1996 Toyota Tacoma: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Oct 25, 2005 · Tires · 130,449 miles · FL

Initially felt a vibration in my steering wheel and accelerator pedal. Was trying to decide from where the problem came when my left rear tire blew it's entire tread, which then wrapped around my axle, causing me to spin 360 degrees and off the highway and down a grassy slope, which, fortunately, was soft enough to stop me without making me flip over. Damage: wheel rim and cover, wheel well liner ripped off, thereby bending it's rear bracket, which in turn pulled my fender in. Tread wrapped around axle bent, but did not crimp, my hydraulic brake line. I managed to get the vehicle to the asphalt to change the tire, but it came to a halt because of the axle being wrapped. Was unable to put on safety brake until I lifted the vehicle enough to unwrap the tread from the axle. Have filed a complaint with firestone and expect them to pay for my damages. Their policy is to demand the old tire back before any payout can be made and I intend to fight that, since the dealer has already disposed of the evidence. My feeling is that the dealer was either ignorant of that policy or negligent in telling me of it or that firestone instructed them not to tell customers of that requirement. I did tell the dealer that I intended to file a claim with firestone. Dealer as much as admitted a faulty product since they did not charge me for a new tire. They did, however, charge me labor. Rotation and courtesy check were performed by dealer on 20 july 2005 and they stated they had checked tire pressure. *nm

Filed Sep 23, 2003 · Tires · 88,530 miles · CA

Firestone wilderness at tire - tread separated on freeway

Filed Mar 4, 2003 · Tires · FL

While driving at 45 MPH and without warning the rear right tire blew out.

Filed Apr 4, 2001 · Suspension · NH

Right rear leaf spring snapped while driving, causing it to swing out of assembly, which could have gotten caught on brake line or caused a tire to blowout. *ak

Filed Oct 1, 2000 · Tires · CA

Two tire failures (complete seperation) within 20,000 mile period.( dot number: )

Filed Sep 28, 2000 · Tires · AZ

Pe 00 020/tire tread separation: right rear tire experienced a tread separation while traveling at 70-75 MPH, with only the driver in a 1996 toyota, tacoma; original equipment, p215/70r14, dot# w2hyawa275. Rear end damage received, and tire was available for analysis.

Filed Sep 14, 2000 · Tires · TX

Firestone wilderness tires (p215 70 r14) were replaced many times due to tread separation, hole in the sidewall, causing vehicle vibration.

Filed Sep 11, 2000 · Tires · KY · crash

Pe-00-020; tires were purchased for a 1996 toyota, tacoma ,15 inch tires, dot number not available tires only have 12 thousand miles on them. Consumer's brother was driving at 50-55 MPH, and left frontal tire blewout, causing vehicle to flip, killing the driver.

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Tires · AZ

While driving about 65 MPH steering wheel was pulling to the right due to right front tire had a tread separation. Firestone wilderness tires, size p215/70r14.

Filed Aug 4, 2000 · Tires · CA

Pe00020 , firestone wilderness ht tire tread separation: while driving at 60 MPH tread on rear passenger's side came off. Driver did not lose control. Tire size 21570r14, original tire equipment. Driver was the only passenger in vehicle, and did not have the tire.

Filed Apr 7, 1999 · Suspension · NH

Heard a metal-like rubbing sound approximately 3-4 weeks before noticing problem. Two rear leaf springs broke, which may have caused a tire blow out and may result in an accident. Toyota is aware of the problem and has new design o rear leaf spring.