Tire Recalls

Quick, how many pounds of air are supposed to be in the tires on your car? If that information isn't at the top of your mind, you aren't alone.

A survey by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), the national trade association for tire manufacturers, shows only about one in six vehicles have four properly inflated tires and only 15 percent of drivers know how to properly check tire pressure.

Why is that an issue? Under-inflated tires are a safety risk, causing tires to wear out faster. They also waste gasoline.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that under-inflated tires contribute to more than 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries each year. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that under-inflated tires wastes more than 1 billion gallons of gasoline annually.

"America needs inflation," said RMA President and CEO Charles Cannon. "In just five minutes every month, motorists can ensure that their tires are properly inflated which promotes safety, better fuel economy and helps prevent premature wear."

Tire pressure tips

Check tire pressure monthly and before long trips. Use the vehicle manufacturer's recommended inflation pressure. This information is found on a label on the driver's side door post or motorists can check their owner's manual.

Check tires when cold, before driving. Otherwise, tires become warm when driven which increases tire pressure and the reading is not accurate.

A phone survey of 1,000 U.S. drivers, sponsored by RMA, found that 62 percent of drivers don't know where to find the correct inflation pressure for their vehicle's tires and 43 percent don't know that tires should be checked “cold,” before driving.

The survey found that, while 60 percent of motorists wash their vehicles once a month, only 15 percent check tire pressure that often.

December 10, 2008
Dill Air Control Products is recalling snap-in rubber tire valve stems sold between November 2006 and July 2007.

If you purchased tires between November 2006 and July 2007, and if the valve stems in your wheel contain the unique Dill cap (shown below), you should have the valve stems inspected for cracks in the rubber.

These valves may lack the required additive to protect the rubber against deterioration from ozone exposure. As a result, affected valve stems, when subject to high levels of ozone, may weather and crack earlier than normal for this product. Over time, such a crack could progress to the point that it leaks air resulting in a loss of tire pressure. Loss of tire pressure can result in a flat tire and/or loss of vehicle control, which could cause a crash without warning.

The recall is for models APC TR413, TR414, and TR418.

Tire dealers will inspect your Dill ACP valve stems and replace them if cracked at no charge to the consumer. The tire dealer will then file a claim with Dill.

For more information, see www.tirevalverecall.net or call 1-888-364-2982.

Consumers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or at www.safercar.gov.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2000 -- Facing a growing swarm of lawsuits, Bridgestone/Firestone today announced that it will replace free of charge about 6.5 million tires sold as standard equipment on Ford Explorers and other sport utility vehicles.

Meanwhile, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is continuing its investigation and may order additional actions. There have been at least 46 reported deaths and hundreds of injuries in accidents involving the 15-inch tires.

The recall covers the P235/75R15 ATX, ATX II and Wilderness AT tires.

Bridgestone/Firestone has been moving quickly to try to settle more than 100 lawsuits filed by motorists and their passengers who were killed or injured in crashes involving the tire. Ford has also been named in many of the lawsuits and has also been trying to settle as many cases as possible.

Both companies have insisted on gag orders as part of their settlements, so the dollar value of the out-of-court agreements isn't known.

It's the largest tire recall in history and is likely to produce more lawsuits, as the extensive publicity alerts consumers who weren't previously aware of the problems with the tire.

June 30, 2009
Bridgestone/Firestone is recalling about 127,000 Firestone FR 380 tires, size P235/75R15, manufactured from Sept. 9, 2007 through July 2, 2008.

Continued use of the tires may lead to vibration and groove cracking, which could in turn lead to tread distortion or tread separation and loss of vehicle control.

Bridgestone will notify owners and replace the tires free of charge. The company will also mount and balance the replacement tires at no charge when the recall begins in June.

Owners may contact the company at 1-800-465-1904 or visit their Website at www.firestonetire.com.

Consumers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or at www.safercar.gov.

Dynamic Tire Corp. is recalling 17,369 Towmax STR tires, size ST225/75 R15 manufactured June 15, 2014, to October 14, 2014.

The affected tires may have the incorrect load capacity and inflation pressure stampings. The misinformation on the label could lead a driver to overinflate the tires, increasing the risk of a tire failure and raising the risk of a crash.

Dynamic will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eligible tires, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 10, 2014.

Owners may contact Dynamic customer service at 1-905-595-3593.

