2001 GMC Yukon: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Feb 21, 2005 · Tires · TX

I purchased 4 new continental-made tires for our 2001 gmc yukon. These tires carry the "general" brand name, model p265-70r16, grabber aw, dot# a3723j82301. I purchased these tires with an understanding that they are warranted against defects and any damage occurring as a result would be covered by the tire company. I have properly maintained these tires throughout my ownership of them. After a little more than a year after purchase, one of the tires unexpectedly and suddenly blew up, causing me to lose control of the vehicle, barely missing an embankment and concrete bridge column. Upon inspection of the tire immediately thereafter, I saw that the tread had completely ripped off the top of the tire. As a result of this, the loose tread was "slapping" every part of the vehicle in the surrounding area causing over $4,000 worth of damage, including, body damage, tailpipe damage, electrical wires cut, A/C lines cut, tail light severed, running boards broken and more. Immediately after, I contacted continental and filed a claim to be reimbursed for this damage. After a lengthy wait, I was informed on january 26, 2005 that they were denying my claim due to a small tire puncture. It is my contention that a small puncture should not cause the tire to absolutely explode the way mine did. Furthermore, continental claims there were other defects in the tire, such as sidewall damage, that were all caused as a result of the accident, and not the other way around. It has since become clear to me that continental has had the same sort of blowouts on similar models. See: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news03/continental.html I would like the company to reimburse me for all damages made to my vehicle and also refund my money for all the tires so that I can purchase a set from a different manufacturer so that my family's safety on the road can be better assured.

Filed Sep 4, 2003 · Tires · 24,000 miles · CA

The rear driver side tire blewout while driving 65 MPH. Firestone wilderness le tire. *ak. The gm dealer replaced the tire with another firestone tire.

Filed Aug 12, 2003 · Tires · CO

After driving approximately 20 minutes at a speed of approx. 30 MPH on a gravel road firestone wilderness p265/70r16 rear tire blew out on my '01 gmc yukon with complete tread separation, and the radials breaking. My husband changed the tire with our spare that is the same make/model. Approx. 10 minutes later on a paved road at a speed of 45 MPH, the spare blew out with complete tread separation. Our vehicle was towed to the dealership, and there was no problem found with the vehicle. They believe the tires are defective. We have replaced all four tires on our vehicle and kept the firestone for evalution and analysis purposes.

Filed Jun 18, 2002 · Tires · FL

Original tires on gmc, yukon, 26575r16 le; while traveling at 30mph, front right tire blewout without warning. There was nothing sharp on the road, tire experienced sidewall separation. *ak the firestone dealer is claiming that the tire had a puncture, however 2 miles prior to incident, the tires were checked and there were no punctures or leaks.

Filed Feb 8, 2002 · Tires · AZ

Firestone, wilderness, p265/70r16, dot 8x72wli, original equipment on a 2001, gmc, yukon with 19000 miles, during tire rotation dealer noticed both rear tires and front right tire showed signs of tread separation.*ak consumer was informed that problem would not be covered under warranty.

Filed Dec 26, 2001 · Tires · AR · crash · 1 injury

Braking to avoid accident and right front tire blew out, rendering vehicle unsteerable, out of control. Spun in circles and went into ditch in median of 4 lane highway.*ak (dot number: 8x72 tiresize: p265/70r16)

Filed Aug 27, 2001 · Tires · PA

11:45am on 8/27/01 tire separation occurred at 60 MPH on pa rte 476s, mile marker 14. Contacted gm who could care less; they did not record the incident even though I tried to report it; they told me to contact firestone and that it was not gm's problem; called firestone and all they cared about was whether it was an at wildnerness tire; firestone told me to go to a local dealer for assistance. I am scared to death to drive this car at high speed again. What should I do?*ak (dot number: 8x72 5000 tiresize: p265/70r16)

Filed Apr 7, 2001 · Tires · SC

Tread separation-complete failure-only 2 passengers in vechile--no load-luckily no injury. *ak (tiresize: p265/70r16)( dot number: tire size: p265/70r16 )

Filed Feb 7, 2001 · Tires · OH

Tire blew out on side. No puncture on the tread side. *ak (dot number: v672 wl1 3 tiresize: p265-70r16)