Posted on: Sunday, May 27, 2001

Ford notifying owners with suspect tires

Associated Press

Bridgestone/Firestone recalled 6.5 million tires last summer, but that action only included Wilderness ATs made in one plant. Ford has decided to widen the recall to include ATs made elsewhere. Advertiser library photo

DETROIT — Last week, Ford Motor Co. announced plans to replace all remaining Firestone Wilderness AT tires on its vehicles. The recall of up to 13 million tires is twice as many as last summer's massive tire recall by Bridgestone/Firestone Inc.

The world's second largest

automaker will take a $2.1 billion charge to pay for the "precautionary and preventive" recall, said Jacques Nasser, Ford's president and chief executive.

Here are answers to some questions regarding the latest recall:

Q: Which tires are being recalled?

A: Ford is recalling 15-, 16- and 17-inch Firestone Wilderness AT tires installed as original equipment or replacements on its vehicles.

Q: On which vehicles are the tires installed?

A: Ford Explorers, Expeditions, Rangers and some F-150 pickup trucks. More than 80 percent of the tires are on Explorers.

Q: How does the replacement program work?

A: Ford says it will mail notices soon to its customers who may own vehicles with the tires to be recalled — less than 3 years old — and tell them when and where replacements will be available. Customers with older tires may receive free replacements at any Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealer that carries tires. Replacements also may be bought at any authorized tire dealer.

Q: Will consumers be re imbursed for the purchase of replacement tires?

A: Yes. Ford says it will refund up to $110 for 15-inch tires and up to $130 for 16- and 17-inch tires. Bring the tires that were replaced and your receipts to any Ford, Lincoln Mercury or Mazda dealer for reimbursement.

Q: Why weren't these tires recalled last summer? And why is Ford recalling them, instead of Bridgestone/Firestone?

A: Bridgestone/Firestone recalled 6.5 million tires last summer, but that action only included Wilderness ATs made at Firestone's plant in Decatur, Ill.

Ford said its analysis concluded the recall should be broadened to include Wilderness ATs built in other Firestone plants because they might pose a safety problem. Bridgestone/Firestone maintains that the tires Ford is questioning are safe.

Q: What role do Ford vehicles play in the problem?

A: Ford believes the vehicles play no role at all, but Bridgestone/Firestone's analysis concludes that the vehicle must at least be partly to blame.

Q: Where can consumers find more information about the recall?

A: Both of the companies have

Web sites devoted to the recall. The Ford replacement program is at fordfirestonewildernessatprogram.ford.com/ while Bridgestone/Firestone has a link off its Web site at www.bridgestonefirestone.com.