Problems with 1999 Ford Ranger TIRES

Pe#00020; firestone wilderness ht - p225/70r15 dot#w2uu. right rear tire's tread came apart. the original tires purchased with the vehicle. vehicle is a 1999, ford truck, ranger.*ak *slc

Tread was separating from the tires. the steel belts were clearly discernable when looking at the sidewall, indicating the separation. tires were replaced at owner's expense, following the recommendations of replacement tires listed on ford's website.*ak( dot number: 4270irf328 tire size: p245/75/16 )

Pe00 020 ; vehicle was parked outiside of consumer's home. he went to inspect the tires, and noticed that all four tires had stress marks and cracks, uniform cracks all round sidewall. consumer contacted firestone.*ak

I took the vehicle to a firestone store for inspection. they found that there were bubbles and the tread was peeling as was common with the recalled 15" tires. it showed indications that the tread was coming off. we were advised to replace the tires as they were unsafe. we have replaced the tires before a full separation and accident occurred. we have retained the tires for inspection and would like to be reimbursed for these defective tires as there was approximately 75% tread left on the tires. (dot number: w270 tiresize: p245/75r16)

On 08/11/2000, i visited the local firestone dealer because all four of my tires were and still are cracking all the way around about 2 and 1/2 inches in from the outer tread. the dealer sent me to the firestone factory store on broadway ave. in knoxville, tennessee. the store manager inspected my tires and advised that he thought the problem was a cosmetic flaw that normally shows up on tires with 25,000 miles on them. he also advised that they would not replace the tires for free as with the recalled models and would only sell me another set after pro-rating the tires. well on 09/03/2000, the so called cosmetic flaw on the left front tire on my truck gave way. for several days the tire had been making a bumping sound and on 09/03/2000 it became a roar then the tire went. lucky for me and my passenger it did not totally blow out. the tire actually split apart layer by layer and must have began leaking from the core, thus releasing the pressure before it had time to blow. i will have pictures taken of the tire for my proof and will provide copies upon request.( dot number: w270 tire size: p245-75r16 )

Pe00020; orginial equipment 1999 ford, ranger, tire size p22570r15, dot hyuu219. while driving vehicle had vibration which got worse over time, and usually happened at 40 mph, and got worse as the mph increased. driver's front tire showed tread cracking which appeared as if there was tire separation. firestone and ford were not willing to help. *ak the dealer found out that the tire on the left front was separating on brand new leased truck. *yh

Consumer had found out cracks on the tread of the tires after hearing that firestone tires had been recalled, especially tires that had been manufactured in decatur, il. firestone wilderness at 245/75 r16 dot vd70. *ak firestone wilderness at 245/75/r16 *mw

First took tires to dealer when she experienced a feeling of having a flat tire. after having tires checked, was told that she may be needing tires very soon because of center tread was already beginning to wear.*ak

Pe00020, original equipment on 1999 ford, ranger, tire size p23575r15, dot vn. passenger 's tire had a blowout unexpectedly which may have caused a crash. no other problems with the other tires. please provide further information.*ak firestone wilderness at p235/75/r15 *mw

Right rear firestone wilderness tire (145r16) separated between the sidewall and tread all the way around the tire. nlm

Actual tread separation. it looked like the tires had cracked around the outside edge of the tread at the sidewall, and the two front tires looked like they had been "plugged" several times per tire. firestone wanted to "sell" me tires. i finally got ford to replace them.( dot number: tire size: p245/75r16 )

Consumer has 1999 ford ranger. front right tires had a lump on the outside. dealer inspected the tire, and said it was no problem to go ahead & drive on it. consumer went to firestone & they confirmed it wasn't a recall tire, but they wuld replace it for $43. vehicle needed alignment. consumer got a 3rd opinion & was told that no alignment was needed & but the tire was bad. dot# wzvv1po508. tire size p235/70r15. *ak the customer bought 5 new tires of choice to replace the firestone tires and wants to be reimbursed by ford or firestone. *yh

