NHTSA Complaint #11418348 — 2017 FORD EXPLORER

On 5/21/2021 a Police Officer for the Iowa Tribe Police Department located in Perkins, Oklahoma was responding to a call and had just been canceled when the driver-side rear tire tread separated from the tire and it blew out. The officer's safety was at risk had she not been canceled and slowed down some or this could've resulted in a rollover or some other traffic collision possibly injuring or killing the officer or other individuals on the roadway. Direct Discount Tire in Stillwater Oklahoma is unaware of any recalls with this tire and have offered to help replace the tire. The tire hasn't been inspected by the manufacturer as I am unaware who manufactured this tire. Upon researching Nokian tire through the internet I discovered that Nokian Tires have had issues in the past for tread separation. The earliest I could fine may have been around 2016. There were no warning lamps and these tires were purchased and put on this vehicle brand new since February 2021. My concern is that there may be a manufacture default causing these tires to have tread separation. I am concerned because this is the brand of tire recommended for police unit bu Direct Discount. I am concerned an officer could be injured or killed in a crash if this is a defect by the manufacturer and we are getting much needed patrol vehicle tore up in the process.