Tire Sidewall problems of the 2002 Ford F-350

After experiencing tire failure / tread separation on lr tire, inspection of remaining tires performed for signs of tread separation. Cracks noted in tire on rr which was purchased at the same time as lr between tread and sidewall.

All four tires have a continuos cut all the way around the sidewall. Bf goodrich lt285/75r16.

Sidewall blowout on general-grabbertr 235/85-r16---- good tread only 24203 miles on them-- came as standard equipment on 2002 Ford f350---after close inspection of other 5 tires --there are sidewall separation defects (bumps) in all of them --thanks to the grace of god and my husbands physical strength and knowledge of what to do in case of a blowout we escaped unharmed-- by the way we were on I-40 in tennessee towing a living quarters horse trailer with a horse-- the blowout damaged the front fender and we had to be towed -- I would like to warn others drivers of the danger-- judging from the complaints I found in my research I think this is a problem that needs further investigation-- I do not believe this to be an isolated incident.

While driving the vehicle right front passenger side tire blew out. . There was also a split in the left front tire. The tire(s) sidewall was defective.

I had just pulled onto the the interstate after filling up with gas. I was driving my 2002 F-350 and pulling an 18 foot featherlite horse trailure. The trailure was empty. At the time I was traveling about 65 mph. All of a sudden I heard an extremely load roar. At the time I thought it was the engine so I let my foot off the gas and began to slow down. At between 40 to 45 mph I felt a violent jerk on my steerng wheel. I started to move off the freeway and could feel a violent vibration as if going over a wash board (it was not the ridges boundering the freeway). Of course when I hit those the vibration was even worse. I slowly applied my breaks and got the vehile under control and came to a stop. When I got out I could smell rubber smoking. When I went around to inspect the rig the right rear tire was compltey shreaded. The outside side of the tire (white wall)was 100 percent shreading and completely severd from the wheel. The inside side (black wall) of the tire was 15 to 20 percent severed. The tire was the firestone steeltex at (lt265/75r16, made in canada, dot number vnw81xl 3601, 2ply, load range e). They were original equipment with 47. 000 miles on them. Personal note: I believe that the reason I did not have a more serious accident is becasue the roar I heard allowed me time to slow down. Additionally, in this case, I believe the trailure breaking system assisted in keeping me going relatively straight until I was able to gain control and bring rig to a stop.

I now have bought 2 sets of parnelli jones dirt grip tires. I have had 2 inside sidewall blowouts with these tires in the last year. Both times, I have had a large load on the tires, carrying a camper and driving at highway speeds. Both times it has been a rear tire. The first time the manufacture told me it was tire pressure, or I hit something. The first time, I was sure I did not hit something and had proper pressure. The second time I am sure I did not hit anything and had correct tire pressure. This truck has never been used off road, these tires were purchased for the looks only. This is a very dangerous situation if anyone with large loads uses these tires. I do not think the load rating on these tires is correct. Someone might get killed.

I was driving on the highway going about 75 mph when my rear tire blew out. Ford said it's my problem. The truck has 6000miles on it, which means the tires have 6000 miles on them. I would like to know how you get a blow out with that little miles. After reading everyone else's complaints I think it's about time Ford or firestone does something about this before we have too many deaths.