Functionality Mistakes Throughout History That Were Way Too Expensive to Fix

In a historic move, Firestone issued the biggest tire recall ever in 1978, taking back 14.5 million steel-belted radials. This monumental step followed their entry into the radial tire market in the early ’70s, vying with Michelin and Goodyear.

Firestone’s haste in production without perfecting designs led to a tripled adjustment rate compared to competitors, essentially making consumers their test subjects. The death of an Alabama State Trooper and resulting government scrutiny forced Firestone to recall the hazardous 500s, linked to forty deaths and numerous accidents.