2002 Chevrolet Silverado. Consumer writes regarding problem with tires the consumer stated she purchased four cooper tires on July 6, 2006. When the vehicle had 60,893 miles on it. 34,573 miles later, the front passenger tire tread started coming out in chunks. The consumer only discovered the problem after hearing a noise against the truck. The second failure was on August 8, 2010 when the passenger rear tire tread completely shredded off and caused damage to the truck. The consumer stated the tires were defective and is requesting reimbursement.

- Gerald, MO, USA

I purchased new, a 2002 Chevrolet 2500 hd crew cab 4X4 from ed morse sawgrass Chevrolet. In 2004, after noticing signs of cracking on the sidewalls and area where the sidewall meets the treads on all four tires, I brought the truck to maroone Chevrolet service center for inspection. I explained that I was concerned that the tires, having approximately 24,000 miles on them, should not be cracking that it might be dangerous. The supervisor inspected them and told me that it was normal and I had nothing to worry about. I asked for something in writing and he refused to give me anything. As a result, in December 2005, while returning from vacation with my family, without warning there was a sudden loud noise followed by a severe vibration and difficulty in handling. I immediately pulled off the road. Upon inspection I found that the entire tread was missing from the right rear tire (Firestone steeltex A/T). Luckily at that time the tire still held pressure. Had I not immediately pulled over, the tire could have blown out and the results could have been devastating. Upon further inspection when I arrived home, when the tread separated from the tire it damaged the support bars in the wheel well and folded up the fender behind the tire. As the other three tires look the same, I am concerned for my family's safety and am not driving the vehicle until I have replaced all tires. I have written to the dealership and Consumer Affairs and have not gotten a response from either.

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

I am writing to inform you of a tire problem I had the other day with one of your Firestone steeltex radial A/T lt 245 75 R16 ten ply truck tire. The other info on the tire is 120/116 R M&S. dot VH11 baac 2801, 008009, da807T. I have only 23,000 miles on these tires. They came on the vehicle when I purchased it new. It was on the passenger side rear of my 2002 Chevy duramax. 2500 hd. Had 80 psi as required and I had my camper on. Right at 30 inches of tread separated from the casing. I was lucky to have noticed the problem before it came all the way off and did any damage at all to my vehicle. \we have no Firestone dealer at all in our area, and I could not take the chance of this problem ever happening again with these tires. I have replace all 4 tires with the same size and load range as required with another brand. Attached are some pictures of the tire. Is Firestone interested in my problem, and what do I need to do now with my bad tire and the remaining 3 tires? thank-you.

- Soap Lake, WA, USA

08/14/2005 traveling from atlanta, ga on I-95 and noticed a vibration coming from the left front of vehicle started slowing down then the truck started shaking so bad it was almost hard to control. Stopped vehicle safely and inspected front end and found that the left front tire had separated at the radial belt. Found a back country store and had a tire install (used all that was avail). Tire cost $150 boy was I taken. Still have tire in my possession.

- Beaufort, SC, USA

While driving the vehicle 55 mph the drivers side rear tire tread separated and caused the tire to blowout (Bridgestone) please identify tire size and dot number.

- Amboy, CA, USA

Firestone steeltex radial tire [LT245/75R16] [load range E M/S] tread separated [driver side rear of 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton heavy duty pick up] while towing a fifth wheel trailer at 65 miles per on interstate I-75 in Kentucky. It sounded like driving on the grooves used to warn drivers they are going off the road. Then the rear of the truck began to move slightly left/right. We were just starting up a long, steep hill in the slow lane and were able to pull over onto the shoulder in a good spot where people could see us. Many drivers came close, but we were not injured. A trucker stopped to help us. He said it looked like the tire had dry rot. Maybe a foot of tread near the side wall came loose. A small chunk [3''] was also loose. The tire collapsed completely. I feel we might have lost control if we had been passing or going down hill. I checked inflation just a few days earlier.

- North Ridgeville, OH, USA