NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 24, 2001)–Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. is circulating two charts showing that Ford Explorers are twice as likely to roll over in tire-related accidents as other SUVs.
“We believe this data continues to raise serious questions about the safety of a significant segment of Explorers,” the tire maker said in a prepared statement.
Despite Ford Motor Co.'s claims to the contrary, “Ford Explorers on non-Firestone tires continue to experience tread separations and tragic rollover accidents,” BFS said.
“Ford's decision to replace Firestone tires will not stop these accidents from occurring.” Ford announced a recall of 13 million Wilderness AT tires on Ford vehicles May 22, at a cost to the auto maker of $2.1 billion after taxes.