Common questions

What was the date of the Ford Explorer tire failure?

What was the date of the Ford Explorer tire failure?

On February 7, 2000 KHOU-TV in Houston Texas ran a 9 minute story about high speed Firestone tire failures on Ford Explorers that led to 30 deaths. KHOU was overwhelmed by phone calls from concerned citizens and started directing callers to contact NHTSA.

When is the best time to replace your tires?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has no specific guidelines on tire aging and defers to the recommendations of carmakers and tire manufacturers. Many automakers, including Ford, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz, tell owners to replace tires six years after their production date, regardless of tread life.

When to replace a tire based on tread depth?

For years, people have relied on tread depth to determine when to replace a tire. If the tread passes the ” penny test, ” they assume the tire still has life, regardless of how old it is, which can be a fatal mistake. Old tires are dangerous, regardless of tread depth.

Can a rear tire tread separation be a safety defect?

However, the fact that a vehicle exhibits linear range oversteer characteristics following a rear tire tread separation does not, in itself, indicate that the vehicle contains a safety-related defect.

On February 7, 2000 KHOU-TV in Houston Texas ran a 9 minute story about high speed Firestone tire failures on Ford Explorers that led to 30 deaths. KHOU was overwhelmed by phone calls from concerned citizens and started directing callers to contact NHTSA.

What are the causes of extreme inner tire wear?

Inner tire wear is often associated with bad alignment in which the camber has been knocked out of proper adjustment. A car’s front end can become out of alignment for a number of reasons, including collisions with pot holes.

What was the inflation pressure on the Ford Explorer?

Publicly Firestone argued that Ford’s recommended 26 psi inflation pressure was too low and should have been 30 psi. In addition Firestone argued that the Explorer was abnormally dangerous and prone to rollovers in the event of a tire failure, leading to more injuries and fatalities.

What causes the top of a tire to lean out?

If you look at the front of your car and the tops of the tires are leaning out, you have positive camber angle. If the bottoms of the tire lean to the outside, you have negative camber.

What causes bad wheel noise in Ford Explorer?

This is particularly true when it’s the front bearings that have gone bad. Louder With Speed – Typically, bad wheel bearing noise will increase as you increase your Explorer’s speed. Test Drive – The best way to diagnose bearing noise in your Explorer is to take it for a drive.

How can I tell if my Ford Explorer has a bad bearing?

Test Drive – The best way to diagnose bearing noise in your Explorer is to take it for a drive. You’ll be looking to hear the hum increase as the speed picks up. Jack and Wiggle – With your Explorer on jack stands, you’ll want to look and see if the wheel is wiggling at the bearing. If it is, that’s proof positive that you need a new wheel bearing.

Inner tire wear is often associated with bad alignment in which the camber has been knocked out of proper adjustment. A car’s front end can become out of alignment for a number of reasons, including collisions with pot holes.

Why is the tread on my car tires getting shallow?

Depending on how the car tires are used, the tread becomes shallow over time. It affects the performance of the car tire. Irregular tire wear can occur for many reasons, which might require changing the tire soon. It would be a wise decision to check the tread depth and wear condition every time before driving your vehicle.

When did Firestone recall 13 million Ford Explorers?

After Ford Motor Company voluntarily recalled 13 million Firestone tires on May 21, 2001, Firestone requested that the NHTSA investigate the handling and safety of Ford Explorers following a tread separation.

Why was the Ford Explorer made with an undercarriage?

The Explorer was originally designed by taking an SUV cabin and attaching it to a Ford Ranger undercarriage. This cut the cost of producing the new Explorer because Ford could use existing facilities, parts, and robots and would not have to design everything from scratch. This created problems though.

What kind of car is 1991 Ford Explorer?

Please call or email our sales team to set up an appointment. Description: Used 1991 Ford Explorer Sport with AWD/4WD.

After Ford Motor Company voluntarily recalled 13 million Firestone tires on May 21, 2001, Firestone requested that the NHTSA investigate the handling and safety of Ford Explorers following a tread separation.

Publicly Firestone argued that Ford’s recommended 26 psi inflation pressure was too low and should have been 30 psi. In addition Firestone argued that the Explorer was abnormally dangerous and prone to rollovers in the event of a tire failure, leading to more injuries and fatalities.

What was the damage to a 1994 Ford Explorer?

After the local fire department extinguished the blaze, the 1994 Ford Explorer was a complete loss, with damage to the driveway as well. Ford told Shelton in a letter that there was nothing the company could or would do beyond the warranty period, according to a copy of the letter provided by Shelton:

Is there a recall on the Ford Explorer?

In 2005 and 2006, Ford recalled nearly 6 million vehicles because of problems with the cruise control cut-off switch. The switch shuts off the cruise control when the driver firmly steps on the brakes.

The Explorer was originally designed by taking an SUV cabin and attaching it to a Ford Ranger undercarriage. This cut the cost of producing the new Explorer because Ford could use existing facilities, parts, and robots and would not have to design everything from scratch. This created problems though.