For drivers who are searching for the right set of new tires for their vehicle, a new release from Consumer Reports magazine shows how the company rates over 150 tires now on the market. Consumer Reports scores tire models on the following criteria:

• Wet and dry performance
• Performance on the ice
• Handling
• Hydroplaning
• Performance in snow
• Noise
• Rolling resistance
• Longevity of tire tread

The report also tests tires according to their ability to provide a comfortable ride. Consumer Reports tested tires for all sorts of vehicles, including cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as different seasonal and high-performance tire types.

In a preview of the full report, which gets published in Consumer Reports magazine and accessed by subscription online, the company provided some helpful tips for consumers, as well as some additional caveats related to auto shopping.

One recommendation from top staffers is that consumers should look for tires that can last a long time while still providing good traction on the road. CR also advised customers to think about the higher cost of  run-flat tires, which lessen the inconvenience of a flat, but generally end up costing drivers more in total costs of ownership for a vehicle.

Right type

Consumer Reports also suggests that drivers choose the right type of tire from the following:

• All-season tires that have overall good tread and allow for a comfortable ride, but less performance in inclement weather
• All-terrain tires for off-roading
• High-performance tires that help with handling but don’t last as long
• Winter tires that provide better traction on snow and ice

Tire shoppers should also review the laws on winter tires, including tire studs and chains, in their state of residence.

Consumer warnings

One additional point that CR is making is that some car companies are now skimping on the basic equipment needed to actually change a flat.

The report names Hyundai and its top-selling Accent model as a  model that comes factory-equipped with only an air compressor and sealant kit, rather than the traditional spare tire and jack.

Another car buying issue that drivers may want to look out for is “locking lugs.” This is another fancy feature on new cars that can actually be a frustrating barrier to changing a spare. Locking lug nuts are specialty bolts for tires that can only be removed with a special manufacturer’s tool.

Although these features are promoted as a theft deterrent, many consumers feel that unless their vehicle is parked in an extremely high-crime area, these specialty lugs are unnecessary. As for the disadvantages of locking lug nuts, ConsumerAffairs has received various complaints from consumers that feature some of the problems with these items, including:

• Inability to change or rotate tires when the original tool is lost
• Damage to locking lugs or specialty tool at a place of service
• Problems securing a spare tire with locking lug nuts

Drivers can ask questions at the dealership about whether locking lug nuts will really help them to secure their vehicle, or whether these specialty bolts will make it necessary to return to the dealership for even minor service in the future.

Whether you’re headed to the dealer’s lot or to the tire store, keep these helpful tips in mind to get the purchases that are right for you.

Tires are probably the most important, but most under-appreciated part of your vehicle. They are literally where "the rubber meets the road," the only part of your car that makes contact with the highway. You tend not to think much about them, until something goes wrong.

Robert, of Cottonwood Falls, Kan., said he purchased four Yokohoma tires for his truck in February 2011. Upon checking them this month he reports what he considers excessive wear.

"The mileage on the tires from purchase date is 26,000 miles," Robert wrote to ConsumerAffairs. "I'm very dissatisfied and angry that the tires cost over $750 and did not last longer than 14 months."

Paul, of Hicksville, N.Y., reports what he considers a more serious problem with the tires he purchased at Pep Boys three years ago. He said he made a disturbing discovery when he had a flat tire.

"On changing the tire I found the tire delaminated," Paul wrote in a ConsumerAffairs post. "To a trained person, it is clear the tire is defective. Upon looking at the other tire, it is clear it is beginning the same delamination."

Should be defect-free

Consumer comments about Pep Boys

Obviously, new tires should not contain defects and should not wear out after a year of use. Sometimes, however, it's not the tires that cause the wear but an improper installation or alignment. But there's no question that getting the right set of tires for a vehicle is the starting point for satisfaction and safety.

If it's time to replace you tires, you have several options. You can replace your tires with the same brand and size that came with the vehicle. Or, you could move up to better quality tires - ones that promise more miles or an added measure of safety.

Considerations

Choosing the right tire involves knowing how you expect to drive the vehicle. Do you drive long distances for your work? Do you have to navigate mountainous back roads? Do you in an area that gets lots of rain or snow? Or, will you rarely drive at highway speeds?

It also involves what's most important to you about tires? Do you want tires that will last longer? Ones that enhance the comfort of your ride? Do you want tires that minimize road noise?

