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Florida drivers want Firestone to replace tires immediately

MIAMI (CNN) -- A group of South Florida families filed a class action lawsuit against Firestone Monday, demanding the immediate replacement of potentially unsafe tires that were recalled last week.

Firestone announced it was recalling about six million tires because of reports that they could "shred," leaving the tread separated from the tire's core. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating whether the failure of those tires is to blame for about 46 fatalities across the United States.

Because of the scope of the recall, Firestone announced a three-tier recall system, starting in Texas, California, Arizona and Florida, where hot weather could increase the risk of problems. It could be 18 months before the tires are replaced in other parts of the country.

VIDEO CNN's Charles Bierbauer looks at the liability and culpability issues in the tire failure incidents Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

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None of the families that sued Firestone have been hurt in crashes involving the tires, but they say they should not be forced to drive on unsafe tires until Firestone can meet the demand for replacements.

"Lives are in danger," said plaintiffs' attorney Roy Oppenheim in a news release. "It is imperative that Firestone take corrective and instantaneous measures to assure the safety of every driver, passenger and the unsuspecting motoring public."

Alan Kluger, co-council for the plaintiffs, referred to the tires as "ticking time bombs."

The lawsuit asks Firestone to issue vouchers allowing motorists to replace the recalled tires immediately, even if they have to buy a competitor's tires.

The recall affects 15-inch versions of the Firestone radial ATX, ATXII and Wilderness AT tires, carrying the code name "VD." Most are installed on the Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer sport utility vehicles.

Ford authorized its almost 3,000 dealers Saturday to replace the tires with other brands if Firestone's own substitutes are not available.

Firestone spokesman Walt Sharp said Firestone dealers also can use competitors's tires if their own stock of tires does not meet consumer demand.

"In fact, from the beginning dealers in every state have been replacing tires as soon as possible because the number one priority for us is public safety and consumer confidence," Sharp said. The phased-in recall does not mean that drivers in other states will have to wait.

"We continue to encourage all dealers in all states to respond immediately to their customers, replacing tires with competitors' brands if necessary," Sharp said.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

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Bridgestone/Firestone
Ford Motor Company
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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