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1996 Ford Explorer tires complaints

Page 15 of 20: complaints 401 to 430 of 570, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1996 Ford Explorer tires problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · CA · crash

Pe00020; tire tread separation: while driving about 70 MPH tread on the rear passenger's side tire came off. Driver lost control of the explorer, which resulted in a rollover. 3 other passenger's were in the explorer. No one was injured. Explorer was totalled. Tire was not original equipment. Please list tire name, size, dot # and mileage if possible. All claims were handled by insurance company.

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · CA · crash · 2 injuries

Pe00020; tire tread separation: while driving at 70 MPH, tread on driver's side rear tire came off, causing explorer to rollover. Driver and passenger were both injured. Tire was a firestone wilderness at, originaltire equipment. Explorer was totalled. Owner has not been able to reach firestone. Please list tire size and dot #.

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · KS · crash

Traveling 70mph & heard a thump sound & vehicle started swerving. Stopped vehicle & checked tires. Noticed tread came off tire. It had whipped the molding off side of vehicle, causing vehicle to go into a ditch. Had tire replaced & did not have tire. It was the original tire. Firestone wilderness atx, size p235/75r15 with 10,000 miles.

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · TX

Pe00020; tire tread separation: while driving about 70 MPH tread on the driver's rear side tire came off. Driver was able to get explorer on the shoulder. Driver and one another passenger in the explorer. No one was injured. Tire size was p22570rx15, original tire equipment. All tires on the explorer were replaced at owner's expense.

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · MS

While driving about 70 MPH rear left tire had a tread separation. But, consumer kept control of vehicle. *ak firestone atx p235/75/r15

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · TX

Original equipment on a 96 explorer. Right rear tire tread separated at 65mph, causing damage to vehicle. *ak the vehicle began to vibrate before the tread of the tire came off.

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · TX · crash · 1 injury

Engineers report by certified professionals determined that the tire was manufactured defectively in that the tread was not properly bonded to the belts, which allowed the tread to become separated from the belts, altering the structural integrity of the tire. This separation caused the vehicle to flip five times, totaling the vehicle and injuring the driver. The accident occurred in texas, in hot weather and on a highway. The faulty tire was only 5 months old. *ak( dot number: vdhl1pm126 tire size: p235/75r15 )

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · CA

We were driving back from mammoth through the mojave desert on weekend of june 22, 2000. We stopped for lunch in bishop california and when we returned to our car we had a flat tire. We called aaa and the tow truck driver took us to the only station in town that was open of a sunday afternoon. When they looked at the tire they noticed that instead of a puncture in the tire that caused the flat a top layer of the tire had peeled away and wires were exposed. I guess this is the deglazing effect that is occuring with the firestone atx radials. The station did not have the atx tires we originally had so we replaced the flat with the wilderness tires. We had to replace both tires so they would match. The temperature that day that we were traveling was approximately 100 degrees. *ak( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 )

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · AZ

Tire separated going about 20 MPH on a graded but unpaved road. Temperature was about 102 degrees. The separation looked identical to media pictures of other tire separation problems. Tire had approximately 20,000 on it. Plenty of tread was left. *ak( dot number: tire size: 235 75r15 )

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · AZ

I have had two tire separations on my firestone atx ii tires within approximately 60 days. The tires were replacement tires purchased in pairs (at different times). Both failures occurred at speeds less than 50 MPH, and at appropriate tire pressures of approximately 33psi.( dot number: ? Tire size: p235/75r15 )

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · OK

Who is responsible for the damage done to car from the recalled tire? The tread was partially detatched from casing and slapped the rear quarter panel and tail gate. Who do we contact. *ak( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 )

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · CA · crash · 2 injuries

Tire blew causing the vehicle to roll 3 times, resulting in major injuries. *ak( dot number: )

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · FL

Tire failed as tread separated from tire body. Although tire was replaced via pro-rata value of tire tread used, we replaced the firestone tires with michelin tires on march 24, 1999. We did this because of lack of trust in the firestone tires, and even though the firestone tires would have been good for another 20000 miles or so based on tread left.. *ak( dot number: tire size: 235/75r15 )

