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Eversity, University of Arkansas System *
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2003
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Date
Dec 6, 2023
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Uploaded by monisaallen
Ford-Firestone
Monisa Allen
Summarization of the Ford-Firestone Case
The Ford-Firestone case began in May 2000 after numerous complaints that
involved four deaths. The case may have began in the year 2000 but the problems that
created the case originate all the way back to 1906 when Ford and Firestone joined in a
partnership. This partnership was set on the foundation that Henry Ford would equip his
Ford vehicles with Firestone tires.
In 1990 the Ford Explorer was built and like all other Ford models it was
equipped with Firestone tires as well. The Explorer was a major hit when it was
produced for the public and was popular among families and others who wanted to go
off-road as well as have comfort on a daily basis. The Explorer was four-wheel drive and
created with a style that made it appealing for buyers. Although the model was built with
four-wheel drive the twin I-beam used for the suspension increased the possibility of
rollovers.
Ford and Firestone came together and decided that lowering the pressure of the
front tires would solve the instability of the front suspension. While lowering the
pressure of the front tires came the result of a shortened life span for the tires.
Engineers at both Ford and Firestone concluded that the lowering of the pressure
corrected the issues with the front suspension and felt that the vehicle was now safe.
Although, the problem seemed to be corrected, in the year 2000 Firestone
decided to make changes to their tire design. They changed to a nylon cap in hopes to
lengthen the tire tread lifespan and provide extra strength to the tread. The complaints
in reference to the tire failures on Ford Explorers began coming into the National
Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) between 1999 and 2000. These
complaints were the real reason that Firestone made the decision to change the tire
design. Both Ford and Firestone were feeling pressure from NHSTA and the U.S.
Congress because of the numerous complaints they receiving. When the complaints
began Ford decided to have their own investigators take a look into the complaint
issues and determined that the Firestone tires had high failure rates.
The problems that the Firestone tires brought on resulted in the deaths of over
200 people who were involved in accidents caused by tread separation. This caused
multiple recalls to be issued and many lawsuits were brought against both Ford and
Firestone. The aftermath resulted in Firestone closing their doors at their Illinois facility
in 2001 and although Ford made modifications to their Explorer models their reputation
was already tarnished. The relationship between Ford and Firestone ceased after 95
years and the friendship of the owners was diminished as well.
Fault
The question of who is at fault for the exploding tire is both Ford and Firestone
who are at fault. Both companies and team of engineers knew that there were issues
and dangers with the design of the suspension on the Ford Explorer and the lowering of
the front tire pressure. When the engineering teams presented to them that there was
an issue in the design and structure of the vehicle they should have changed more than
just the tire pressure. The price of changing the tire pressure affected the lifespan of the
Firestone tires and that should have been a red flag as well. Firestone, holding the
complaints they had been receiving from the Ford team was a major issue as well. It
does not tell us whether this information would have made a difference with the
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production and release of the Ford Explorer being equipped with Firestone tires. The
complaints and recalls that Firestone was dealing with in other countries should have
been available to bring awareness to the Ford company but it was not. Ford and
Firestone both made careless decisions and they are both at fault in this case.
Ethical Violations
There were most definitely ethical violations committed by both Ford and
Firestone. The two companies knew that there were safety problems with their designs
and the suspension. When they continued with their production and selling of the
vehicles that presented the dangers and problems they made a mistake. They made an
unethical choice and sold the vehicles with minimal modifications and changes. Ford
and Firestone attempted to use a band-aid solution to fix a problem that needed
stitches. Putting out a product that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people and
they could have avoided this by taking their time and spending the extra money to
ensure that their design did not have problems.
The small fixes and minor changes they attempted cost them both more than it
would have taken to properly solve the problem. The cost for the lawsuits, fees, and
other financial hardships they were faced with could have been used towards the
Explorer and the tire design. The nylon cap wasn’t necessary had Ford corrected the
suspension problem with the twin I-beam suspension. The rush and irresponsibleness
of the two companies cost many lives to be lost that can never be given back. The
suffering of these two companies and their reputations is a small price compared to
those who died due their negligence. Their decisions were very unethical and the
danger they allowed is unethical as well.
Lesson Learned
This case has taught me that in my future career to be very cautious with what I
present to the world. If the job I am doing has any signs of error, complications, or
danger I should take my time with evaluating and correcting the problems. This case
has shown me that it does not matter the amount of money I may make or the raise I
may receive if the work I produce is not done so ethically. The reward does not mean
anything if it is earned in an unethical manner. The lives and wellbeing of others matter
and should not be put at risk for my own gratification.
References
Ashdown, K. (2017).
Under pressure: The story of the infamous Ford-Firestone controversy
. Car
Throttle. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from
https://www.carthrottle.com/post/under-
pressure-the-story-of-the-infamous-ford-firestone-controversy/
Citizen, P. (2000).
Firestone Tire defect and Ford Explorer Rollovers: Testimony of Public
Citizen's president Joan Claybrook to the Committee on Co
. Public Citizen. Retrieved
March 28, 2023, from
https://www.citizen.org/article/firestone-tire-defect-and-ford-
explorer-rollovers-testimony-of-public-citizens-president-joan-claybrook-to-the-
committee-on-co/
Greenwald, J. (2001, May 29).
Inside the Ford/Firestone Fight
. Time. Retrieved March 28,
2023, from
https://content.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,128198,00.html
News, C. B. S. (2002, July 16).
Ford, Firestone Settle Rollover Suit
. CBS News. Retrieved
March 28, 2023, from
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ford-firestone-settle-rollover-suit/
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