What are the problems with a 2008 Ford Explorer?

1 Transmission Lurches 2008 Explorer Average Cost to Fix: $1,300 Average Mileage: 58,000 mi 2 Transmission Clunks When Shifting Gears 2008 Explorer Average Cost to Fix: $2,500 Average Mileage: 69,000 mi 3 Transmission Failure 2008 Explorer

Which is worse Ford Explorer 2002 or 2006?

Although the 2002 Ford Explorer has the most overall complaints, we rate the 2006 model year as worse because of other possible factors such as higher repair cost or more problems at lower mileage.

Why did Ford change the tire pressure on the Ford Explorer?

The Explorer had one of the lowest fuel economy ratings for any SUV under production at that time, this was partially due to the Ford’s decision to lower the tire pressure to 26 psi,. Ford asked Firestone to reduce the weight of the ATX tires so that it could improve the fuel economy of the Explorer.

When did Firestone start testing Ford Explorers tires?

Ford and Firestone began testing tires in late 1997 or 1998 and began a limited recall in the Middle East, Venezuela, Malaysia, and Thailand in 1999 and the spring of 2000 but did not notify NHTSA. On February 7, 2000 KHOU-TV in Houston Texas ran a 9-minute story about high speed Firestone tire failures on Ford Explorers that led to 30 deaths.

What’s the gas mileage on a 1999 Ford Explorer?

Gas mileage averages 18.4 city and highway. For some reason, some car critics slam the explorer, but mine has been a darn good car overall. Was this review helpful? (12) (0) 2nd vehicle and loving it! Got my 99 explorer in febuary of 2013 with only 97**** miles and now towards the end of 2015 with 104*** still running strong with the 5.0 engine.

Which is the most reliable 1999 Ford Explorer?

Check back with us soon. Showing 3 of 1,193 reviews. Most Reliable Vehicle! We bought this for $2K as a 2nd “beater” car for my hubby to drive to work until we could afford something better. Man were we surprised when this one turned out to be our most reliable family vehicle!

Why did my 1999 Ford Explorer not start?

Truck has been very reliable with the only maintenence done to it has been buying a new set of tires when got it,got rear and front brakes replaced and one time car did not start thought it was the starter had it checked out wasn’t the problem,turned out to be the pulley that wasn’t allowing it to crank replaced and nothing since.

How much does a 1995 Ford Explorer cost?

We’re sorry, our experts haven’t reviewed this car yet. Check back with us soon. Showing 3 of 1,193 reviews. Most Reliable Vehicle! We bought this for $2K as a 2nd “beater” car for my hubby to drive to work until we could afford something better.

When did the Ford Explorer Sport Trac come out?

In early 2000, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac was introduced, which was a mid-size pickup truck; offered with a crew cab with a short pickup bed, the Sport Trac was based on the five-door Explorer. The Explorer Sport Trac was produced through the 2005 model year (until it was redesigned for 2007).

What was the report from Firestone on the Ford Explorer?

Firestone hired a consulting engineer to analyze the performance of the Ford Explorer and other SUVs during a tread separation, this report showed that the Explorer had a greater tendency to oversteer following a tread separation than other SUVs.

In early 2000, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac was introduced, which was a mid-size pickup truck; offered with a crew cab with a short pickup bed, the Sport Trac was based on the five-door Explorer. The Explorer Sport Trac was produced through the 2005 model year (until it was redesigned for 2007).

When did the second generation Ford Explorer come out?

The second-generation Ford Explorer made its debut in late 1994 as a 1995 model. Retaining the same footprint as its predecessor, the 1995 Ford Explorer underwent extensive modifications to its chassis to improve its road manners.

What kind of engine does the Ford Explorer have?

For 2000, Ford added flex-fuel capability to the Explorer for the first time. A Mazda-produced 5-speed manual was standard with the 4.0L OHV V6 engine; the SOHC V6 was not offered with a manual transmission until 2000, receiving a heavier-duty version of the Mazda-sourced 5-speed.

When did the Ford Explorer Mountaineer come out?

This generation of the Ford Explorer marks the debut of the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer, introduced in 1996 by Mercury.

What kind of suspension system does Ford Explorer have?

The suspension system of your vehicle is vital for driving safety and ride quality. It’s a complex system consisting of dozens of components such as springs, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, sway bars, steering links, and other… Ford Explorer 1998, Shock Absorber by SenSen®.

What kind of shock absorber does Ford Explorer have?

Ford Explorer 4WD / AWD Without Automatic Ride Control 1998, Gas-Magnum™ Front Shock Absorber by Monroe®. These shock absorbers are designed specially for vans and pickup trucks. Monroe Gas-Magnum assemblies provide firm control and…

What is the control arm on a 1998 Ford Explorer?

Ford Explorer 1998, Supreme™ Front Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly by Mevotech®. Quantity: 1 per Pack. The primary function of a control arm is to provide the connection point between the body of the vehicle and wheel. This allows… Ford Explorer 1998, Front Non-Adjustable Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly by Dorman®.

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Ruth Doyle