DEARBORN, Mich. (June 5, 2001)—Ford Motor Co.'s program to replace 13 million Firestone Wilderness AT tires fitted on Ford Explorers has been expanded worldwide, according to a Ford spokeswoman.
“If there is a U.S.-made Ford vehicle with Wilderness tires exported anywhere in the world, the tires will be recalled,” she said regarding news reports that Wilderness AT tires were being replaced in China, Venezuela and Spain.
In Europe, Ford said it will replace tires on 23,000 Explorers sold up to 1999, which were fitted with 15-, 16- and 17-inch versions of the Wilderness AT, a Ford Europe spokeswoman said. Another 17,000 Explorers sold in Europe from 1999 are not affected by the decision, as they were fitted with higher speed-rated Wilderness HT tires, the spokeswoman added.
Ford announced the recall May 22. Since then, Goodyear, Michelin North America Inc. and Continental A.G. have all said they will provide millions of tires as replacements.