VIN and tire and vehicle failure mileage were unknown.

The contact owns a set of yokohana lt tires, size: 265 75r 16 (n/a). The contact stated that while driving 65 mph the front passenger side tire exploded, causing damage to the hood and fender. Several weeks later the rear passenger side ire exploded, also causing extensive damage to the rear of the vehicle. The tires were only 3 months old when the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and stated that they would send someone to further investigate the tires. The veihcle failure mileage was unavailable. The tire failure mileage was 10,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford f350. The contact stated that his front driver side wheel had a stress crack and was repaired. Approximately one month later, the front passenger side wheel had a stress crack and failed. The dealer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and no recalls were available. The current mileage was 230,000 and failure mileage was 228,000. Updated 12/12/2007.

My F-350 pickup does not have a label on the driver door so I have no way of knowing the proper tire inflation for the vehical. The tires are rated for up to 80 psi, but both the tire and vehical manuals state that it should be based on the label on the drivers door. Ford says they can not provide that information to me because they don't have it- although apperantly a dealer could get it. Driving a truck that could require 75 psi in the tires with only 30 psi could result in a failure at highway speeds, but the Ford rep I spoke to just kept saying they couldn't help me.

While driving at 75 mph, the rear passenger tire exploded and caused major damage to the rear end of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was undetermined.

Consumer states while driving at 65 mph and with no warning, the front left tire experienced a blowout and caused damage to the vehicle. Consumer had to pull over. Firestone, lt # p265/75/r16 dot#- unknown. Dealer had been notified. The consumer was traveling east bound in the fast lane. There was a "thud" and the consumer pulled over to the left. The consumer left the east bound lane and had gone over the mound of gravel, crossed two lanes of construction over the cement divider wall and broke out two chunks of cement, landed over the drivers side, sliding, rolled over on top, and landed upside down in the west bound slow lane. The vehicle was totaled. (state of minnesota police report).

My wife was driving our 2000 f350 Ford truck. It was equipped with firestone steeltex tires on the rear. At a speed of 55-60 mph on i17 in arizona my wife experienced a catastrophic tire failure on the left rear tire. There was no warning, the tire simply seemed to come apart. She managed to control the vehicle and bring it safely to a stop on the edge of the highway. She stated that there was no debris in the road. It was approx. 12:30 pm, the temperature was in the 90's, and the road was dry. After road service changed the tire she continued on to flagstaff, az and dropped the rim and destroyed tire off at a discount tire for replacement of the tire. The service writer stated that was the worse failure he had seen on a tire. The tires were oem. They had been inspected the week before by the local Ford dealership as part of routine service the same week as the incident. The distruction of the tire resulted body damage to the left fender area of the vehicle. I requested and have the destroyed tire. I agree in over 20 years of military service I have never seen tire that failed in this manner.

The tire began to vibrate and in about 20 seconds (about the time it took me to realize that the vibration was not caused by the road) the tread came completely off the tire, which did not immediately lose air. The truck swerved wildly to the right and thanks to a wide shoulder, front & rear way bars, and an experienced driver it did not roll over. The tire load was apx. 200 lbs under it's max. Load rating, inflated to max. Pressure of 80 lbs, and was not over heated. The air temp was about 95 degrees. I have the tire and tread in my posession. The Ford dealer claimed that Ford had no responsibility and told me to contact a firestone dealer. I did contact a dealer, they gave me an 800 number which I called, that person told me he would file a claim and that the firestone legal department would contact me. The firestone 800 number on the NHTSA website refered me to a dealer or their website. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any asssistance in this matter, thank you, jim wells.

