Tire Threat Seperation: Firestone Tire Accidents
Bridgestone Tires

     At 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 9, 2000, Bridgestone/Firestone (Firestone) and Ford announced jointly that Firestone would recall approximately 14.4 million tires that contain a safety-related defect. (Most of the tires in question were original equipment on Ford vehicles, primarily the Ford Explorer, although a small number were used as original equipment on other manufacturers' vehicles, and they have been used as replacement tires on a wide variety of models.)

     The recall would cover all P235/75 R15 Firestone ATX and ATX II tires (from 1991 to the present) and all P235/75R15 Wilderness AT tires (from 1996 to the present) manufactured at Firestone's Decatur, IL plant. Firestone did not plan to recall the approximately 5.6 million Wilderness AT tires manufactured at its other plants (Joliet, Canada and Wilson, NC) or other models of Wilderness tires. Firestone estimated that approximately 6.5 million of the tires covered by the recall (which include original equipment, replacement, and full-size, non-temporary spare tires) were still on the road.

     The remedy was to replace the defective tires with new Wilderness AT tires from the Joliette and Wilson plants, other Bridgestone/Firestone tires models, and competitors' tires. All owners were able to obtain the replacement tires at Firestone /tire & Service Centers, and participating Bridgestone/Firestone retail stores. Ford, Mercury, and Mazda owners could obtain them at participating Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Mazda dealerships. Owners who wish to purchase competitors' tires will be reimbursed up to $100 per tire, including mounting and balancing charges and taxes. Owners could pick up a refund form and obtain additional information from a Bridgestone/Firestone authorized retail location.

     Bridgestone/Firestone began mailing notification letters to owners on August 26, 2000 and will complete that process by October 14, 2000.

     NHTSA will continue its investigation to ascertain whether the scope of the recall is appropriate (e.g., whether the tires from Firestone's other plants should have been recalled also, and whether other sizes of these brands should have been covered). We will also monitor the recall to assure that it is performed expeditiously and that the remedy is adequate.

     Hundreds of people have been injured as a result of defective Firestone tires, and numerous lawsuits have been filed against Firestone in the United States. If you, or someone you know has been injured in an accident due to defective Firestone tires, you may be entitled to monetary compensation.  For a free evaluation of your tire blowout of Firestone accident claim, completely fill out the form below. Once you submit your information below, your free consultation form will be sent to an auto accident lawyer reviewing car accident claims, for evaluation. That lawyer will review your form in accordance with the site terms and conditions.