Find an Attorney For

Tire Failure Injuries

While they may seem simple on the outside, tires are expertly crafted pieces of equipment with billions of dollars of research behind them. More than just rubber, tires come in all shapes and sizes to suit a variety of needs.

No matter how much research and development is put into a tire, it can still be manufactured with defects that could potentially cause catastrophic damage or even death.

Many parties are involved before a tire makes it a consumer’s car. From the manufacturer to the retailer and even the mechanic that installs the tire – a failure or defect can present itself at any point during a tire’s life.

Parties liable in a defective tire or tire failure claim may include, but are not limited to:

• The tire manufacturer
• Retailers
• Mechanics and tire service providers

Finding the liable parties takes experience and knowledge. Make sure you choose a lawyer that has a proven track record in producing results in product liability lawsuits if you or someone you care about was injured by a defective product like a tire.

Several tire brands have faced recalls over the years due to safety concerns or defects. Some of the most notable tire recalls include:

1. Firestone Wilderness AT and ATX Tires: In the early 2000s, Firestone, a subsidiary of Bridgestone, recalled millions of its Wilderness AT and ATX tires. These tires, primarily used on Ford Explorer SUVs and other vehicles, were linked to numerous accidents and rollovers due to tread separation issues, which resulted in significant safety concerns.
2. Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tires: Goodyear recalled certain sizes of its Wrangler Silent Armor tires due to potential tread separation issues. This recall occurred in 2012 and involved specific production runs that were found to have a defect leading to tread separation, which posed safety risks.
3. Michelin LTX M/S Tires: Michelin recalled certain sizes of its LTX M/S tires in 2011 due to sidewall perforations that could cause loss of air pressure. This defect could potentially lead to tire failure and an increased risk of car accidents.
4. Continental ContiTrac, General Grabber, and other tire models: Continental Tire recalled various models under different brand names, such as ContiTrac, General Grabber, and others, due to potential sidewall perforation issues and concerns about the tires losing air pressure, leading to safety risks.

Recalls in the tire industry often occur due to safety concerns related to tread separation, sidewall issues, manufacturing defects, or other factors that could compromise the integrity of the tire and pose risks to drivers and passengers.

It’s important to note that while these recalls were significant at the time, tire manufacturers continuously strive to improve their products’ safety and reliability. Consumers are encouraged to regularly check for recalls or safety notices related to their tires and promptly address any concerns by contacting the tire manufacturer or visiting authorized dealers for inspection or replacement if necessary.

If you suspect that your tires might have been subject to a recall or if you want to proactively check for any recalls associated with your tires, you can follow these steps:

• Check the Tire Identification Number (TIN): The Tire Identification Number (TIN) is usually found on the sidewall of the tire. It begins with the letters “DOT” followed by a series of characters. This number helps identify the tire’s manufacturer, production location, tire size, and date of manufacture. It does not directly indicate recalls but is necessary for manufacturers to identify specific batches if a recall occurs.
• Visit the Manufacturer’s Website: Most tire manufacturers maintain websites where they list any recalls or safety notices for their products. Look for a “Recalls” or “Safety Notices” section on the manufacturer’s website. You might need to input your tire’s TIN or other details to check if your specific tires are affected.
• Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Website: The NHTSA also maintains a database of tire recalls and safety-related complaints. You can visit the NHTSA.gov website and use their search tool to look for tire recalls by entering the tire’s brand, model, or TIN.
• Contact the Manufacturer or Tire Retailer: If you’re unable to find information online or are unsure about the status of your tires, contacting the tire manufacturer directly or visiting an authorized tire retailer/dealer can provide clarity. They can verify if your tires are part of any recall and advise you on the necessary steps to take.
• Check for Notifications: If a tire recall affects your specific tires, the manufacturer is obligated to notify registered owners or customers. Keep an eye out for any mail, emails, or notifications from the tire manufacturer or the vehicle manufacturer if the tires came as original equipment.

Regularly checking for recalls or safety notices related to your tires is important for maintaining vehicle safety. If you discover that your tires are part of a recall, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement or inspection to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.