LOU WATERS, CNN ANCHOR: A federal agency is looking into at least 21 traffic deaths that may have been caused by faulty tires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says they've received almost 200 complaints related to Firestone tires. As Jerry Strickland (ph), from CNN affiliate KTVT, reports, the number of complaints is increasing.</s>JERRY STRICKLAND, KTVT REPORTER (voice-over): When Ken Costas left North Texas on vacation he had a lot riding on his tires, a week of fun in the sun, and his family's safety. KEN COSTAS; Heard noise where I thought a piece of the tire had come off.</s>STRICKLAND: A piece would be one thing. But when Ken took a closer look, he found out he was treading on much thinner tread.</s>COSTAS: Look right down here. You can see where the tire is separated, where it looks like probably the belts came apart.</s>STRICKLAND: Ken Costas isn't alone in his scare. At least 193 crashes involving Firestone ATX, ATX II, and Wilderness tires have been reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A majority of the cases involve the nation's number-one SUV, the Ford Explorer. Ford Motor Company even acknowledges 500 potential claims so far.</s>HELEN PETRAUSKAS, FORD MOTOR COMPANY: We are cooperating with the government and trying to learn as much as we can, as quickly as we can.</s>STRICKLAND: But not quick enough for some consumer safety groups.</s>JOAN CLAYBROOK, PUBLIC CITIZEN SAFETY: Now that it is getting publicity people are saying: Well, hey, that's what happened to me. So the data is beginning to come together.</s>STRICKLAND: Numbers that just keep coming together about the tire that some say isn't staying together.</s>WATERS: Firestone is offering free inspections to anyone worried about the safety of their tires.
Federal Agency Investigating at Least 21 Traffic Deaths that may be Related to Faulty Tires