For the latest automotive news and features, from finance to safety, visit our automotive section .
Firestone claims that the problem comes after a tire blowout.
Firestone says its accident analysis shows that two Ford Explorers, the 1996 and the 2000 four-door models are defectively designed. That investigation came on the heels of 174 deaths and 700 injuries in rollover accidents. We're not trying to get into a mudslinging contest at all. Ford Chief of Staff John Rintamaki brought out graphs and cited government statistics during last week's news conference announcing its unprecedented move to recall 13 million Firestone Wilderness AT tires. Explorer ranked among the safest of competitive sport utilities in its class.