1st tire separated on 07/01/02; 2nd tire separation did damage to truck's brake line and lr quarter panel. Nhtsa appears non-responsive, as is firestone. Documentation on record to show tires rotated & checked every 3,000 miles by Ford. Tire checked for proper inflation 20 minutes prior to 2nd blow out on straight highway, not overloaded, moderate temperature. Two remaining (not blown) tires removed and also show impending signs of failure. Firestone sent tire and "rubber stamped" results as due to underinflation for unknown period of time. Unknown period of time is when tread seperated, revealing belts and subsequently deflating tire. The now underinflated tire caused rim to damage tire wall which allowed firestone's inept conclusion. Discount tire, gcr (bridgestone/fire stone), and ted wein's (firestone), agree independently on tire failure. Apathy seems to sweep thru NHTSA and firestone setting in motion civil litigation/congressional investigation if nothing is done. Add this to the over 162 other complaints on the steel tex, along with arizona's dps problems. This is third submittal to NHTSA with no response on first two!!! sen. Reid, nv, also being advised.

Both rear inside tires went flat at the same time. The right tire had approx. 5390 miles on it since it was the spare from an earlier blowout. The left tire had approx. 22875 miles on it. I have not filed this with the tire company due to their treatment from the first failure. I was towing a fifth wheel RV trailer at the time of the incident.

Tire provided to state farm insurance claims center for adjustment with firestone. To date (10/24/02) no response from firestone. Dt.

While driving between 60 to 70mph the vehicle started shaking from the rear of the vehicle, got off the road and check the rear of the vehicle, found left rear tire flat. The truck was not towing nor was there a load on the bed.

The oct. 5th. Incident happened while my camper was on the truck. Tread was thrown and then the tire exploded. It tore the fender, body panel and running board. The tire was destroyed this tire had been a spare and had only about 14000 miles on it. I sent the tire to firestone and they said it wasn't their fault. The first incident occurred on Aug. 30 when there was nothing in the truck bed and caused about $1,700. 00 damage. Firestone compensated me for this incident. I am sure both tires were faulty and plan to go to small claimes court for damages. (dot number: vdw81xm399 tiresize: 265/75r16).

Tire had catastophic failure, possible fatal accident narrowly avoided. Tire inflated to correct safe pressure. Tire info. Sticker on vehicle is disputed by firestone, however tires were inflated correclty. 2 independent firestone stores said tire was defective. Both stores checked and verified pressures as being safe and adequate. Clearly, it is a defective tire. Tire sent to firestone for evaluation, returned with excuses letter attached. Firestone refuses to make good on defective product. I have destroyed tire/rim in my possesion, I would be glad to have it evaluated again. I hereby request payment for replacement tuires and subsequent damages from firestone. (dot number: vnw81xl010 tiresize: 265-75r16e).

First failure at 15900 miles was a tread separation and blowout. Second failure at 20445 miles was a tread separation only. (tire did not deflate) tires were loaded near the maximum load range and properly inflated. (dot number: vdw81xm509 tiresize: lt265/7516).

Knots on the inside of both front tires. Service-manager said common problem! only on. (tiresize: 235-85r16).

I have also faxed this information to your office. No safety defect mentioned. (dot number: 28163exbm1 tiresize: lt21585r16).

The inside right rear tire on my new 2000 - F-350 dual wheel truck peeled on the face and sides while traveling on interstate highway I-10 at approximately 65 miles an hour. This truck has not been used to transport any heavy weight, just to travel between my home in scottsdale, az and quartzsite. Az (a distance of about 142 miles). The other tires on the truck (all the same original tires that came with the truck) show signs that they also may peel and/or separate. In October 2000 the state of arizona replaced all of their general tires because of peeling (I came across an article in the paper while researching if there was a recall on these general tires). These tires, with only about 6600 miles on them and plenty of tread left are a hazard to any driver having them on his/her car. Luckily the defective tire on my truck was on one of the dual inside back wheels. I have contacted the dealer, bell Ford and will take the vehicle to the dealership in the next few days. On the phone, they said once they saw the tires they would see what they could do. (dot number: ador1jc230 tiresize: t235/85r16).

Tread seperation on 2 tires and possible another. Contacted firestone dealers and did not acknowledge problem whatsoever. Have a signed card by a dealer for the 3rd tire saying nothings wrong that he could see. Dt.

Tire went flat, found side wall failure, put spare on, it also had side wall failure, after having all tire inspected by firestone, 4000 miles later a third tire failed in rear left inside dually with no apparent holes all tires were original equipment with truck, spare had never been used when it failed, all other tires had less then 1/16th inch even wear when inspected (tiresize: lt215/85r1).

