1996 Ford Explorer: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Jul 28, 2010 · Tires · 103,000 miles · PA · 4 injuries

On july 28, at approx 4pm est we experienced tread separation from the front passenger tire that caused our ford explorer to temporarily loss control. The tire was a firestone wilderness tire that was provided by ford for a recall replacement about 8 or 9 years ago. The right passenger front tire separated on rt i95 near the sharon, ma exit. Loud sounds came from engine area of car and tread hit side of car and fp window. Car began to loss control, but the driver was able to stabilize and pull off of the highway. We were traveling from pa to ma (we left conshohcken, pa at 9:45 am) and I was averaging 65 to 70 miles per hour, but was slowing down when tread separated. I was moving from the right to the left lane, exit was about 1 to 2 miles ahead of us. The right front wheel well plastic covering, some air conditioning equipment, and the radio antenna all have been damaged. There is some paint damage on right side of car and the and running board seems to have some damage as well. A roadside assistance person came to help us remove the tire and replace it with a spare. We brought the car back to a firestone dealer in brockten, ma and was told that firestore would likely fix the damage to the car. There were four of us in the car, we were all shaken up, and bumped around, no one was cut. A report was filed with the roadside assistance person, but no police report was filed.

Filed Feb 23, 2010 · Tires · NY · crash · 6 injuries

1996 ford explorer accident due to tread separation. Cw according to an eye witness statement, the driver of the vehicle crossed several lanes, struck a guardrail and went airborne and landed on it's roof. The witness stated two people were ejected from the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle eventually died. (lawyer wrote in on behalf of clients)

Filed Sep 6, 2009 · Airbags, Tires · NC · crash

On 8 aug 09, my right rear tire blew out while going north on i95 at exit 132 near rocky mount, nc. My SUV flipped over a few times and my daughter and I ended up upside down looking at the traffic. I noticed that my air bag did not deploy.

Filed May 31, 2007 · Tires · 285,000 miles · NM · crash · 2 injuries

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford explorer. While driving 53 MPH, the vehicle's front passengers side michelin tire blew out. The contact lost control of the vehicle and flipped over. She broke her back in four places on the right side and her right arm is currently in a splint. The contact was pregnant and lost her baby. She was airlifted to a hospital. A baby was in the vehicle and received several scratches. The vehicle was towed from the scene. A police report was filed. The engine size was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 285,000.

Filed Jun 8, 2005 · Body, Steering · TX · crash · 5 injuries

Sudden tread separation on left rear tire of ford explorer caused loss of control and on-road rollover. Tire was a cooper eldorado radial zr1, size p23575r15, dot# 3dhlekn2900.

Filed Mar 3, 2004 · Airbags, Tires · 165,000 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

While driving 70 MPH rear right tire tread separated, causing the vehicle to hit a pole and roll once. Vehicle landed upside down on an embankment. Upon impact, airbags did not deploy. Driver sustained minor injuries.

Filed Jan 19, 2003 · Tires · 139,000 miles · LA

Ford explorer with 4 firestone wilderness ht tires. While driving at highway speed on interstare 12 near milemarker 75 the left rear tire experienced a blowout. The tread separated from the sidewalls of the tires. I replaced all 4 tires but have the failed tire and digital photos if they are needed

Filed Jan 19, 2003 · Tires · CA

The left rear dunlop radial rover (lt235/75r15) tread separated from tire. Occurred on freeway at 70mph. There was a thumping noise just prior to incident. The tire did not lose pressure. No crash, no injuries but some damage to left 1/4 panel & trim on vehicle, 1996 ford explorer. All 4 tires replaced at same time & had approximately 40,000 miles on them when this occurred.

Filed Dec 19, 2002 · Tires · 60,000 miles · OK

There were two tires blowouts at the sidewall simultaneously while driving. The blowouts caused damage to both driver's front and rear wheels. Tire info: firestone wilderness 235/75r15 (dot/unavailable) 20k miles on both tires driver's front and rear. Ts scc

Filed Jul 19, 2002 · Tires · SD

Tire blewout.

Filed Apr 29, 2002 · Tires · OK

Two of my 4 tires had tread separation but the problem was caught before total failure occurred. Tire replacement happened 2 days before the recall was first announced. My family and I were lucky not to be victims but we still experienced the failures. Both ford and firestone refuse to reimburse me for any part of my replacement costs. I have other documentation and a letter that I will gladly share if contacted. I am not even seeking full reimbursement but something other than a "you don't qualify because you replaced your tires 2 days before the announcement" is in order. Regardless of miles, my tires still had over 1/2 inch tread and the two rear tire treads separated from the belts. More than anything I am thankful for my family's survival from what could have been tragic but was averted before total failure. Thank you.

Filed Jan 15, 2002 · Tires · AZ

Prior to recall, consumer replaced the firestone wilderness atx tires due to tread separation, consumer was denied by firestone stating the tires were replaced prior to the announcement.( firestone tires p235/75r15)