Consumer had tires looked after recall alert. after taking tires to ford, dealer was told that consumer's tires were okay. but, when took tires to firestone, dealer was told that tires were unsafe, and dealer replaced all 4 tires firestone, wilderness at, 24575/16. *ak

These are the same tires they are recalling just 30 millimeters wider firestone is rude hung the phone up on me. i want them to fix my tires( dot number: vdhl tire size: 265/75/15 )

Pe 00 020/tire tread separation: notice left rear tire tread was separating while refueling a 1999 ford ranger original equipment; p245/75r16; dot# unavailable. notified firestone, and replaced tire at consumer's cost. *ak treads for three tires were separating just under the tread line. *yh

Firestone dealer refuses to replace tires. address of dealer: ramona firestone tires 27526 hwy 74 romoland,calif 92585 phone: 909 928-1925( dot number: tire size: p245/75r16 )

Original spare, p23575r15, on a ford ranger, 1999. firestone will not replace spare tire that is on recall.*ak the customer states that the tires on the vehicle are made in canada but the spare tire is different. *yh

Blisters have appeared between the tread and tire. this showed the steel belts. i am greatly concrned that my tires could have seperated while driving. could your office please force firestone to publicly anounce the problem. i know from doing a intence review of the news that firestone has known of the problem in other countries, but still refuses to say so in usa. this is a significant danger to the public and must have imediate action to save lives. please help in advising the public of the danger. *k( dot number: tire size: 16 )

While driving on paved road at 45 mph sidewall blew out on right front tire. vehicle swerved to the right and into the bar ditch along the side of the road. ability to stear and brake the vehicle was drastically reduced. upon taking the tire to the local firestone dealer i was told that i would have to pay $50.00 to prorate the tire and have it replaced. i do not feel i should have to pay for a factory defective product.( dot number: )

Firestone wilderness/atx tires blewout while driving at 20 mph. tires were replaced by firestone. *ak

Pe00 020 , consumer was traveling about 40mph on highway and tire tread was separating, slowly tire was flat.*ak

My tires haven't failed yet, but i wanted to advise you of my unusual tire wear, which may help you in your investigation. the door panel calls for the tires to be inflated at 30 psi, however, i got the truck from the dealer with the tires at 35 psi, the maximum recommended pressure on the tire's sidewall. i check the pressure every couple of months and they have never lost pressure, so i have never added air. i have always kept my tires inflated near the "maximum" level because i enjoy the improved fuel economy and a little road feel. anyway, on the rear (drive) tires there is much more wear in the middle of the tread, as if the tires were over-inflated. i have also begun to notice an intermittent waffling of the tires on smooth surfaces, which felt almost as if i had a flat. i wonder whether this uneven wear, with the two edges having more tread than the center, can cause this "waffling" effect, which, in turn, can cause the tread to separate from the rest of the tire? just trying to help. thanks. *ak( dot number: tire size: p22570r15 )

Pe00 020; consumer was checking tires an noticed that there were stress marks and tires cracking all around the tres. firestone, wilderness #at, p24575r16 . he contacted firestone. *ak

All 4 firestone wilderness at tires p245/75r16 dot w270 are experiencing tread separation, firestone will not help consumer since tires are not part of recall. *slc

The firestone tires on the vehicle experienced a bubble between the belts. *mjs

This is the second firestone tire to fail on my truck in 9 mos( dot number: tire size: p245/75r16 )

Firestone wilderness ht tire p225/70r15 dot w2uu1p0 came off the rim while consumer was pulling out of the driveway. *slc

Pe #00020; front driver's side tire. firestone wildernss ht p235/70r15 dot# w2uutire's tread had separated from the tire. vehicle was moving approximately 55 mph. tire was the original tire purchased with the vehicle. the vehicle is a 1999, ford ,ranger.*ak firestone denied that the tread has separated. customer sent the tire to natsa for review. *yh