Where you buy is important too

Read consumer comments about Just Tires

Once you have figured out how you will drive and what's most important to you, find a store that you trust to recommend a tire that fits you needs. A good sales person will ask a lot of questions before recommending a tire.

A good tire store will also stand behind their work, so that if you experience problems like Paul and Robert did, they'll help you resolve it.

While the technology behind tires is a lot better than it used to be, tires are also more expensive than they once were. That's why it's important to shop carefully, buying the right tires for you vehicle from the right store.

What's the right store?

How do you decide what store is right for you.  A good place to start is the ConsumerAffairs Tire Department. There you'll find consumers reviewing -- and often lamenting -- their experiences with various stores and tire brands. Keep in mind that reviews tend to focus on the negative, but at the same time, watch out for patterns.  If tons of consumers complain that a certain tire brand delaminated or didn't wear well, that should be a cautionary note.

The problem with many tire stores is that they tend to push certain brands. In other words, they sell you want they want to sell you, not what's best for you. One way around this is to shop online at a site that walks you through the process and displays as many or as few options as you specify.

Just a few consumer comments about TireRack

TireRack.com, a favorite of ConsumerAffairs editors, has a well-designed website that basically "interviews" you about your vehicle and your driving preferences. You can, for example, specify your model and ask to see only all-weather tires made by certain companies. The prices are competitive -- usually $10 to $30 less per tire than you would pay locally.  If you're not up for installing tires yourself, TireRack will ship your tires to a local service station or tire store that will install them for you.

Ironically, the tires may wind up being shipped to one of the local tire stores you initially avoided.

A ConsumerAffairs editor had this experience recently when buying new tires for a MiniCooper. He initially visited a Just Tires store in his neighborhood but found only a few tires in the right size. He ordered from TireRack instead and had the tires shipped to -- guess who? -- Just Tires. By the time he paid Just Tires $20 or so per tire to install the tires, he wound up paying about what he would have paid if he had bought the tires at Just Tires but he got the specific tires he wanted, which Just Tires didn't have in stock.

Good margins

While waiting around Just Tires, our editor made small talk with the store manager, who groused about all the online orders the store was now installing.

"Well, you're making $20 a tire for the installation with no inventory cost, no long-term storage and no sales expense.  That sounds pretty good to me," the editor said.

"Yeah, you're right.  I hadn't really thought about it that way," the manager said, though he still didn't seem very happy about it as he slouched back to his office.

It's fun oohing and aahing over all the new cars manufacturers are showing off at auto shows around the country.  But pop the trunk and chances are, you won't find a spare tire, or a jack, or even a lug wrench.  They've gone the way of the Model T.

That’s because some vehicle manufacturers are omitting heavy spare tires in order to meet new government fuel efficiency standards, explains the auto club. Instead of a spare, auto makers, from Acura to Volvo, are equipping new vehicles with an emergency sealant and inflator kit or tires that if damaged can run reasonable distances without air. The vanishing spare tire has car buyers buzzing.

“The sad truth is, many vehicle owners are unaware that their late model vehicle has no spare tire until they have a flat tire or a blow-out, and that could cause desperation on the side of the road,” said John B. Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Manager of Public and Government Affairs. “Yet, the emergency sealer/inflators kits are ineffective, if your tire gets a large puncture or has a blow-out.

"Auto dealerships in the Washington metro area say they are seeing a surge in the number of customers worried about the eventuality of a flat tire and, as a result, they are purchasing spare tire kits for their recently purchased vehicles. The cost of the spare tire kit can run from $150 to $350, depending upon the make and the model,” Townsend said.

“There are more than 700 new automobile makes and models on the marketplace today, but only 51 models come equipped with full-size matching spare tires, which are quickly becoming a relic of the past. First, they were replaced by ‘donuts’ or compact temporary spares and now more cars are coming off the assembly line with no spare at all. Many motorists will find that vexing and annoying,” he said.

13 percent

In fact, 13 percent of all new vehicles sold in the first half of 2011 did not include a spare tire, and that number is expected to increase in future models and makes, explains AAA Mid-Atlantic. Even so, 51 percent of 2011 models came equipped with temporary spares, and the run-flat tire was standard in 7.2 percent of 2011 model-year vehicles, auto industry research shows.

