Medical Malpractice Newsroom

The Top Twelve Tire Tips For The Ford/Firestone Tire Recall

How Do I Get My Recalled Tires Replaced? 
If you have a recalled tire on a vehicle built by Ford, Mercury or Mazda, you should receive a letter from Ford outlining the steps to take.

California consumers are among the first in the nation to get relief. Consumers in other states may have to wait longer, since there are not enough replacement tires nationwide to replace the approximately 8.2 million under recall. Still, it could take up to 8 weeks to get your tires replaced!

You can call the nearest Bridgestone/Firestone Dealer to find out about getting an appointment.

 You can also call your nearest Ford, Mercury or Mazda dealer if your vehicle was built by one of those manufacturers and the recalled tires were installed as original equipment.

Chain stores that include Costco and participating Midas dealers are also replacing recalled tires.
 
Will It Cost Me Anything To Have My Tires Replaced? 
The recall is to be conducted at no cost to the consumer, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 
What Kind Of Tires Will Be Used To Replace My Recalled Tires? 
Firestone Wilderness AT tires built at plants other than the Decatur, Illinois plant.

Ford has also identified more than 30 replacement tires made by Bridgestone/Firestone and other brands.
 
Can I Be Reimbursed By Bridgestone/Firestone If I Have Already Replaced My Tires? 
Bridgestone/Firestone has said it wants to keep its customers happy.

Bridgestone/Firestone announced on August 16th that it would indefinitely extend its policy of reimbursing consumers who have replaced the recalled tires.

You may need to supply the tires you replaced to your Bridgestone/Firestone dealer.

You may also be reimbursed for the difference you paid if you were charged a prorated fee to replace your tires between January 1 and August 8, 2000 at a Firestone Tire & Service Center or authorized Bridgestone/Firestone dealer. Ask an authorized dealer for the reimbursement form.
 
Am I Protected by the California Automotive Repair Act? 
Yes, you are entitled to a written estimate, even for a no-cost recall job.

If the shop tries to sell you any products or services in addition to replacing your tires, you are entitled to a written estimate and to authorize the repairs before the work begins.

You are also entitled to a written invoice when the repairs are completed detailing the parts and services your vehicle has received.
 
Can I File A Complaint Even For Free Work? 
If you have a problem, you should discuss it first with the shop management. If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair for assistance 1-800-952-5210.

If you have any complaint about your Bridgestone/Firestone tires or a retail outlet trying to sell you services, call the California Attorney General’s Public Inquiry Unit at 1-800-952-5225.
 
What Should I Do If I Had A Failure Of One Of The Recalled Tires? 
Call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT.

Call the California Attorney General’s Public Inquiry Unit at 1-800-952-5225.

And you can call Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Or call the manufacturer that built your vehicle, if the tire was installed as original equipment.
 
What Can I Do To Protect Myself And My Family While I Am Waiting To Have My Recalled Tires Replaced? 
Bridgestone/Firestone recommends increasing the air pressure in your tires to 30 psi.

Ford originally recommended 26 psi for tires on Explorers with the P235x15 size but now says 26-30 psi is appropriate for the Explorer.
 
How Can I Get More Information, Assistance Or Answers To Other Questions?

A variety of information on the recall is available, along with a link to the Firestone site. The Firestone site offers a store locator to find the nearest authorized tire dealer. 
Call Bridgestone/Firestone at 1-800-465-1904.

  Access for authorized Bridgestone/Firestone Replacement Centers.