1999 Ford Taurus, westbound when the left front tire had the tread separate. The tread came off and damaged the left side of the vehicle. (Ohio traffic crash report # 10-0521-90)

- Tampa, FL, USA

On September 1, 2007, while driving on the interstate, a kelly springfield tire (mohave) shredded. Although the tires and tread appeared in excellent condition, the tread separated from the tire (from steel belt outward) without warning. The tire skin retained air, but car undrivable. This previously occurred exactly as with this tire in July 2007 on the same vehicle. The car was purchased with "mohave R/S" already installed. Tires at purchase and at time of failure appeared in excellent condition. All four tires on vehicle were the same and now two have failed catastrophically.

- Stockbridge, MI, USA

4/27/2006, I had a vibration in my steering wheel noted primarily at low speeds. I had my brakes done and general maintenance but vibration was still present. Went to tire shop who evaluated passenger side rear tire which was separating. I had cooper touring tires on the vehicle approx 1 1/2 years old. I had the tire replaced and the other tires inspected and balanced. Vibration was no longer present. 5/21/06 driving East on I-10 began feeling a steering vibration. I was nearing tucson and planned to exit to the nearest tire shop, vibration increased. I took inventory of vehicles around me noting a truck pulling a boat and made a decision that I did not want to be by the boat if anything happened. I made lane change and shortly after tire made a big bang and I spun 360 degrees on the freeway, spinning rearward into the median. I did avoid hitting trees, other vehicles and being struck by on-coming traffic. I am a driving instructor and have had skid car training. This was the most horrendous event ever in my driving career. Vehicle did sustain damage. Police assisted in getting me out of the vehicle ( I use a wheelchair and drive with hand-controls) and removed the tire and put the spare on the vehicle. I was able to drive to the nearest tire repair facility - the tire was replaced. The tire completely separated and shredded - I have the tire. The vehicle body has not been repaired yet. Today when discussing with co-workers what happened - I was informed of a recent cooper tire defect story and that is how I got to this site. Tires are cooper touring sle I am not sure what rating dot U9.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

: the contact stated while driving on the highway the driver side front spare tire had tread separation. The tread damaged the wiring in the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealership; however, no repairs have been made.

- Conneaut Lake, PA, USA

I was travelling South on I-15 at 11:00 at night going down from the el cajon summit when I thought there was a strange wobbling every time I used the brakes. I heard a terrible thud and thought I saw a piece of tire fly by the passenger side. I pulled to the shoulder and looked at all the tires, but they were all still inflated so I started the car again and eased down the shoulder, but the noise was still there. Upon closer examination of the tires, I found that the tread separated completely from the tire, causing extensive damage to the wheel well. It also caused a vacuum hose to come apart from it's connection, which I suspect is linked to the ac. Aaa was called to change the tire, and I have the receipt. The next day I had a new tire put on as well as replaced another tire that was in need. They checked the remaining general tire and said it was in good condition. The next morning I headed home at 5:00 in the morning. I was eastbound on I-91 a mile and a half from the I-15 connection when the exact same thing happened to the rear driver side tire. Again the wheel well was completely destroyed and the rear fender to my car. Aaa was again called, and a receipt was obtained. I have both tires in my posession. The first incident happened on Friday, December 10, and the second incident happened on Sunday, December 12.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

The tires are wearing out very quickly and the tread is starting to separate.

- Papillion, NE, USA

While in motion, vehicle suddenly hit the curb wall on the left side and then again on the right. Upon examination, front tires inside tread was bald approx. 2inches in width due to front alignment being off. (Ohio traffic crash report)

- Alma, MI, USA

While traveling 65mph on dry roads front driver's side orginal equipment, general, ameri G45 tire, tread separated, causing damge to front bumper. Dealer has yet to be contacted. General tire, P205/65R15, dot number A34R442109.

- Sherman, TX, USA

At 60 mph, the tread on the rear passenger's side tire came off, general P20565R15. The vehicle was rented from enterprize.

- Bedford, IN, USA

Consumer was traveling about 45mph on highway and heard a noise. He was able to pull over to shoulders, and noticed that right rear tire tread separated from vehicle. Firestone was notified.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

At 28 thousand miles noticed tread separated on sidewall of tires.

- Riverside, CA, USA