Has anyone received reimbursement for buying non-firestone tires and then filling out the paperwork? Firsthand or secondhand knowledge?

I sent mine in certified mail. Hopefully they'll get it to me soon.

I know this has probably been discussed in other threads, but I apologize.... Can someone explain the whole reimbursment policy/deal b/c my front two tires are ready to explode!

Check out the link below. It should give you all the necessary info you'll need concerning the recall.

http://mirror.bridgestone-firestone.com/news/atx/newsmain_ATX.html

I sent mine in about 2 - 3 weeks or so ago, but no word back yet. I made a copy of all the paperwork that I had sent in along with the stuff on the internet I found telling of the reimbursement( I know, I'm being anal). Trying to leave nothing to chance.


Do I smell a race to refund coming on???http://smilecwm.tripod.com/net3/outtahere.gif

Won't be me winning the race. I haven't bought the BFG's yet. I am trying to see what kind of time lag there is between me shelling out $600 and me getting a check for around $500 before I do it. I guess it is too early. About 4-6 weeks would be acceptable, but I expect it will be like 8+ weeks.

Brett -
thanks for the info, I appreciate it.
The fact is that I put a request into Ford approximately two weeks ago and I doubt that I will hear back from them until another month or so. I just cannot wait that long.

Apologies upfront for a dumb question.
My wife refuses to ride another mile on my 16" AT's, so I'm off to buy some Big O replacements. IF the 16's are eventually recalled, would I have to actually cough up the Firestones or just proof that I owned & replaced them (they're original equipment on my 2000)? Sorry, I've read the reimbursement info on the 15's and can't figure it out from the verbiage.
thanks

AZgambler,

I would keep your firestones, so if they are recalled you
can take them back to a firestone dealer. Thats what we had to do with our 15's. Also don't let Big O charge you a disposal(SP) fee if you keep your firestones.

DC
thanks, I was afraid you'd say that!

Withers,

I received a check for $590 in full reimbursement for 5 BFG AT KO tires from Firestone 2 weeks after sending the paperwork in to them. However, I was reimbursed under their Customer Satisfaction Program, rather than the Recall Program, as I spoke with their regional management just prior to the Recall/Refund Program being publicly announced. I found they acted quickly in reimbursing my out of pocket expenses and compliment them on their customer satisfaction program and taking my concern seriously.

RandyM.

what problem did you have, if different than the tread separation? That is nice that you got over $500 for your 5 tires.

I initially just wanted the Wilderness AT tires off due to safety concerns and the history of the tires (hydroplaning, poor wet surface handling, etc). My tires were the VD (Decatur) coded tires and once off the vehicle I found 2 that had the 360 degree cracking on the shoulder on the inboard side...apparently the stage 1 of separation.

......still waiting...............

My wife and I took the family on vacation out of state, while we were away we notice the car had a "wobble" when stopping. As it turns out we have Sears RoadHandlers (with the Bridgestone emblem on the sidewall also) on the rear. The tread was separating from the steel belts on the driver's side causing a bulge in the tire and steel fibers sticking out of a break in the middle of the tread. I had no idea that the tire was in that bad of shape (all within about 300 miles driving in one week). There was a good bit of tread left on the tires for the age and at first glance you would never suspect anything wrong until you rub your hand over the centerline of the tire and get stuck with steel wires. These tires had about 80k miles and plenty of treadwear left. I called Sears and took the car to have them changed, getting a $10 credit manufacturing defects which went for two new BFG's. Between the Explorer having Firestones and the Bridgestones on the Windstar, I will never buy under that brand again.

Got mine this weekend.

Flyau:

what kind of refund did you get and how long did it take?

Withers:

The only Firestone I had (I replaced the ATX's a LONG time ago) was the spare, so when I was getting new tires (Michelins) to replace my old ones (Dunlops), I had them replace the ATX with a matching Michelin. I sent in the form about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I haven't seen the check yet (it came to my parents house, not my school address), but I it's about $120 (cost of the new Michelin).

Commtech - did you say that the tires had 80k on them? If so, you should not be upset with the tire stating that you will not purchase them b/c the tread seperate - even if it still has meat. I myself have fairly good mileage on my tires 50k +, but we the consumer (I am guilty also) cannot expect a tire to last 100,000 miles when its rated from the factory for much less (usually 40k - 60k). I believe that the Firestones suck in handling, but they are good in thread wear. The main problem that we all know is that the crack and can/will have tread seperation, but can part of the time be that we have the tires on for too long?

