1994 Ford Ranger: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Sep 20, 2014 · Tires · 227,066 miles · AZ

Fuzion touring tires p195/70r14 91t tread separating at <14kmiles. I bought this set of tires and rims used from a friend who had bought the set of tires from on online tire retailer, in early 2013 (tire dot code jefj can 4412 made in china). The rims and tires were installed on a 1996 ford ranger 2wd initially and then on my 1994 ford ranger xlt 2wd. Front two tires began to feel wobbly and vibrate excessively. Upon inspection, the tires were disfigured and out of round. Upon closer inspection both front tires appeared as if the inner belts had peaked in the center of the tire on the tread surface (like the tread surface had been folded around the perimeter of the tire), but not all the way around the tires. This was the obvious cause of the vibration. Tires replaced and everything was fine. The replacement tires were put on the rear and the two remaining fuzion tires were moved to the front. A couple of months later, one of the fuzion tires now on the front repeated the same problem I had with the other two. Obviously there is a defect in the tires for 3 of 4 to go bad in exactly the same way with in such a close time range. The 4th tire appears to be ok, however due to the problem with the other three, I am replacing it too. If you have these tires and experience vibration, immediately investigate the shape of the tire tread surface for disfigurement - if you find any, immediately replace the tire. I can provide photos as needed.

Filed May 28, 2004 · Tires · IN

On four different occasions while driving, the tread separated from the tires, dealership and consumer agreed to prorated the tires and replaced. Consumer again experienced the same tread separation problem.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Tires · 55,000 miles · IN

The tires have had a problem with tread separation. The consumer has replaced four tires due to tread separation. The consumer has noticed bulges around the tread area of the tires and knows that the tread will be separating soon.

Filed Oct 17, 2003 · Tires · 162,626 miles · FL

While driving 70 MPH rear driver's side tire tread separated, causing damage to the rear of vehicle.

Filed May 7, 2002 · Tires · WY

I purchased the firestone wilderness at tires at the tire station in sacramento, ca in june 1997. The first problem I had with the tires was a blowout of the rear left tire traveling at 60mph on interstate 5 from california to oregon. During most of the life of my wilderness at tires I was living in bishop, ca and yucca valley, ca, which are both hot desert climates, which I understand are where most of the other tread separations have occurred. The tread separation occurred on the left front tire as I was traveling down a hill on hwy 62 from yucca valley to palm springs, ca. I barely kept control of the vehicle. I thought that it was simply a flat tire, but the tire people said they could not repair it because the tread had separated, and they showed me a large bubbled up area of the tire. Because I had heard of similar incidents with wilderness at tires involving fatalities, I opted to replace all four tires (though I still have a wilderness at under the truck as a spare). I replaced them with bridgestone duellers because they had a better reputation for quality, and I had heard at the time that the replacement tires for the faulty wilderness at's should be throught firestone or bridgestone. When the recall became official, I obtained a letter from the tire place noting the tire separation so that I could be reimbursed for the failed tires. Shortly after obtaining the letter, not knowing where to send it, my job transferred me to cheyenne wyoming, and I only recently relocated the letter, as well as learned that the wilderness at tires that I purchased were officially deemed as faulty and unsafe. I was able to escape injury, but I attribute that to my excellent driving skills - the tires truly created an unsafe situation for me.

Filed Apr 28, 2002 · Tires · TN

The tire failed as I began slowing down on an exit ramp from a limited access highway. The tire lost pressure rapidly (5-10 sec). I was able to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. The tire was properly inflated at the time (35 psi) and the vehicle was unloaded (driver only). The tire did not fail due to puncture or treadwear. There was extensive damage to the sidewall and apparent tread separation. A photograph of the damaged tire is available.

Filed Oct 23, 2001 · Tires · AZ

On two occasions, the tire experience tread separation, customer was denied reimbursement because driver purchased competitor brand tires (firestone atx and at p235/75 r15).

Filed Oct 1, 2001 · Tires · TX

I had a blowout with the back left tire. Had my tires checked. Front right tire starting to separate also. Shipped blown tire to firestone. Denied compensation for damages. Denied compensation for proration on replacement tire. Tires had less than 40,000 miles on them. Firestone said that the tire had a cut in the tread face which allowed moisture to contaminate the steel belts causing a break down in the rubber to steel adhesion causing the detachment. Because I had another tire beginning to separate at the same time, I am not satisfied with their decision. All I have is the word of their own inspector. The inspection of the tires should be conducted by an impartial party and the fact that I had another ruined tire should have been included in the decision. *ak (dot number: vdfcjba257 tiresize: 22570r14)

Filed Nov 20, 2000 · Tires · MO

Firestone tire blewout while driving, consumer request reimbursement. Nlm

Filed Nov 12, 2000 · Tires · CA

Firestone (p255/70r14 m+s) tire experienced tread separation.

Filed Oct 2, 2000 · Tires · NE

Left rear firestone atx radial tire p235/75r15 experienced tread separation, upon inspection of the other tires, dealer noticed right front tire was beginning to separation, consumer had all 4 tires replaced with a different brand of tires, when recall was announced consumer was told he could get no compensation due to the failures happening before august.

Filed Sep 26, 2000 · Tires · TX

Pe-00020; replacement tires on a 1994 ford ranger. Tire size p21570r14. Tread is separating from sidewall. *ak tire tread separation resulted in bulging causing vibration and steering malfunction. All tires were replaced with different brand.