Why did Ford Explorer tires explode?

Firestone ATX, ATX II and Wilderness tires on Ford Explorers are overheating with highway use, causing the tread to separate and the SUVs to experience catastrophic crashes, not infrequently rolling over and causing fatal injuries.

How a tire problem became a crisis for Firestone Ford?

The Ford-Firestone dispute blew up in August 2000. Firestone, in response to claims that their 15-inch Wilderness AT, radial ATX and ATX II tire treads were separating from the tire core causing crashes, recalled 6.5 million tires from the Ford Explorer.

What did the Ford Motor Company accuse the Firestone tire company of doing that contributed to multiple deaths?

Firestone says Ford does — in part for its Explorer design, which is allegedly prone to flipping over, leading to so many of the deaths under investigation.

What year was the Firestone tire recall?

In 1978, Firestone recalled 14.5 million tires—the largest tire recall in history— because the excess application of the adhesive that binds the rubber and steel had caused 500 tread separations and blowouts. Firestone paid a $500,000 fine for concealing safety problems.

Do Ford and Firestone still work together?

Ford-Firestone breakup ends 95-year relationship. AKRON (June 6, 2001)—Bridgestone/Firestone Inc.'s decision May 21 to stop doing business with Ford Motor Co. in the Americas ends one of corporate America's longest business partnerships.

60 Minutes: Firestone's Deadly Tires Scandal – 2001

Do explorers flip easily?

Ford Explorer and Firestone Tires

Unlike a normal vehicle, when a Ford Explorer suffers a tire blowout, it is not often able to simply pull over to the side of the road. Unfortunately, when a tire on a Ford Explorer explodes, the vehicle easily flips over because the stability is momentarily blown off course.

What tire brand does Ford use?

WHICHEVER FORD VEHICLE YOU DRIVE, BRIDGESTONE IS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ITS TIRES. Since the Model T's introduction in 1908, Ford has been keeping the automotive world on its toes with revolutionary designs and game-changing innovations.

Do Ford Explorers roll over?

The Ford Explorer has been rolling over and killing it's occupants since the first months it was sold. Even today, more Ford Explorers are rolling over at alarming rates, even after the Ford Firestone recall and replacement of the Firestone tires.

Are Bridgestone and Firestone related?

In May 1988, Bridgestone acquired The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, which transformed Bridgestone into one of the world's largest tire and rubber companies.

What happened to Bridgestone tires?

Bridgestone has issued a voluntary recall to recover eight passenger tires that may have sustained a small pinhole in the outward-facing sidewall during manufacturing. The affected tires were manufactured at the company's passenger tire plant in Aiken, South Carolina between July 11, 2021 and July 17, 2021.

How many died due to Firestone quality problems?

Injuries and fatalities

Sixty-two people were killed and more than 100 people were injured in the United States as a result of these failures. The large majority of accidents took place in California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. An additional 46 people were killed in Venezuela.

Why did Firestone sell to Bridgestone?

“The Bridgestone offer achieves our objective of enhancing shareholder values and will add materially to the employment security and career opportunities available to the men and women employed by Firestone's existing businesses,” Firestone Chairman and Chief Executive John J.

Did Ford make their own tires?

The company's relationship with the tire maker dates to 1897, when founder Henry Ford purchased a set of tires for his first automobile from Harvey S. Firestone. In 1906, Ford's purchase of 2,000 sets of Firestone tires at $55 a set was at the time the single largest contract for tires in the world.

What tires are recalled?

NHTSA Warns Against Aftermarket Sales

The recall specifically applies to G159 tires size 275/70R22. 5, commonly found on RVs. While these tires are no longer being produced, some RV owners may have the tires on their vehicle, or set aside as a spare, and do not know.

Do they still make Firestone tires?

Firestone is now part of one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world with 8,000 different tires for a variety of vehicles.

Are Firestone tires bad?

In many ways, Firestone is the most average tire brand on the market. The prices are competitive, but not the best. The performance options are limited, but so are other brands. The tread-life warranties are sub-par, but the warranty covers more tire series than most brands.

What tires are made in China?

Several top global brands such as Michelin (two production plants), Bridgestone (six plants), Goodyear (two plants), Continental (two plants), Pirelli (two plants), Yokohama (three plants), Hankook (four plants), and Kumho (three plants) are present in China through their manufacturing units.

What company makes Cooper tires?

In June, Cooper Tire became part of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, combining two leading companies with complementary product portfolios, services and capabilities and creating a strong U.S.-based leader in the global tire industry.

What brand of tires are made in the USA?

In fact, there are only two genuine American brands: Goodyear and Cooper. The largest foreign tire companies with plants in the US include Michelin, Pirelli, Continental, Bridgestone, and Yokohama. However, to make sure you buy USA tires, you should make sure they were made in the USA-based plants.

Do SUVs roll over easily?

SUVs are naturally far more susceptible to rolling over than any other passenger vehicles, and designs with weak roofs can make rollover accidents considerably worse.

What tires come on Ford Explorer?

The base model Explorer has a P255/65R18 tire sze on an 18-inch wheel. Original equipment are Hankook Kinergy GT tires. An upgraded 20-inch wheel size is standard on most Ford Explorer models. This wheel uses tires sized P255/55R20.

Does Ford use Goodyear tires?

"I am delighted with our partnership with Goodyear and all that they are doing...," says Jacques Nasser, Ford CEO and president. "Ford is certainly a valued customer of Goodyear...," says Sam Gibara, Goodyear chairman and CEO.

Are tires covered under Ford warranty?

Tires. Unlike many other manufacturer warranties, the Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty also covers defective tires up to 36,000 miles. How much you pay to replace your tires is determined by how many miles you've driven: 1-12,000 miles—Ford covers 100% of the parts.

Why is Ford Explorer so popular?

Whether those demands meant navigating errands around town, cruising the highway, or down the trail was entirely up to the driver. This versatility is what made the Explorer an instant success and is why it holds its place as one of Ford's top sellers.

Is Ford Explorer a luxury car?

Depending on what you are looking for in terms of a luxury SUV, the 2021 Platinum Ford Explorer, could be a good choice. It has a lot of luxury touches and does not break your bank account like a Cadillac would.