A consumer who recently purchased a new 2012 Elantra posted the following diatribe to the Hyundai Motor America Corporate Office  blog. “No spare tire, No jack…Was not told any of the above (about the jack and spare) I called the office and [the dealership] told me they don’t put the jack and spare to get the fuel mileage…not happy with this new Elantra. Would not buy another.”

Why the sea change?  Well, in 2010, the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency established new corporate average fuel economy standards for vehicle model years 2012 to 2016. The new standards are set at a combined 29.7 mpg for the 2012 model year, increasing to 34.1 mpg by 2016.  Achieving these standards will require many changes to the vehicles we drive. 

“As a result, consumers should review their owner’s manual and emergency maintenance supplies they have in the vehicle and be informed about alternatives to a spare to prevent panic or a delay when encountering a flat tire,” the auto club advises.

One area of focus is to reduce the weight of vehicles without compromising occupant safety.  A spare tire, related tools and a jack can weigh more than 40 pounds. That may seem like a small amount, but every little bit helps. Unlike other weight-saving changes, it doesn’t add cost to the vehicle.  

Michelin is recalling 799,900 BF Goodrich Commercial T/A A/S LRE and Uniroyal Laredo HD/H LRE tires, sizes LT235/85R16 120 Q and LT245/75R16 120 Q. 

The tires may develop a separation at the tread/belt edge. A tread/belt separation of the tire while the vehicle is in use can result in rapid air loss that may increase the risk of a vehicle crash. 

Michelin will notify owners and replace the affected tires free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or about, August 6. Owners may contact Michelin Consumer Care at 1-800-637-5527.

Michelin North America is recalling 1,200,000 Michelin LTX M/S tires, size LT225/75R16 115/112R LRE, manufactured from January 10, 2010, through June 23, 2012. The tires are supplied for use as original equipment on certain Ford vehicles, and as replacement equipment on various brand commercial light trucks, full-sized heavy duty vans, small RVs and some large pickup trucks.

These tires could experience tread separation, which can lead to rapid air loss, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Michelin will notify owners and Michelin dealers will replace the tires free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 6, 2014.

Owners may call Michelin Consumer Care Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, or Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am to 4:30pm EST at the following numbers: USA: 1-800-231-5893 (language options: English and Spanish).

Federal Corporation is recalling 6,209 model Couragia A/T LT245/75R16 120/116Q 10PR tires manufactured May 2013, through April 2014, and with sidewall stampings of DOT UXA3 and calendar weeks of 1913 through 1414.

The affected tires may experience cracks in the shoulder caused by separation of the steel belt edge. Thus, they fail to to comply to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 139, "New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles."

Shoulder cracks in a tire may result in an unexpected loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Federal Corporation will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected tires with new tires, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on, or about, July 15, 2014.

Owners may contact Federal at 1-855-444-8235.

Double Camel, in cooperation with Lionshead Specialty Tire & Wheel LLC (Lionshead), is recalling 1,440 Vail Sport ST LH 99 tubeless trailer tires, size 225/75D15, load range D, DOT code 69, manufactured from July 14, 2013, through July 27, 2013 (and a sidewall date code 2813 or 2913).

On May 7, 2014, Double Camel increased the recall to include an additional 38,129 Vail Sport ST LH 99 tires encompassing build dates from November 20, 2011, through September 21, 2013 (dates codes 4711 through 3713). The total population of the tires being recalled is now 39,569.

The original population of tires may fail under prolonged use and may become unseated from the rims and the additional population of tires may be more susceptible to failure due to road hazards.

Tire damage from road hazards, failure from prolonged use or unseating of the tire from the rim increases the risk of a crash.

Lionshead will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires with compliant ones. The recall of the initial population of tires began in February 2014. The recall for the expanded population of tires is expected to begin in June 2014.

Customers may contact Lionshead at 1-574-533-6169.

Shandong Jinyu Industrial Co. LTD, is recalling 5,068 Jinyu YS78 and Evergreen ES89 AT tires, size LT225/75R16, manufactured April 1, 2011, to August 31, 2014 (DOT date codes 1611 through 4314).

The affected tires may not be able to properly dissipate heat, and as a result, the tire belts may separate. If the tire belts separate, the tire may suddenly lose air, increasing the risk of a crash.

The remedy for this recall is still under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule.

Owners may contact Shandong customer service at 1-786-521-1296.