Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. Recalls Tires

Saying the safety of consumers is the company’s first concern, Bridgestone/Firestone Inc.
has announced a voluntary recall of all Firestone Radial ATX and Radial ATX II tires in
size P235/75R15 produced in North America, including Mexico, and Wilderness AT tires in
size P235/75R15 produced at the Decatur, Illinois, plant. Ford Motor Company, which
supplied many of the vehicles with the recalled tires, added: “We believe that the
Wilderness AT produced since 1996 at Firestone’s Aiken, South Carolina; Joliette, Quebec;
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Wilson, North Carolina, plants have an outstanding safety
record. We have confidence in Wilderness AT tires produced at these plants.” The recall
includes original equipment and replacement tires of that size, regardless of the vehicle’s
manufacturer. Bridgestone/Firestone will replace all of these tires with brand-new
Wilderness AT or other Bridgestone/Firestone tires. If necessary, the company will obtain
other sources of supply. The safety campaign will concentrate first on customers in
Arizona, California, Florida and Texas, where more than 80 percent of the reported
Firestone tread separations have occurred. The second phase for the recall will be
implemented in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
The final phase will include the remainder of the states. Maintaining tires at the
appropriate air pressure is necessary to protect tires. Underinflated tires deteriorate
more rapidly than tires that are properly maintained and are at an increased risk of tread
separation, blowout or other failure. Many Ford vehicles with the recalled tires had
tire-inflation decals that recommended 26 psi inflation pressure. At the request of
Firestone, Ford has evaluated the performance of the tires at 30 psi and has determined
that the vehicle maintains good performance characteristics at this higher pressure. Ford
recommends that Explorer and Mountaineer customers with Firestone tires on 15-inch wheels
maintain their tire pressure in the range of 26-30 psi. Firestone recommends a tire
pressure of 30 psi for that size. Customers who have a recalled tire will receive a letter
from Firestone notifying them of the recall and the steps they need to take. Those who have
a recalled tire(s) should call their nearest local Firestone retailer to set up an
appointment for an exchange. Customers who need assistance should call the toll-free
customer service number at (800) 465-1904. Ford Motor Company customers can call (800)
660-4719 or send an e-mail to: [email protected] for information on the recall and tire
safety.