I need to report a blow out/delamination of a firestone wilderness ht tire on a ford ranger truck. brief summary: a firestone wilderness ht tire blew out about three weeks ago on my ford ranger. my wife was driving on a texas state highway at the time the blow out occurred. the blow out was centered on the entire outside of the drivers rear tire. the remnants of the tire wrapped around the axle thus making it hard for my wife to bring the truck to a stop in a controlled fashion. i reported (7:45am cst; 7/20/00; 1-800-392-3673; an individual named david) the incident to ford motor company. he was appraised of the incident and informed me there was no recall. he gave me the following number to call firestone (1-800-847-3272). i called between 8-10am on 7/20/00. i spoke with a rude and combative person named "rock". he said it was preposterous that the tires caused any problem. he said that my wife was awed by the state trooper that stopped to help her. [ the state trooper informed her of several deaths that have occurred in texas (perhaps bell county) involving blow outs of firestone wilderness tires. he suggested we check into the matter.] rock told me he wanted the troopers name and wanted to get the firestone legal team involved. it insults me that he would make disparaging remarks about my wife competencies. he never inquired about anyone's health nor took down any specifics (or vagaries) of the blow out. i have little faith in firestone's sincerity in this matter. sincerely, michael l. merchant, phd.( dot number: w2uu ipo tire size: p225 70r15 )

Original equipment on a 1999, ranger, p225/70r15 size, dot#: w2uu110119. left rear tire tread separated at 65mph.*ak when the vehicle was stopped, the tire had sherdded. the customer replaced it with new tire. *yh

After the firestone tire recall started i checked my tires to see if they wer part of the recall and i noticed that they were not but what i did find were some "stress fractures" in the tire. i took it to the dealership where i purchased the truck and they stated the tire was defective and there was nothing they could do. i then took the tire to a firestone dealer and he also stated the tire was defective and i would need it replaced. he also stated that i would need to replace all of the tires due to the treadwear on my tires. i have leased the truck and the tires are supposed to last me the term of the lease. this is not a problem i caused myself and i feel it should be replaced free of charge which firestone refuses to do. at this point i am thinking of filing a class action suit agains firestone. i don't feel that the recall should be limited to the 15" tires when it probably effects all sizes. please advise me. (tiresize: p245/75r16)( dot number: tire size: p245/75r16 )

Tire underwent complete sidewall faliure, and partial tread seperation while driving at normal highway speeds. entire sidewall of tire shreaded and seperated from tire, while there was partial tread seperation. other than replacement of tire and minor damage to rim, there was no apparent damage to vehicle, possibly due to the slow speed at which the truck was proceeding at. after contacting a local ford dealership(mullinax ford, now renamed maroone ford of margate), i was informed that while there was a recall on firestone wilderness 15" tires, the type on my truck, wilderness ht's, were not covered by the recall, and even though i had an equipment faliure, i would not get replacement tires for my vehicle, nor be compensated for the tire i had to replace at my own expense.( dot number: tire size: p225/70r15 )

Was on way to work just 15 miles away from home. had just exited i-70 driving at 65 mph in heavy traffic into downtown columbus, ohio. speed was reduced to 30-35 mph on city street when i heard air whistle and an immediate thumping from left rear of vehicle. changed tire and discovered steel belt was coming through middle of the tread. this was before announced firestone problems. i went to firestone dealer and had it replaced with a new tire of same model. dealer claimed it was probably a road hazzard. though, i did not run over anything or hit any obstacles before this occurred. i firmly believe my tire was defective from the factory. i consider myself very, very lucky considering i was at great risk to myself and other motorists only moments before.( dot number: tire size: 225-70-15 )

Consumer noticed an unusual noise from the tires (firestone wilderness ht p205/75r14 95s m/s), dealer stated that the tires were cupping and causing the noise, tires were rotated, however noise got worse, firestone would not help so consumer purchased new tires and is requesting reimbursement. *slc

Both rear tires experienced cupping which caused noise, consumer request reimbursement (firestone wilderness ht p205/75r14 95s m/s). nlm

