Information on the Bridgestone/Firestone Voluntary Tire Recall

What tires are involved?

15" Radial ATX and ATX II tires with the designation P235/75R15, and
15" Wilderness AT tires with the designation P235/75R15 produced at the Decatur, IL plant
Most of the tires in question were original equipment on certain Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, Ford Ranger pickup trucks, and the Mazda Navajo and B-series pickup trucks. A small number were used as original equipment on other manufacturers' vehicles, and they have been used as replacement tires on a wide variety of models.

NOTE:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened its defect investigation into approximately 47 million ATX, ATXII, and Wilderness tires manufactured by Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. (Firestone) on May 2, 2000. NHTSA’s investigation will remain open until it determines whether the scope of Firestone's recall is appropriate. NHTSA has issued a Consumer Advisory with regard to certain additional models and sizes of Firestone tires not already included in the voluntary recall, and is recommending owners of vehicles with these tires take actions “to assure their safety,” as well. This Consumer Advisory can be viewed at NHTSA’s website.As the investigation continues, NHTSA may include advisories on additional tires, as well. Additional recalls could also occur.

How do I tell if my tires are part of the recall?

Check the size stamped in raised black letters on either side of the tire. Only P235/75R15 tires are included. For Wilderness AT tires, you must also check the 10-digit Department of Transportation code that is usually on the inward-facing sidewall. If the first two letters are VD, the tires were produced at the Decatur plant.

What do I do if my tires are part of the recall?

Contact an authorized replacement outlet, who will replace, mount and balance the tires at no charge or expense to you. These outlets include company owned Firestone Tire and Service Centers, authorized participating Bridgestone/Firestone retailers, or participating Ford, Mercury, and Mazda dealers.

Outlets located in Montgomery County include:

Firestone Tire and Service Center, 11500 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton.
Tires Plus (formerly Performance Discount Tire) and Craven Tire locations.
The following participating automobile dealers:
Koons Ford, Ourisman Ford, Sheehy Ford, Hill & Sanders Ford, Crystal Ford, King Lincoln-Mercury, and Safford Lincoln-Mercury.

Certain Midas shops, Sunoco Ultra Service Centers, Monroe Muffler/Brake shops, and Costco Wholesale stores are also participating.

If you choose instead to purchase competitors’ tires from any other tire retailer, you will be eligible for reimbursement of up to $100 per tire, including mounting and balancing charges and taxes. You must return the recalled tires to any Firestone Tire and Service Center or other authorized participating Bridgestone/Firestone retailer, and pick up a Refund Request Form. A Voluntary Recall Surrender Form will be completed when you return the tires. The surrender form must be included, along with the original paid receipt, when you submit the refund request.

Additional information can be found at http://www.nhtsa.gov/, http://www.ford.com/, and http://www.firestone.com/. The Office of Consumer Protection (240-777-3636) also has additional information on the recall and would like to hear about consumers' experiences or problems.