Mike91 - Yes I agree that the milage was good, but I think that tires being 3 years old is not too long. I have had 6ply tires on my '87 F150 that were on for 4 years on the rear. They lasted through towing and commuting. The tires on the van were on the rear, but this is a front wheel drive so they were free wheeling. That and keeping the tires inflated and aligned make a big difference in treadwear. I have trailer tires that are as old or older than that with hardly any teadwear and the age doesn't make for tread/belt separation.
In reality though I have lost confidence in the brand name.
Between the ATX's, the Bridgestones on the van and the Firestone 500's from years ago, I would rather go with another brand than to trust them again. I'm not trying to be fanatical but just taking the present and history in perspective.
Thanks Mark

Am I getting the run around? My situation is as follows: I do most of my driving on the highway - in excess of 65mph. I am seriously afraid of the consequence b/c my front two tires have small cracks all over. On Saturday I desperately search for places all over (even in LI) for tires. After speaking with a guy at Costco, he informed me that they could not give me tires different that the 235/75/15 that are OEM for the truck.
My thought was to increase my wheel size by getting larger rims (16") and then getting let's say a 235/55/16 wheel for my truck. Costco stated that they wouldn't get reimbursed if they were to give me a different. And its not about money neither b/c I insisted that I would pay the difference.
Oh well, if I don't get tires soon, I may be number 89.

I am finally getting my tires replaced tomorrow, the Firestone dealer got some in. I am getting Michelin LTX AT's. :D

They have some bridgestone duelers, BF Goodrich somethingorother name that I didn't recognize AT's, or the Michelins. I didn't want the duelers since I haven't heard anything good about them, since I didn't recognize the name of the Goodrich tire, but did recognize the michelin, and heard good things about them, I chose the Michelin.

Mike91: You can try some other places, they may put on different sizes for you and then you have to fill out the paperwork to get reimbursed and get your old tires over to the firestone dealer for credit.

Kilroy
What have you heard bad about the Bridgestone Dueler ATs? Firestone just put five on my 93 EB 2 door and they are a noticable improvement over the ATXs (2nd set after 80,000 on OE ATXs). They do produce more road noise, but the tread appears to be better for beach travel (Outerbanks of NC)and it corners with much less body roll. I have not heard anything bad about Duelers until your comment. I was feeling pretty good about the exchange ($647) and my even wax the darn thing. JOCO

......STILL waiting...........grrrrrrr...

I haven't heard anything about them, good or bad. That was why I didn't choose them. As far as the Goodrich tires, I didn't recognize the name kosovos or something like that.

Tho firestone on the phone, the rep in the store, and the website say nothing about any restrictions for the "up to $100 per tire" for replacement tires, HOWEVER, the local Discount Tire guy told me people were NOT getting refunds from Firestore if the replacement tires were not same size as the recalled ones. After getting back on the phone again with firestone and drilling the rep and supervisor on this, it turns out the recall language is for "equivalent" competitive tires. So, beware if trying to send in your recall tires with a reciept for new 31" tires...!

Goober: I am a waiter too now. Mailed my paperwork on Tuesday. I guess the race is on. I'll spot you the head start.

I just got back from getting my shreadstones replaced from Firestone. $524 was the total cost of the tires to Firestone, my cost $0. I got Michelin LTX A/T tires on all 5 wheels.

Nice riding tires, although they squish a bit when stopping.

Originally posted by withers
Has anyone received reimbursement for buying non-firestone tires and then filling out the paperwork? Firsthand or secondhand knowledge?


I got my $500.00 check from Firestone 3 weeks from the day I mailed in the paperwork.

JOCO....

Heading to the OBX in a few days with my new Dunlop Radial Rovers......

Originally posted by JOCO
Kilroy
What have you heard bad about the Bridgestone Dueler ATs? Firestone just put five on my 93 EB 2 door and they are a noticable improvement over the ATXs (2nd set after 80,000 on OE ATXs). They do produce more road noise, but the tread appears to be better for beach travel (Outerbanks of NC)and it corners with much less body roll. I have not heard anything bad about Duelers until your comment. I was feeling pretty good about the exchange ($647) and my even wax the darn thing. JOCO

I just recieved my check from Firestone...just a little over 3 weeks..........

Sent in the paperwork for $350...got $300 back ($100 per tire)..........My new tires are Dunlop Radial ROvers 30x9.50 LTs...........