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · FL

In the month of january I was on a return trip from orlando, florida and on my way to tallahassee, florida home. Approximately 60 miles north of orlando I began to experience a vibration in the vehicle that I was driving ( 1996 ford explorer ). I was traveling at 60 MPH and as I continued to decrease in speed the vibration increased and before I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop I felt a large bang in the left rear of the vehicle as if the tire blew, the vehicle began to swerve back and forth to the left and to the right, I was able to get the vehicle under control nearly missing another vehicle. I replaced the tire with the spare that was on the vehicle and made it to tallahassee. During the duration of the drive to tallahassee I observed the performance of the remaining tire on the vehicle. My conclusion when I arrived in tallahassee was that I did not feel that the tires on the vehicle were safe and would not bet my families life them so I had them replaced. Within the next week I had four of the five tires replaced on the vehicle, the spare still remains under the vehicle until such time this matter is resolved. To my surprise on august 8, 2000 I heard rumors that the tire of the same brand and make "firestone radial atx" series may be recalled. However there was substantial damage to the vehicle from the steel belted radial that tore away from the wheel itself causing damage to the vehicle and almost my life from the tire in question. I feel that it would not be unreasonable to be reimbursed for the tires that I replaced and the damage to my vehicle. I would appreciate a reply to the matter at hand. *ak( dot number: tire size: p235r15 )

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · CA · crash · 2 injuries

Pe00 020; consumer was traveling about 65mph on highway and heard a noise/ vibration. Right rear tire tread separated, and vehicle rolled several times while still on the highway. Vehicle had firestone atx tires, dotvdhl1pm146, and tire size p235/75r15. *ak firestone atx p235/75/r15

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · CA

While driving about 65 MPH tire tread separated, and consumer was forced to drive off the road.

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · IL

While driving about 70 MPH left rear tire had a tread separation. Tire hit the bumper and damaged it.

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · CA

While traveling from orlando to ft. Lauderdale to visit my family on thanksgiving day, 1999, the tire tread in the front passenger side tire separated suddenly while at highway speed (about 65 - 70 MPH) on I-95 near jupiter, florida. Vehicle pulled to the right and was hard to control. Luckily, there was no car to the right (my wife and I were in the left lane) and no accident occurred. We changed the tire roadside, and had both front tires replaced the next day at tire kingdom at lauderdale by the sea. There was also damage to the wheel well caused by the peeled away tire, which we had fixed at a later date during routine maintenance at greenway ford in orlando. The mechanic at tire kingdom said that it was unusual that the tread came off without causing a blowout.( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 )

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · TX

On july 8, 2000 at 12 noon, the firestone tire ( front passenger side) on my 1996 ford explorer seperated while traveling at 70 MPH. The force of the seperation pulled me out of the left lane into the right lane. Luckily the lane was clear and I was able to control my vehicle and pull to the shoulder. The condition of the roads were clear. The weather was sunny and hot. The incident occured on hwy 6 near navasota, tx. Although there were no injuries, there was approx. $1200.00 damage to my car. I immediately filed a claim with firestone for the damage to my car. I shipped the tire to firestone for analysis, and they have agreed to cover the damages to my car. I still have 2 remaining firestone tires on my vhecile and intend to participate in the recall recently issued by ford/firestone.( dot number: vdhl1pm455 tire size: p235 75r15 )

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · TX

On 9-12-99, at approximately 4:30pm, my wife was driving her explorer at approximately 70 MPH on the beltway 8 in houston. The left rear tire shredded and had a blow out. She then lost control of the auto. The auto turned right and traveled toward the right hand concrete barrier. She frantically turned the steering wheel, and just before hitting the barrier, she was able to turn the car to the left. The car then did "360's" careening across all the lanes of the toll way. The car stopped parallel to the left concrete barrier, approx. 12" from the barrier. A harris co. Constable stopped and had the car towed, due to the damage to the left rear of the car. We advised machaik ford that they should pay for replacing the tire, due to ongoing problems with the tires. Service manager mary stated "we are not aware of any problems with the tires." she was told the matter would be referred to my attorney. At that point, I asked that the tire be put inside my car and my spare put on. When I picked up the car, no one at mak haik had any idea where my tire was. Nobody knew what had happened to it. I feel they intentionally hid evidence on my tire problem, after I advised them an attorney would be involved.( dot number: )

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · TX

2 separate failures due to delamination( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 )

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · CA

Tire blew on freeway in fast lane. Lucky to be alive with no injuries or damage to vehicle..( dot number: tire size: f235/75 15 )

