1996 Dodge Grand Caravan: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Jul 15, 2009 · Tires · CA · crash · 1 injury

On jan 2, 2009 I bought 4 kenda tires (cooper tire) from a dealer in watsonville ca. First, I had a blowout on one. It was replaced. Then a second tire blew out on the highway. Close call. Hit tree, totaled vehicle, airbags off etc. I am holding the tire for your inspection if you wish...I have photos.

Filed Dec 6, 2004 · Tires · PA

Around april 2004 consumer complained about tire problems. He took vehicle to dealer for inspection. They took both front wheels off and put them in the back. Dealer told consumer that this would not be a problem. However, while driving at 50 MPH rear left tire blew off. There was no report of injury. Consumer tool vehicle to dealer to get tires serviced. Dealer informed consumer that they did no longer have this vehicle's specific tires, they were discontinued.

Filed Aug 30, 2004 · 162,358 miles · TX

I am the original owner of a 1996 dodge grand caravan, VIN number [xxx]. A week ago friday I had a tire blowout this is only the second time since I have owned the vehicle that I have needed to change a flat to my spare tire and also use the scissor jack that the factory supplied with my vehicle. I was using your factory supplied jack to raise the vehicle when the jack apparently slipped and the vehicle fell to the ground. I proceeded to extricate the jack and looked it over and it appeared to be in excellent shape with no indications of any damage; I concluded that the jack somehow slipped. I again inserted the jack under the vehicle and proceeded to again jack up the vehicle when the jack collapsed again. Upon gathering up my things I noted that the jack did not slip, but failed and that caused the vehicle to fall to the ground. The jack failure was in the upper inside support when you look at it and insert the scissor jack under the vehicle when the scissor jack lifts the jack up. I showed the failed jack to a welder friend of mine who knows about metals, and he stated that the problem was metal fatigue and that that part of the jack was not properly manufactured because the metal was not cured and hardened properly to acquire its needed strength. First I expect a new replacement jack that will fit into the storage compartment made for it so that I will have a factory jack whenever I decide to get a new vehicle and the person who buys my vehicle next will have a good, safe, factory jack whenever needed. Second I expect to be reimbursed the $20.00 I gave the tow truck driver who helped me out when the scissor jack failed and became broken and useless. Third, it would be nice but not required at this time, if you would consider some fair compensation for my being late, tired, dirty, smelly and angry when I was meeting my wife for dinner. Needless to say, I was not the most pleasant person to have dinner with that night.*ak updated 07/25/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of inform

Filed Aug 8, 2003 · Tires · IL

Tire blowout at 30mph, brand new goodyear aquatred 3, installed 2 days earlier.

Filed Sep 23, 2002 · Tires · AZ

Left rear tire had major tread separation at 70-75 MPH. Tire remained inflated. Tread depth is 5/32. Nlm

Filed Mar 7, 2001 · Transmission · NY · crash

I experienced complete tire traction failure using my dodge grand caravan equipped with the pirelli tires described herein. The tires were purchased 6/27/00 from lawrence hill getty in huntington, ny. I had asked for all weather tires. On december 31, 2000, and then again on jan 1, 2001, I experinced no traction on the tires, and slid purposefully on two separate occasions into snowbanks, the first time to avoid hitting a car in front of me while travelling with my family of five, and then again to avoid sliding into a blind interesection. I brought the car into a goodyear dealer on 1/1/01, and bought goodyear aquatread 3's. The car handles admirably with these tires. I have contacted the pirelli manufacturer who stated that these tires are rated summer tires. I am shocked that any tire company would put any driver needlessly in danger by putting summer rated tires in an allweather situation, especially when I specifically asked for all-weather tires. The company offered an unacceptable remedy. I am reporting these incidents to you to attempt to deter pirelli from this misleading and potentially fraudulent practice. I was travelling no more than 10-15 miles per hour, allowing plenty of time and distance to stop. I also ride motorcycles and am very aware of road surface, stopping distances, and alternative avenues of escape. It was this experience that kept me from critically or otherwise injuring my family or another family while relying to my detriment on the reputation of the pirelli tire company in providing proper tires in my area. The company is apparently looking to divert any responsibility for their product. Are there any other reports of pirelli tire failure that I may see? Thank you in advance.*ak (tiresize: 215/65 16)( dot number: tire size: 215/65 16 )

Filed Aug 30, 1998 · Brakes, Fuel system · CA

Front windshield wipers come on without activating them. In addition, bench passenger seatbelt disconnects when buckled; brakes wore out when the car had 32,000 miles; left front tire blew out on the freeway at 7,000; transmission overhauled at 44,000 miles; passenger's sliding door locks do not open when unlocked, and gas tank was leaking.

Filed Feb 12, 1997 · Tires · CA

Michelin left rear tire blew out at sidewall.