NHTSA Complaint #735055 — 2000 FORD RANGER

DRIVER WAS TRAVELING ON EXPRESSWAY IN THE LEFT LANE WHEN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE CAME APART. THERE WAS NO WARNING. WE HAVE BEEN CHECKING THESE TIRES ALMOST DAILY BECAUSE OF THE CURRENT RECALL OF OTHER FIRESTONE TIRES. THEY APPEARED FINE. WHEN THE TIRE CAME APART THE VEHICLE CROSSED THE EXPRESSWAY TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT THE FREEWAY OFF THE RIGHT SHOULDER. IT FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS ON 2 WHEELS AT ONE TIME, BUT DID NOT ROLL OVER. THE VEHICLE HIT A TREE IN THE CENTER FRONT. THE DRIVER HAD TRIED TO STEER AS STRAIGHT AS POSSIBLE, BUT THERE WAS NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WE STILL HAVE OUR DRIVER. OTHERS MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY. PLEASE HELP GET ALL THESE DEFECTIVE TIRES OFF THE ROAD. *AK (DOT NUMBER: VD70 TIRESIZE: P24575R16)