Ford Ending Swap of Firestone Tires

Ford Motor Co. said it replaced 82% of Firestone tires on Explorer sport utility vehicles and other trucks as it prepares to end the substitution program Sunday.

Ford, the world’s second-largest auto maker, has replaced 10.6 million of an estimated 13million Firestone Wilderness AT tires, a spokesman said.

Ford and the U.S. unit of Tokyo-based Bridgestone Corp. each have blamed the other for defects linked to an estimated 271 U.S. highway deaths involving Firestone tires, most on Explorer sport utility vehicles. The auto maker said last year that it would replace Wilderness AT tires at no expense to vehicle owners. The program cost Ford $2.1 billion last year, contributing to its first annual loss since 1992.

Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford’s shares rose 39 cents to $16.49 on the NYSE.