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · NV · crash · 2 injuries

Rear tire tread failed causing loss of control and vehicle rollover( dot number: )

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · VA

I bought the car used. I took the car to my mechanic to look over and recommend what work needed to be done in order for me to purchase the vehicle. I still have the original list. Among the things that I said needed to be repaired/replaced were the tires. The dealer refused. We bought the vehicle and I began driving it. It is my first SUV and I was uncomfortable with the way it handled on bumps in the road, over railroad tracks, in dips in the road, etc. Several times when I took the vehicle in for regularly scheduled maintenance, I complained about the way it handled. Because the dealer "could not duplicate" the problem, they said everything was ok. They also suggested that because it is an SUV I should get used to the rougher ride. The problem however was in the way I felt I lost control of the vehicle under these conditions, not that the ride was rough. I continued to complained about the way it handled on subsequent visits. I even began asking them to look at the tires. I became concerned about the tires as I saw dry rot on the outer edges of each of the tires. Again, I believe everytime I took it in I asked them to examine the tires and let me know if I should be concerned. They would note the tire tread on my paperwork but no one every counseled me. I took the vehicle to a service station near my home to see what they thought. I was told to replace the tires as soon as possible and to try not to drive for many miles at a time and especially during hot days. I replaced the tires within the week. I am concerned now about the firestone recall and that va is in phase three. I replaced my old firestone tires with michelins and do not wish to have a firestone product on any of our cars. How can I get the spare tire replaced and how can I get a credit for the old tires to apply toward the tires I replaced?( dot number: tire size: 255/70r/16 )

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · TX

I went to the tire store to have my tires rotated. The mechanic showed me two of my firestone atx radials with the tread separating from the rest of the tire. These tires showed very little wear and showed no other obvious damage. I wanted to inform you of this defect to help point out a questionable tire design. The mechanic said that I was lucky these tires did not come apart during use. I was about to start on an extended trip.( dot number: tire size: 235/75/r17 )

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · NV

My family & I were driving to ca. From las vegas down I-15, about 25 miles out of las vegas. The tread completely blew off our right, rear tire, driving about 70 MPH. My husband fought to keep control of the car, it swayed & rocked violently. We had heard a loud "bang" but didn't know what it was & didn't suspect a flat tire, thought something had hit us.the road was clear at the time; had usual traffic been present we would've hit anthing in the lane next to us, due to severe swerving. Had we turned over and rolled, most definitely wouldn've been severely injured if not killed. Pulled over, saw that tread was completely gone. Rear light was broken, quarter panel dented, rear bumper disengaged from car. After getting tire changed by aaa club, immediately return to lv. At goodyear shop, told them to take off all tires & bought new ones for total of $500. The previous week had had car serviced for trip to calif. & no problems noted with tires (had specific conversation). No clue that this would happen. Am currently worried about goodyear steel belted tires that have been on since 7/99 since I live in desert & it's frequently over 100 degrees. I have them checked frequently too but now I have no peace of mind after harrowing experience of last summer.( dot number: ??? Tire size: p235/75r15 )

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · AZ

On two different occasions, a rear tire suffered a tread separation that caused extensive damage to the wheel well and nearly caused accidents. After the second one, I removed the remaining firestone tires and replaced all four with michelins.( dot number: ? Tire size: ? )

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · CA

Follow a long weekend trip, I noticed a large section of the outside tread was missing from the rear passenger side tire revealing the steel belt. It is was the original equipment tire, the firestone atx, that came with the explorer which we purchase new in '96. The missing piece was at least five inches in length and two inches wide. I immediately replaced the damaged tire with the matching spare. In early june I replace the entire set of firestone tires with another brand. At that time I was told by a discount tire employee the damage was probably caused by hitting a large pothole (which I didn't believe.) please add our complaint to your file surrounding the firestone tires. We have a two-year old son who we drove around exclusively in the explorer. Thank god nothing happen, but I will always remember the delay ford and firestone displayed with this recall.( dot number: tire size: 235 )

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · LA

Right rear tire thread came off and almost caused wreck. I know that you keep statistics on defects so I wanted to let you know I almost hit a car but managed to swirve into a ditch.

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · CA

This is actually the second tread separation incident I have had with these tires. First one occured nearly six months ago. I lost control of my vehicle and took off the running board on the right side trying to get it to the side of the road. From what I understand, dangerous tires.( dot number: )

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