Tire Sidewall problems of the 1998 Ford Ranger

While driving at 65 mph, the right rear tire blew out (blowout was a sidewall). Up to this point, tires had worn evenly. Two months prior, all tires were checked by various tire shops as I was thinking of replacing the tires. No one could find any evidence of wear and recommended I keep these tires as they were in such good shape. Rear tires now show evidence of wear that is not visible on front tires.

My wife and I were driving s/b in the carpool lane on the 605 freeway at 65/70 mph when we heard a funny noise coming from the right rear tire. Thinking we had a flat, we started to move over to the right and exit the freeway. At around lane 3 I completely lost control of the vehicle. It fish-tailed twice and then flipped over and slid into the iceplant along the side of the freeway. The truck then righted itself and we ended up facing n/b on the shoulder. We could have easily been killed!!! my wife sustained some bumps and bruises but is otherwise ok. I walked away without a scratch. On inspecting the tire (which we now have in our possesion) we noticed that the sidewall had completely separated from the rest of the tire!! my wife and I are convinced that these firestone wilderness ht tires are unsafe!!! we have photos of the truck and we saved the tire. If you have any questions - please call us anytime. Thanks - wallace (dot number: w2uu tiresize: p225/70r15).

Fourth flat tire in one year period; this time, sidewall separated from tread! (tiresize: p215/75 r1)( dot number: tire size: p215/75 r1 ).

Original equipment on a 1998, Ranger, p235/70r16 size, dot# vn081bu. Sidewall on right rear tire blewout at 80mph. Manufacturer has been notified.

Tire was low on air, and the sidewall was peeled back to the rim. (dot number: vn08ipu tiresize: 235/70r16).

Sidewall blew out of tire at 60mph. From tread around sidewall half the diameter of the tire. (dot number: vn08 tiresize: p235/70r16).

Sidewall right where the tread is connected to the tire blew out in three different places within 18 inches of each other on the outside wall of the tire, some of the tread was included in the blowout. (tiresize: p22570r14)( dot number: tire size: p22570r14 ).

Appears to be a structural failure of tire between sidewall and tread, partial tread delamination, sidewall torn in several locations. There was no prior damage to the tire, and nothing was hit prior to blowout. Alloy wheel damaged, likely will need to be replaced. ( dot number: vnfc 1p4 tire size: p225/70r14 ).

Driving along, luckilly not very fast. Tire shredded. I do not beleive I hit anything. The other three tires sidewalls right around the lettering are also starting to look funny. The black around the letters is coming off. ( dot number: d2uu tire size: p225-70-r1 ).

All tires are showing cracks on sidewalls, this problem was reported to thomas Ford in beverly,MA. And the truck was dropped off for mant. And to check the tires, all Ford would say is that the tires were not on the recall list, when I asked if they looked at the cracks they said no,all they would do is check the dot code, I under stand that if they are not on the recall they would not do anything, but I feel theyy should have at least look at the cracking, I had provided them with photos and they said they would not even look at them ( I can email the photo to you if it would be of any help ) firestone was contacted by email but all I've gotten is an automated responce ( tracking # wt20000815_0000000266 ) when I have tried to contact them by phone it's just a long hold, and like you I can't stay on the phone for an hour just waiting to talk to someone my boss will kill me, tahanks for any help with this problem!!!( dot number: vnhl tire size: p235/75r15 ).

Tire failed on freeway when sidewall ripped (about 7 inches) just under the tread line. ( dot number: tire size: 235/75 r15 ).

Please add my name to the list of people who have experienced trouble with their Ford Ranger factory installed tires. My bad experience occurred while driving a straightaway on the local highway (h3) at approx. 55-60 mph. It was around 10:30 am and the temp was 80-85 with sunny skies. I had earlier noticed strange wear patterns, but my dealer informed me this was normal. The right rear tire completely came apart leaving only the sidewalls -- the tread detached completely. At the time I assumed it was merely a bad tire and purchased an identical replacement (at a local firestone dealer) to maintain a complete set. The dealer kept the faulty tire so I cannot provide it for inspection. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured although it was quite scary when the vehicle lost complete control. There didn't seem to be any danger of rollover, but my pickup bed was empty at the time so I'm unsure of the potential danger with a full load. I'm pretty sure I have no legal recourse against the manufacturor, but my experience is similar to the recent reports I've been hearing. I hope this info assists you in your investigation. The remaining tires on my truck are exhibiting strange wear patterns and an alignment doesn't seem to be the problem. If you need any further info please don't hesitate to contact me. The thought that these tires are responsible for deaths is very disturbing considering I drive on the highway daily and hawaii is typically hot and sunny. Thank you, jim delacy( dot number: tire size: p22570r14 ).

Consumer replaced all the firestone wilderness at 225/70r15 tires, the vehicle was having handling problems and the consumer noticed a bulge in the sidewall.

Tires are cracking at sidewall, indicates tire defect and not vehicle defect - I read recently that firestone is claiming it is a vehicle defect with the Ford explorer. These tires prove the problem is with the tires themselves. These wilderness ats have never been on an explorer, yet they are cracking and show the initial stages of tread separation. Although Ford is replacing these tires, I was told about a long waiting list that prevented immediate replacement. I went to sears auto center the other day and they can have them in under five days. Since these tires could fail me at any time, I am having to replace them at my own expense and seek reimbursement from Ford later. Although Ford is offering only $110 per tire, I will still be out $114. 78 (the difference) of my earnings to resolve this issue. I can assure you from my experience, firsestone/bridgestone's claims are not to be taken seriously. I have four tires that are proof that these tires are defective regardless of vehicle type. If they ague that the Ford explorer has a design defect and is unsafe, they must be willing to argue the same thing about the Ranger. These tires were kept at 30 psi and maintained. Please look into this claim for me. Thanks. (dot number: p235/r75 tiresize: 15-inch).

Dealer told me these tires was not part of recall, but the sidewalls appear to have a problem. From several feet away I see wavey places in the walls. There are no scuff marks on the walls. It seems the walls are very thin . Im fearful driving at highway speeds. (tiresize: 225/70/14)( dot number: tire size: 225/70/14 ).