I had one blow out 5/27/01 at 50 miles an hour coming off the highway. I then took the tire to ted wiens firestone in las vegas on 6/2/01; they refused to exchange the tire or give credit. I then went to discount tire and replaced the back two tires with goodyears on 6/2/01. I did not replace the front two! the last blow out on 7/01/01 caused the truck to veer off the road, causing a major crash. The crash totaled the truck , trailer and horses. All of the occupants of the truck suffered life threatening injuries. (dot number: vdwd1xm359 tiresize: lt265/75r1).

Tire failed at 70 mph with no warning. Vehicle is serviced at Ford every 3000 miles,and tires are checked every time and rotated at required times. At the time of the incident,the tire made a flapping sound,and quickly deflated,causing the vehicle to fishtail violently at which time I pulled vehicle off to the side of highway. I contacted Ford,they sent me to a firestone dealer,they in turn sent me back to Ford. Finally Ford offered to put a used replacement on,of the same make and model!! I am afraid to drive on these tires,but cannot afford to replace them. (dot number: vnw81xl tiresize: lt26575r16).

Why did my tire come apart and they aren't on the recall list? no safety defec tmentioned.

While returning from a call driving at normal speeds. The tire completely separated. The only part of the tire that remained was the side walls. I have sinced been told that the two tires on the front of this unit are bad and need replacing. I am concerned if these tires are safe to run on an ambulance. I called firestone and got the "run-a-round". My local firestone dealer stated that the tires are safe and they would not replace any of the damaged tires. (dot number: 8x0p tiresize: lt 215/85r).

Lf came apart got rid of all 4 saved one I tow a 14000 lb boat couldn't take a chance of loosing another one at 75 mph all firestone tires are junk also ontario fire dept. Was responding on fwy to a call & lost one on there brand new Ford 4x4pickup pulling a hazemet trailer. Ford & firestone both told me sorry, please call me. Dt.

After tread on tires gets to approximatly half of the intended wear, the tire design/composition will not provide any wet surface traction. While attempting to drive on wet interstate I was not able to exceed 40 mph without losing control of vehicle. Both front and rear wheels would lose traction. Rear wheels break lose on any incline or turn. Front tires have problems with hydroplaning and break loose on turns. Had to replace tires. (dot number: vnw81xl399 tiresize: lt26575r16).

Your site did not except the full tire size of lt235/85/r16. No safety defect listed. (dot number: adr1jc0700 tiresize: lt/235/85/).

Tires have separated ,these are out of round and rough riding at all speeds. (tiresize: 235/85/16)( dot number: tire size: 235/85/16 ).

No summary listed for above vehicle. (tiresize: l26575r16e)( dot number: tire size: l26575r16e ).

I have noticed over the last three weeks what I believe was tire seperation on my tires so I called to ask if they were having problems with my make and model and was told no. I then drove my truck to the dealership and was informed that my tiers were infact seperating and that I should take them to a general tire store so I did that and it was confirmed by them that my tires are in the proccess of seperation but was told that it is not there problem that it is the dealerships responsibility. The tires are so bad that you can stick your fingernail under the rubber that is starting to come apart. I then drove to yet another dealership and got the same confermation but still no results. I was then left with no choice and had to replace the tires. They told me to hold onto the tires for a possible recall or for your viewing. I have also contacted the SC attorney generals office and they are the folks that told me to contact you. At this point I am out another $1,150. 00 for tires that I should not be having to purchase yet, not to mention my safety. ( dot number: 0600 tire size: 235/85r16 ).

Two sets of general grabber aw owl tires (p235/85r16) have been replaced due to excessive wear, the tires were also causing the vehicle to pull to the left.

Consumer drove vehicle out of town, and noticed that there was a knot on the right tire. The tire was sent to charlotte north carolina, and manufacturer was suppose to sent him a replacement tire.

The consumer was concerned about a letter received in reference to the firestone steeltex tires. Scc.