NHTSA Complaint #738020 — 2000 FORD EXPLORER

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY, I NOTICED A SLIGHT VIBRATION. A SHORT TIME LATER, I FELT THE VIBRATION AGAIN AND THE TIRE BLEW. I WAS TRAVELING AT 60MPH. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS INJURED. I CONTACTED FORD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEY CAME TO EXCHANGE THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE. I THEN DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER NEAR WHERE I WORK (MAGIC FORD, VALENCIA, CA). I REQUESTED THAT ALL FIVE TIRES BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE RIM ON WHICH THE TIRE BLEW. IT WAS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. I HAVE RECEIVED A BILL FOR $1,020.00 FROM MAGIC FORD, AND DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD BE OBLIGATED TO HAVE TO PAY. ALTHOUGH THE EXACT MODEL OF TIRE IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. I AM IN POSSESSION OF THE TIRE AND ALL SURROUNDING PAPERWORK. *AK (DOT NUMBER: VNCU1PX080 TIRESIZE: P255/70R16)