My dad has a 2000 Expy that came with 4 Wilderness AT tires. He had all four replaced May 14, 2001 because the front two tires had significant signs of tread separation, and one of the rear two had gone flat.
I went to J.C. Lewis Ford in Savannah, GA today to inquire about getting a refund, and this is what they told me.

1. You must turn in the old tires, or Ford will not authorize a refund or replacement.

2. The dealership made a management decision not to handle refunds, and would only handle replacements until July.

I was extremely skeptical. (1) didn't make any sense. Unless you changed the tires after Ford announced a total recall, no one in his right mind would keep the old tires. Remember, at that point, Ford said only a certain percentage of Wilderness AT tires would be recalled, in conjunction with Firestone. If after being told you're ***** out of luck, why would you want to keep the crapped out old tires? And (2) sounded fishy too. J.C. Lewis is a Blue Oval dealer, and one of two authorized recall dealers in Savannah. Can J.C. Lewis unilaterally decide not to honor a portion of Ford's recall promise?

I called the recall hotline, and answers were:

(1) is a BLATANT misinformation. I hesitate to call it a lie, just because I'm usually a bit more temperate than that. Although, tire purchases made after May 22, 2001 are handled differently, no such requirement exists for tire purchases made before that date. I certainly would hate to be a Ford customer who got turned away by this misinformation. I can guess at the motivations playing here, but would rather not name'em at this stage. This inquiry of course is not over...

(2) had no clear answer. Operator confirmed that J.C. Lewis is one of two authorized recall dealers in Savannah, but did not say whether J.C. Lewis could refuse to honor the recall. It sounds suspicious to me. You either are a part of the program, or not. I intend to research this further as well.

My sister-in-law is a HR supervising manager at Ford's world HQ, so she's the first one I'm going to ask. If she does not know, I'm sure she can ask someone who know at the HQ.

Hopefully, this is just a miscommunication between Ford and the dealers compounded by misinformed staff. Perhaps not. My gut feeling is that this was a calculated business decision. Getting information from Terry Lanier -- assistant service manager -- was like pulling teeth. He hardly volunteered any information, and when I asked him where he learned that all refunds and replacements must have old tires, he was evasive and vague. I asked to see the requirement in writing, but he demurred again, only saying that the service manager who is in charge of the recall isn't in at that time. And it was only after I asked to see the old tire turn in requirement in writing, Terry Lanier returned to say that no, J.C. Lewis was not handling refunds at all until July, and I'd have to go elsewhere.

I have a professional interest in detecting and busting bull*****. And this sure smelled like it. I'll keep y'all updated. Does anyone ever had a similar experience, with other dealerships or with J.C. Lewis in specific?

 

you dont need the old tires but u do need the dot number from the old tires if the vechicle is under the recall u can run the vin number to see if this is covered go to ford .com then qc logo and check the recall form out

 

http://fordfirestonewildernessatprog.../tirelist.html

Items eligible for reimbursement Items not eligible for reimbursement
The cost of the replacement tires
Mounting, balancing, valve stems, wheel weights, needed to install the tires
Disposal fee and any local or state environmental impact fees
Alignment
Wheel or rim replacement
Other services

Attach your original paid receipt to this form, and mail to:

Ford – Firestone Wilderness AT Program
P.O. Box 1109
Bloomfield Hills, MI. 48303
$

Please indicate the amount you paid to have your Firestone Wilderness AT tires replaced.
Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing and delivery of your refund.



NOTE: If you purchased your tires after May 22, 2001. (Do not use this form) You must:


Take your original paid receipt (must denote the manufacturer and brand of tires removed) and your old tires or section from the old tire containing the DOT code to your local Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer to have a refund processed.


The maximum refund for tires purchased after May 22, 2001 is:
- 15 inch tires: $110.00 per tire (includes mounting, balancing, valve stems, and wheel weights)
- 16 and 17 inch tires: $130.00 per tire (includes mounting, balancing, valve stems, and wheel weights)


(Radial ATX "Temporary Use" spare tires are not eligible for refund)
By my signature below, I certify that the information provided on this form is true and correct.
Signed: ________________________________________
Date: ______________________________

Company Use Only

Version 2.1B
Invoice Number _________________________







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[This message has been edited by fordtec2001 (edited 06-03-2001).]

 

Thanks Fordtec2001 for posting the reimbursment form from Ford here. It should help answer a lot of questions. In any event chaean, it looks like your dealer is full of it - time to look for another dealer!

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1997 F150 XLT, Flareside , Moonlight Blue, 4x2, SC, Auto, 4.6L, 3:08's, Cargo Cover by Century, bed liner, Blue Oval reciever hitch plug, Driver Design bug deflector, Monroe Reflex Shocks, 235/70/16 Firestone Wilderness AT's (soon to be replaced by Ford), sliding rear window, captain's chairs, Valvoline Durablend Oil, Purolator Pure One Oil Filter, and 125,000 miles and counting!