1995 Ford Windstar: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Jan 27, 2007 · Tires · MI

I'm having a problem with firestone tire company. A defective tire blew on my son's ford van. The thread separated completely. My son was able to drive home on the fabric of the still inflated tire. The tire was replaced free by the local firestone dealer because it was obviously a defective tire. When the tire blew, the flying rubber thread caused damage to the vehicle. The side view mirror was destroyed, front bumper was loosened plus other minor cosmetic damage. Damage was $281.36. I went to the local firestone dealer right after the incident because I wasn't comfortable driving without a spare tire. I had the damage repaired quickly because driving without a sideview mirror is a hazard and the bumper was loose which is dangerous. After the damage was repaired and the tire replaced, I sent a letter to firestone asking for reimbursement of the damage. I discovered I sent the letter to the wrong division of firestone. I finally found who at firestone to contact about paying for the damage and they said they needed the defective tire before they could consider reimbursement. Of course, the tire was long gone. Nothing was said to me at the time on tire replacement of any requirement to retain the defective tire. Culpability for the damage had been established when the tire was replaced free by the local dealer. On november 27, 2006, I sent copies of the firestone work order for the tire replacement, two estimates for the damage and photos of the damage along with my request for the reimbursement of $281.36. As of this date, firestone has not seen fit to respond to my letter. I feel that their requirement to ship the defective tire is just a sham to avoid any liability and that the determination by the local dealer that it was a defective tire should be sufficient proof. The name and address of the agent handing this matter is: bfnt, llc 1102 appleton nashville, tn 37210 the reference number of my incident is 840173.

Filed Oct 24, 2005 · Tires · 118,278 miles · KY

I had the tread separate from this tire on our 1995 ford windstar van while going through atlanta, ga. 10/18/05. The flying debris bent the muffler up into the back right quarter panel of our van and caved in the wheel well. The inertia switch was tripped so the vehicle wouldn't start. We had to be towed to a ford dealership.

Filed Aug 12, 2005 · Brakes, Suspension · 130,000 miles · IA

Dt: the consumer states on her 1995 ford windstar, there was the federal safety agency recall 01i007000 on the front coil springs. The spring on the passenger front broke when turning and caused the tire to blow out. The vehicle was towed at that time to a mechanic, and they informed the consumer about the recall. When she called ford, they told her it was too late, that because the vehicle was originally bought in 1994 the warranty ran out. When she purchased the vehicle, in 2003, she received no notice there was a recall. Ford did not even have her as the current owner of the vehicle. The mechanic did find that the driver's side coil was broke. The tire was damaged, and there were no injuries.*ak the consumer stated she has been having problems with the ABS since 2003.

Filed Aug 23, 2004 · Suspension · 105,000 miles · OH

While parked front driver's side coil spring broke. As a result, the tire exploded.

Filed Jan 24, 2004 · Engine · 101,000 miles · NJ

The head gasket on the ford windstar 1995 3.8 liter engine has a design flaw and is likely to blow out. This leads to engine heating and damage. The repair costs for changing the head gasket is over $1000. Engine repair/replacement is much higher.

Filed Feb 24, 2003 · Wheels · 88,000 miles · CA

I had to replace the second stock rim on my 1995 ford windstar. I have never had a rim leak air on any other car that I have owned and was quite agrivated to learn from the wheel shop owner that he has done around 30 such replacements this year. All on ford windstars. No other manufacture or model. I realize that the 1995 windstar was the worst year for ford windstars, but after having to put up with headgasket blowouts at 58,000 miles, transmission blowouts at 70,000 and assorted other electrical failures, the wheels seem another rediculous manufacturing blunder that I should not have to pay the brunt of. They are dealer only part and $90+ a piece. I have now replaced 2. The first time, a few years ago, when this happened, the dealer had to special order the part. Now they carry them in stock. (I wonder why???)

Filed Feb 27, 2002 · Tires · MA

On novermber 15, 2001 consumer purchased 4 new goodyear aquatread tires, (mts p205/170r15,955 dot, mkmo, 5bhr 0400) on november 23, 2001 while driving and without warning the front passenger tire exploded, consumer was able to bring the vehicle to a stop, upon inspection of the tire there was no edivence of a road hazard puncture or other problems.

Filed Jan 8, 2002 · Engine · CA

While driving smoke emerged from exhaust. Also, engine light illuminated on dash and temperature gauge immediately went from cold to hot, causing head gasket to blow out.

Filed Sep 5, 2001 · Tires · MI

Right rear tire blew out damaging the right rear fender, right side fender and right side sliding door.(ohio traffic crash report)

Filed Jul 5, 2001 · Tires · CA

Vehicle was going 30-35mph, and while slowing down to a stop light right front tire tread separated, sides were shredded. There was a 60,000 mile warranty, and tire had 32,000 miles. 1995, ford, windstar aftermarket tires.

Filed Jun 11, 2001 · Engine, Suspension · MN

Leaked quite a bit of antifreeze...had to replace timing cover gasket. Also more recently, a front tire blew due to rusted front springs and struts which had to be replaced.

Filed May 16, 2001 · Suspension · PA

On two occasions front coil springs broke, causing tire to blowout. *ak the design of the left front coil spring has broken twice, the spring broke and cut the tire, which then blew out at 70- 75 MPH.