Tyre firm Goodyear on Tuesday said that it would be recalling 1.73 lakh G159 recreational vehicle (RV) tyres in the US. As per a report by Reuters, the recall was issued because of the potential for catastrophic tread separations and after mounting pressure from the U.S. auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Under the recall, Goodyear dealers will be replacing the tyres installed on RVs along with providing consumers with $60 vouchers. The company is also offering a refund of $500 for tyres not installed on vehicles. The recall only applies to the firm’s G159 tyres of the size 275/70 R22.5.
The NHTSA opened a preliminary investigation into the tyres in 2017 to review allegations raised in lawsuits that some of the tires had defects causing RV (motorhome) crashes resulting in deaths and injuries. The safety regulator had asked the company to recall the tyres earlier this year though the company had declined the request at the time.
The company in a filing now said that it had now agreed to recall the tyres “to address concerns that some of these tires may still be in the marketplace or in use.” The company though has said that there were no safety defects in its product and cited that few if any remained on the road with the affected tyres last manufactured in 2003.
“While these tires are no longer being produced, some RV owners may have the tires on their vehicle, or set aside as a spare, and do not know. NHTSA urges anyone who owns, rents, or uses an RV or truck with 22.5-inch rims to ensure these tires are not in use on their vehicle,” the safety regulatory body said in a statement.
Additionally, in a separate recall demand latter, the NHTSA said that the company knew of the defect as far back as in 2002 but did not issue a recall.