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Can the Rubber Grip the Road? - Page 2

© Maggie Herman

In response, Ford contends that the Explorer's rollover rate is lower than other comparable SUVs. The carmaker claims that only one in 17 Explorers that experience tire failure will roll over, whereas, one in 13 SUVs generally will roll over under the same conditions.

While consumer groups have applauded Ford's steps, the groups contended that consumers would be afforded greater protection had the replacement program been a federally mandated recall. Public Citizen (PC) has stated that if the program were mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford would be required to submit quarterly reports to the agency on its progress, including its success in identifying the defective tires and replacing them. Additionally, PC contends, a federally mandated recall involved is defective and presents a safety risk. PC is also pushing NHTSA to investigate the safety of the Ford Explorer, and the group claims that the Firestone tires in question were designed dangerously in large part to cover up design defects in the Ford Explorer.

Despite all the anomousity, the companies have agreed to continuee their busienss relationship in Europe.

For Public Citizen's reports on "The Real Root Cause" and other related information on Ford and Firestone, see http://www.citizen.org/fireweb/index7.htm

For more information on the Ford/Firestone debate, see on this site "The Great Tire Debate" a three-part article on the recall and the related problems.

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