Not bad, considering the tires had about a year left, if that.....One had started to seperate though (!!!) showing a crack around the perimeter of the tire near the tread on the sidewall.......definately glad I swapped them out...............


Originally posted by Ric94
Originally posted by withers
Has anyone received reimbursement for buying non-firestone tires and then filling out the paperwork? Firsthand or secondhand knowledge?


I got my $500.00 check from Firestone 3 weeks from the day I mailed in the paperwork.

I know mine has been sent in over 4 weeks ago.... and still waiting.....

Check was waiting when I got home last night - full refund ($498) for the 5 BFG 31's x 10.5s. About 2-1/2 weeks total wait time from submitting paperwork to receiving check.

Got my $100 from Firestone today. Took 2-1/2 weeks from the time I mailed it. Was for my original ATX spare. Got rid of the original ATX's after 60K miles 2 years ago when I developed a severe vibration in front end. Thought i threw a weight so took it in to have it balanced. They couldn't bal it so they took it off the rim and found some broken belts!! Looking back, I get chills knowing what could have happened to me and my family/friends over that 60k miles. I always ran 30-32 psi in these tires-on and off road thru the desert(I live in New mexico).Replaced them with BFG ALL TERRAIN T/A ko, 235-75R15. They look and run good. Joe

On the recall reimbursement form ...it calls for me to send in my "original" reciept...yet..I need that "original" reciept for the road hazard insurance I bought for my replacement BFG's... did everyone send in their "original" receipt or will a copy of the reciept be sufficient...no one I ask at Ford dealerships nor Firestone dealerships seem to know.

Thanks
Karol
explorereb96@ford-trucks.net

I sent in my original form, kept a photocopy for the tire place. Rather get my $500.

I had the same conundrum.....I ended up having the tire dealer I went to print out a copy of the original from their computer.......

This will suffice for road hazard coverage there, and still allowed me to send Firestone the original........

I guess that Firestone is worried about folks submitting multiple claims.........

Cant really blame them I guess...






Originally posted by ExplorerEB96
On the recall reimbursement form ...it calls for me to send in my "original" reciept...yet..I need that "original" reciept for the road hazard insurance I bought for my replacement BFG's... did everyone send in their "original" receipt or will a copy of the reciept be sufficient...no one I ask at Ford dealerships nor Firestone dealerships seem to know.

Thanks
Karol
explorereb96@ford-trucks.net

ok thanks guys ...I guess I'll just go up and get a copy (printed from their computer of course) from the place I got my tires..

Karol
explorereb96@ford-trucks.net

I just went to Sears and picked up a good deal. Seems they have a sale this week on several tires. I origionaly wanted to get Michelins, but they were $119/per tire before mounting, balancing and enviro fee. I ended up getting the Dunlop Rover AT in LT235. The tires seem quieter than my Firestones, and it still handles OK (haven't been able to drive much on them yet). The tread looks good, just waiting to see how it does in the harsher elements. Total price was $484, and I now get to join the ranks of the waiting game.

I replaced 5 with Michelins still waiting for my money! Its been 6 weeks, I called their number and was told 8 weeks. I had two ATX's replaced in March and had one of those replaced under road hazard warranty when I picked up a wire in the side wall. The lady at firestone said I could submit an additional claim for the maintenance cost on the 2 replacements and the warranty work. 95 rides so much nicer now that the firestones are gone.

Well, here is my deal. I've got 1 of the Radial ATX tires that was officially recalled and 4 of the Firehawk ATX tires that are being replaced under the Consumer Advisory. 2 different forms to fill out and mail to 2 different places. The Radial ATX, I can get reimbursed up to $100 bucks for. The Firehawk ATX, I can get up to $140 each for.

I called the Firestone 800 number and the lady that took my call told me it didn't matter what size of tire I bought. I got 30x9.50 BFG A/T KOs.

I got my check from Firestone on Sat. Sept. 23rd.
$500.00 even though it cost me $545.00 to replace all 5 tires with Michlien LTX AT's. I guess it's a good deal but why should I have to pay anything when Ford and Firestone were out of tires and the LTXs are on there approved list.

I did not want to wait to go to a Firestone dealer, because I have 2 year old twin boys that I have to drive around in my Explorer.

Hey but look at it this way, you got 5 new tires for $45!!!!
Thats Michelin LTX tires for $9 a piece! Not bad. :)

I waited for mine since I had no choice(lack of available cash), and I got 5 of those michelins also from a firestone dealer, I really like the way it handles now. :D

[Edited by kilroy on 09-28-2000 at 10:57 AM]

Well, I am satisfied. Got my check for $500.00 this past week. The reimbursement process works.

