The 1990s Ford Explorer Firestone Tire Defect: A Design Flaw or Just a Bad Experience?

Back in the 1990s, the combination of a Ford Explorer and the Firestone tire reared a significant safety issue that has since sparked numerous debates and speculations. At its core, the issue was not just about faulty tires, but also about whether the design of the vehicle contributed to the problem. []

Understanding the Tire Blowout and Vehicle Stability

Car Driver magazine conducted an in-depth investigation into the matter. In a track test, a front tire was intentionally blown out on a Ford Explorer while driving at 60 mph and even at higher speeds. The results were indicative of a well-tuned vehicle that could maintain control without severe over-correction. In such testing conditions, the driver removed their hands from the steering wheel and managed to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. This data suggests that the vehicle is capable of handling a tire blowout without immediate disintegration or loss of control.

Blame the Design, Not Just the Tires?

Ford, in their effort to enhance rider comfort, lowered the recommended tire inflation levels. This lower pressure was intended to provide a softer ride, but it also had unintended consequences. Firestone designed the tire to maintain stability and control at higher inflation settings. Ford's lower recommendation increased the likelihood of irregular deformation and blowouts, especially under high-speed conditions. This design choice was meant to address roll-over issues, which, while a legitimate concern for an SUV, did not justify the compromise on tire load limits. []

The Role of Driver Behavior and Maintenance Neglect

It's important to note that a tire blowout is not inherently dangerous; it's the subsequent driver panic and over-correction that can lead to accidents. In the case of the Ford Explorer/Firestone issue, several factors bore down on the situation:

Suboptimal Tire Pressure Specification: Ford's recommendation of 26 psi (pounds per square inch) at 35°F was found to reduce the tendency for roll-overs during certain maneuvers. However, this lower pressure led to a situation where, under real-world conditions, tires were often running at 14 psi, which is far below the recommended range. This under-inflation increased the risk of blowouts, especially in hot weather when tires expand and lose pressure more quickly. Maintenance Neglect: Before the age of mandatory tire pressure monitoring systems, it was common for drivers to neglect regular checks. This negligence often resulted in one or more under-inflated tires. The fact that some drivers consistently over-inflated the left front tire adds another layer of complexity, further skewing tire performance and load distribution. Loaded Vehicle in Hot Weather: A fully loaded SUV driving on a hot Texas highway in summer creates an environment where the combination of weight and high ambient temperatures exacerbates tire problems. This scenario, unfortunately, contributed to the dramatic tire blowouts that led to multiple accidents.

Conclusion

While the tire issue was undoubtedly a significant factor in the accidents, the design choices made by Ford and the pressures placed on vehicle manufacturers to balance performance, comfort, and safety have played a crucial role. The incident highlighted the importance of tire pressure management and the need for standardized tire performance specifications to ensure consistent vehicle performance and safety.

For many years following this incident, after the media hype subsided, I opted for Bridgestone/Firestone tires in my personal vehicles. The low prices and quality of these tires were a testament to a market that had more access to knowledge and tire options.