The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced today that Kuhmo Tire USA Inc. has voluntarily recalled at least 1,238 tires after it was discovered that specific models were experiencing air loss during vehicle operation. According to the NHTSA, the affected tire line and model are the KUMHO SOLUS KH25/225/45R17, which were manufactured and produced between August 21, 2011 and June 23, 2012. It is believed that only 122 of the tires have actually been sold.
A manufacturing defect in the tires has developed an issue with cracking in the sidewall. This results in gradual air loss, which is not always immediately recognizable and can lead to tire failure, accidents, and considerable vehicle, property, and personal damage. Representatives from Kuhmo will contact consumers who have purchased these tires individually, and the company will replace them at no expense to the consumer. For additional information, consumers are encouraged to contact Kuhmo at (909) 428-3999 or the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236.
In 2011, multiple automobile manufacturers in China recalled more than 75,000 vehicles because of defective Kuhmo tires. The issue leading to that recall dealt with too much rework rubber in the manufacturing process, which led to rapid deterioration in the tread while the tires were in use. The defect came to light after a police car in China suffered a blowout that resulted in the death of the police officer driving the vehicle, as well as four other people.
In 2009, Kuhmo recalled 36,292 Mohave A/T light truck all-terrain tires because they caused truck drivers to experience swaying and general loss of vehicle control when carrying large loads, which could have caused a substantial number of automobile accidents.
Kuhmo’s manufacturing facilities are located in South Korea, China, and Vietnam, and in 2008, the company opened its first American factory in Macon, Georgia.