2021 Ford Transit Tires & Wheels Problems

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit 250 equipped with Sentury Lionheart Tires, Tire Line: Lionclaw, Tire Size: 235/65/R16, DOT Number: [XXX] . The tires were replacement tires. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the front end of the vehicle, and the vehicle started shuddering and vibrating. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, the contact noticed a blowout of the front driver's side tire. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side tire was cracked by the side wall. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local tire dealer were notified of the failures. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 20,000. The VIN was unavailable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Issue is with Hankook tires. Mileage on original OEM tires on my campervan from Ford. 44,600 miles. Good tread, air pressure checked daily on trips. Date code of manufacture of tires: 41st week, 2020. Took ownership of campervan on Dec 6th, 2021. Travel west on I-696 at 70 mph. Driver’s left front tire exploded. I did not hit anything in the road way. In the second lane from right side of freeway. Was able to safely move to the shoulder of the freeway. Tread completely came off the tire. Broke bumper, damages sensors, bent floor pan, and cracked driver side step. Insurance claim filed with Progressive Insurance, and will be inspected on Aug 22nd. Tires will be replaced on Aug 12th at Discount Tire with Toyo Celsius tires. Tire is not available for inspection but multiple photos are available.

The belts were shifting/separating from the trade of my tire. I noticed an increasing vibration in the steering which lead me to take it to a tire shop to check it out. Fortunately I had read about this issue on a forum and caught the problem before a catastrophic failure, I took the van to a Ford dealership to replace the two front tyres, and the remaining four tyres are on order in due to be replaced in the next few days. Unfortunately, I did not think to keep the tire or take any photographs. But he wasn’t noticeable bulge in the tire. The tire was manufactured in the 44th week of 2000. The van was delivered to Forest River and built out as an RV in 2002.

Vehicle delivered with 5-hole spare wheel. Vehicle requires 6-hole wheel. Discovered discrepancy when a tire separated and required a spare to replace it.

Broken Valve Stem - While on vacation the warning light came on telling me I only had 15 pounds of pressure in my right inside rear tire (has dual tires.) I pumped it and took it to a tire store in Twin Falls Idaho. They could not find a leak and sent me on my way. When home in California I took it to La Mesa RV who found the broken valve stem. They said they had seen quite a few on this vehicle and recommended replacing all. They gave me the name of several close by tire shops. The one I picked recommended changing all the stems out because they had seen a number of failures with the 2021 Transits. I did this but now don't have a TPMS since I didn't want to get another one that was likely to fail. Ford should do a recall and put in long stem valve stems that don't brake and also making adding air easier than the OEM ones. I am picking safety over having a TPMS. I wish I could have both. Picture will show removed stems with the one that broke off.