Originally posted by withers
Has anyone received reimbursement for buying non-firestone tires and then filling out the paperwork? Firsthand or secondhand knowledge?
If anyone is still interested, my first hand knowledge is;I recieved a $500.00 check for five competitors (Big O)tires 4 weeks after submitting my application. A good piece of advice is to photo copy everything first.

4 weeks as of today...no moolah yet. I'm not in a big rush. I put them on the ol' credit card I figure I ought to get an almost 8 week float. I haven't even gotten the bill yet and it usually isn't due for 3 weeks or so after I get it.

I put BFG's on in March, but not at an "authorized" Firestone dealer. So no chance to get any $$ on those. Too bad, but I knew their tires were failing back then before I bought the truck, and I always knew Firestone's sucked.

But Firestone did buy me a new spare. Sent in the paperwork on September 8th and got my check today, October 23rd.

We had 4 bad Wilderness ATs and we got them replaced. The check came within a month I'd say. Wasn't really paying attention. $400. It ain't too bad.

Well.....

Over 2 months ago I sent all that paperwork in. I even got a call from a Firestone manager about my tires. Still no check!!!! I'm getting annoyed!

If you haven't filled out the forms right, they send them back to you in 1 month. If you do fill the forms out right, they use them for door mats for a few more weeks and then forget to sign the check. That's my guess anyway.

Originally posted by Blaine Cooper
If you haven't filled out the forms right, they send them back to you in 1 month. If you do fill the forms out right, they use them for door mats for a few more weeks and then forget to sign the check. That's my guess anyway.

No, I sent in the correct forms, signed dated, etc... However, I did send in 6 tires. I guess it kind of through them for a loop. I called today and wasn't even listed in their database. Anyway, if anyone hasn't received their refund, the number to call is: 1-800-367-3872

Hi Everybody!
I sent in my paperwork and all the proper info for the reimbursement and they turned me down. I replaced my Firestones with Bridgestone Dueler At's. They sent me back a 4-page form letter of apology and why they felt my tires shouldn't be replaced. But, I had two Explorers for my work trucks and they I finally received the recall notice about two weeks ago.

Let me get this straight. I replaced my tires this summer and got new 31's. They are not Firestones. I paid 400 bucks for them. I have the recall papers at home. If I send my receipt to them, they will refund me? I did not save the old tires, I just paid for their disposal. Can I still send in the letter?
Please, someone reply.

You can and should definitely send the letter in that your tires were the ones that were recalled. I had my tires replaced at a Big-O dealer and they wrote on the receipt that my tires were the correct number that was recalled and that the new tires I bought were 31" Duelers. I made copies of all the paperwork and sent them in, but I recieved that letter back that said I couldn't receive a refund due to a number of reasons stated. I'm upset about the deal, but I got 68,000 miles out of those old Firestones! So, it was time for new tires anyway.

OK, here is a concern on filling out the paperwork properly. I put my 33's on 10/9 and took the stones to a local dealer. They kinda mermmered about the different size and reminded me about the $100 max. No problem. Yesterday I finally got a spare mounted. I took the spare back to the same store and they gave me a hard time because my tire receit didn't have my name or vehicle information on it. They said I would be wasting my time if I mailed it in as is. I thought that is what the recall form was for. I brought back 5 recalled tires and bought 5 new ones. Didn't I meet all the requirements? Does their receit claims have any validity? What have others experienced? The firestone people at both stores I've visited since the recall announcement didn't seem too helpful or aware of their own policies ( or were sandbagging). I just don't want to make a 4-6 week process a 4-6 month process!! Thanks.

I think mainly that the people in the stores don't really know what they are supposed to do. The people at the Customer Service Hotline don't really know either. I had a store manager tell me he could only put the original size back on and he might get to me in a month or so. HELLO!!! You mean to tell me I may have tires that could cause me to die and you can't put on that set of 30x9.5s that you have sitting right there in the corner? What a bunch of crap.

AMEN!

I got my refund check yesterday, 100.00 I only had one
firestone (the spare)it took 4 weeks to get it.But at least i got it.

Yeap, got my $100 refund on Saturday. I had the spare to replace and paid for a 32" BFG AT KO to match the all the others, end up costing me about $30 for a 32", very cool.

