Tire Tread/belt problems of the 1999 Mazda Protege

Tire tread separated from tire and damaged the fender while driving at normal speed. Firestone, size p185/65r14, dot# h406jdno79. Dealer notified. While driving on the highway the vehicle and steering wheel started shaking. The consumer turned off the a/c, radio and reduced speed to listen and determine the cause. Only two exits away from their exit, the consumer heard a thud. He pulled over and saw the right rear fender hanging off to the curb and the right rear tire was bald. All the tread on the surface was gone. He changed the tire, secured the fender with duct tape and went to sears to purchase a new tire. Consumer sent the tire to firestone/bridgestone for inspection and compensation. Consumer was informed that there inspection showed that the tire was operated for an unknown period of time with insufficient air pressure to carry the load. The insufficient air pressure was evident by the deformation throughout the tire bead area. They concluded that the tire failure wasn't the result of defective materials or workmanship. The tire was returned to the consumer upon his request. The insurance company estimated damages at $902. 54.

Original manufactured equipment on a 1999, Mazda, Protege, tire size p18565r14. While driving 70 mph on highway consumer heard a thumping noise before the explosion of tread separating from right rear tire. Firestone tires p185/65/r14.

Rear left tire tread separated, completly shreard from the middle of the tire about half way around the tire. When taken to the firestone dealer complained about tread speration, was told that I must have hit something to have caused such damage to the tire. There was minimial tread wear on the tire as it was brand new and hardly any mileage driven on it. Firestone dealer refused to replace tire for free, stated he did not have any instock and would have to order a tire to replace it. Told the firestone dealer forget it and replaced the tire with a non firestone brand from a more reputiable tire manufacture. Luckly there was noone hurt and the car did not lose control after the blow out. (tiresize: r14).

Was driving approximately 65mph when left front tread separated from the middle of the tire. There was no warning or blowout. No problem with vehicle at time of separation. Changed the tire & took vehicle to tire shop. It was replaced with different type. Had 30,000 miles on tire. Still has the tire. Fire stone fr680, size p185/65r14.

Firestone tire experienced tread separation, causing damage to the vehicle, the driver and passengers were very shaken up but unhurt.