All 4 tires have been cracking and coming apart in chuncks, besides the one blow out. tires are split between the treads. firestone refuses to admit the tires are defected, and won't cover them under warrannty. the tires won't hold added air, they keep deflating. unsafe !!!!!( dot number: 0274 76 tire size: 22570 r-15 )

Tire is beginning to crack around edges with steel bands protruding.( dot number: tire size: p245/75/16 )

Pe00020; tire tread separation: when tire went flat it was taken to a firestone dealership. owner believed that tire went flat because of tread separation from the sidewall. tires were firestone wilderness ht. firestone stated that a flat was due road hazard conditions. tire was replaced at owner's expense. please provide tire size and dot #. *ak

Dealer/manufacturer will not reimburse cost of tires since they were replaced prior to 8/1/2000. if they had not blownout they would have been covered. unfair arbitrary cutoff date of 8/1/2000. all tires are covered if still on vehicle yet not covered if off the vehicle. *ak (tiresize: p245r75x16)( dot number: tire size: p245r75x16 )

Firestone wilderness at tire (p245/75r160) experienced a blowout which is not covered under recalll 00t-005 because it is a 16 inch tire. nlm

While driving up hwy 20 in town i had the front right tire/rim/brake assembly separate from the axle causing the vehicle to collide with a rock in the side of the hill. hitting the rock had sent me back into the highway on the vehicles two left tires. both airbags had deployed and when the vehicle came to a halt on all three tires i got out of the truck to find the right front tire/rim/brake assembly approximately 15 feet behind the vehicle. i now own a three wheeler that ford or the dealership will not admit that there was some sort of a flaw or defect.*ak

Tire shredded when i was going down highway( dot number: tire size: 225/75r15 )

Pe00 020; firestore wilderness ht, p225/70r15, bulge in tire and a crack. *ak *slc

No facts insrd rolled veh. 99 ford ranger w/firestone p235/75r16, 1 size larger than other tires which have been reported to fail. (claim# 02-0428-404) *mw

Firestone wilderness at tire's (p235 75 r15) steel wires came through the split on the surface of the tire. *slc

Pe00 020; consumer was traveling about seventy miles on highway and all of sudden left rear tire went flat. then, right tire went flat. tires were firestone #ht p22570r15. consumer will contact firestone.#w2uu. *ak

Firestone wilderness at tires(p245 75 r16)experienced loss of air and splitting and tread separation. *slc

We have had problems with 2 of our tires in less than 17,000 miles. back in may of this year we brought our ranger back to dealership, for a noise in the front of vehicle. turned out one of the tires, which has been properly inflated to correct air pressure had developed lumps. they said there was nothing they could do. they did not warranty tires. now we have the samething happening to a second tire. we feel something should be done, if for no other reason, peace of mind! these tires have been rotated and balanced on a regular basis. we would appreciate it if you would reply to this letter in a timely manner and hopfully you can regain our faith, once again in big businesses. thank you. *ak( dot number: tire size: 245/16 )

While exiting the freeway on offranp, tire "blew out" causing momentary loss off control. (driver side, rear tire). i pulled over and changed tire. the tire had a large bolge in the tread that had ruptured. i took the tire to a firestone dealer who replaced the tire for free. i have had no other problems, although i am extremely nervous about this tire. as i remember, the outside temp was in the seventies, although i am not sure..*ak( dot number: tire size: p24575r16 )

This tire failed due a so called road hazard failure due to a small rock punctured at 600 miles. i took the tire to a les schwab tire center fo repair where they informed me that the rock had cut through the cord and they could not legal repair it .the local columbia ford dealer and the les schwab dealer in longview wash. both informed me that the way the guarantee was written they could not offer any remedy and that they were very sorry but the guaranty amounted to so much toilet paper i had had an uneasy feeling about the way the truck handled with the firestone tires ,[kind of an intuitive feeling and since the recent publicity on firestone tires ,i am even more concerned sincerely /paul l, everdell at [email protected]( dot number: 00 tire size: p265r15/at )