8 weeks...still no refund check for good ol' Coop. I'm getting pissed.

Try waiting 12 1/2 weeks. I'm resending all my paperwork in today. Call the 800 # listed by me in this thread to get the details.

I had a spare tire that was defective. I was from 1992, I sent in the form and within 4 weeks I had a check for $100. They will only pay $100 per tire. I wish I still had all four of my original tires.

that's ok anyway...I'm calling my lawyer and sending them copies of the reciepts of 3 sets of those Wilderness Tires I "had" to buy because "absolutely no other tire would fit my truck" (back in the day where I was all female and stupid about such things)..... I only had the truck for 3 years and replaced 3 sets of them for excessive tire wear and phantom flats....after hearing the tire guy (before the recall) telling me it was probably a suspension problem...my driving...an allignment problem...(everything in the book other than the tires)....It's not the $$$$ at this point....it's the damn priciple of the mess... I'm just not willing to roll over and hand them the Vaseline once again!!

Karol
explorereb96@ford-trucks.net

[Edited by ExplorerEB96 on 11-22-2000 at 07:30 PM]

You had the luxery of using Vaseline?

I too only had a spare tire, but I got my refund check today in the mail - about 4 weeks. Don't know if it helped but I sent my paperwork certified mail - good luck.
Also, I got Michelin tires and sent away for the free emergency roadside kit which I also received this week - good deal

Just talked to my neighbor. He had Michelins put on in September (once the tire shop had some available), send in the paperwork and received a $500 refund within 3 weeks.
Knowing him, he did everything by the book and I suspect that had something to do with getting the refund that fast.

Make no mistake...I did it by the book...still getting the shaft.

I did it by the book too! I even sent it certified mail. I resent all my paperwork today to the customer assistance center, so we'll see what happens. 13 weeks and counting.

Brett, I've tried the number you posted several times. I have yet to speak to anyone. Either all lines are busy or it is not their office hours. So I tried the Customer Service number I got off their website...allah peanut butter sandwiches...a real live person. OK so she couldn't help me, she just gave me the phone number you posted, but at least it was a real person.

I have sent 2 emails to their consumer affairs address and just get back some automated canned reply. That really pisses me off, at least give me the courteousy of an actaul reply and not some crap that I already knew.

How exactly did you re-send the paper work? Just send in copies or did you get new forms filled out again?

I just wanted to ask..has anyone just TRADED their tires at Firestone..like just one spare or small jobs..not the whole truck. I'm asking because I have 6 Radial ATXs (one is still the spare on the truck) and I wanted to avoid trouble by only getting 5 new ones for the truck (michelins) but still be able to get at least a new tire for the 6th. They run your VIN#
when you get new tires or a refund, but I was hoping to find out if they do it as well if you just take in a spare or one tire already mounted just to exchange.
BTW I was just hoping to get a Bridgestone MT or anything other than the Deathstone on the spare until I can get the new tires and send in the paperwork..then sell the (hopefully unused) spare or just have it as a second spare..since I dont think it will work if I get 6 new tires at once and try for a $600 check..I've heard nothing but problems from anyone who sent in paperwork for more than 5.

Blaine,

I've always had to call that number during the weekdays from work. Actually the longest I've ever been on hold was 2 minutes. Not bad. All they ask is for your name and zip and run a query to see if you have been entered in their database. The few people I've talked to over there have said there were problems with people who sent in there paperwork early in the recall. I resent in all the copies I had made to the Firestone Refund Customer Assistance Center. P.O. Box 8700 Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-9878.

Anime,

If you've got 6 tires, just do 5. I had 6 tires and I'm having all these problems. My suggestion would be to purchase 5 tires and turn in 5 tires to Firestone, get all the paperwork and send it in. Then purchase 1 tire and turn 1 tire into Firestone and send all the paperwork in as another address.

8 weeks hear but just got $400 back today way cool now I can buy some more toys for my ride

Got one of my checks Dec. 11. That's about 11 weeks from the time I sent the refund requests in. Hopefully the other check will follow soon.

I finally got my check the other day. It took about 2 1/2 months.

Well, some 3 1/2 months later I finally got it!!!!

I've had no problems with the refund. All I had left was two loose tires and a spare. I took the spare off and took all to Firestone, filled in all the info, attached the receipt from when I purchased new ones and sent it in. You really have to read the form and only fill out one part of it. Which side? that depends on when you purchased your tires. Before or after the recall. Like I said, I got my check within a month.

Good luck to all.