Michelin Tire Recall
Last Friday, April 20, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) acknowledged the voluntary recall of 77,775 Michelin bus tires due to a “casing that may experience a loss of integrity and, in some cases, have rapid air loss.” This rapid tire air loss, also known as a blowout, increases the risk of a loss of vehicle control and crash.
Michelin explains the new and retreaded products were produced in their Spartanburg, South Carolina manufacturing plant from October 2005 to February 2011. Retreaded tires are previously worn tires which have had their old tread buffed away, then had a new rubber tread applied to the bare casing.
The manufacturer explains the recall affects the tire sizes and models below with the following DOT TINs and date ranges:
- Size 305/85R22.5 Michelin XZU3 LRJ with DOT TIN B6KUR6AX and DOT date range 4305 thru 3511
- Size 12R22.5 Michelin XZU2 LRJ with DOT TIN B63XB3KX and DOT date range 4305 thru 3511
- Size 305/85R22.5 Michelin XM505 LRJ with DOT TIN B6KUOO I X and DOT date range 1610 thru 1810, and 0411 thru 0611
All three models were sold in both the U.S. and Canada. Michelin said that so far they have received one personal injury claim related to these tires, which are generally used on transit buses.
NHTSA explains this recall is expected to begin on or around April 30, 2012. Michelin said that this voluntary safety recall will involve notifying customers who may have purchased new or retreaded tires. The recall letters will include an explanation of the issue, as well as specific instructions on how to find replacement tires and collect reimbursement for “remedies made prior to the recall.”
Nissan Titans Incorrectly Labeled
Last week Nissan released an amended noncompliance notice announcing the recall of 918 Titan trucks equipped with the “Sports Appearance Package.” The recall announcement explains that an incorrect tire placard places the vehicle’s seating capacity at six.
However, the vehicle can only seat five passengers due to a plastic console separating the two bucket-style front seats. The models included in this recall seat two passengers in the front and three in the back and were manufactured from June 10 to July 22, 2011.
With this faulty labeling, NHTSA announced that vehicle owners are at risk of overloading their vehicles, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Vehicle overload can cause a loss of steering stability, decrease in tire longevity, and unexpected tire rupture.
Like the monthly inspection of tire pressure, tire load limit is a careful consideration vehicle operators must make in order to ensure safe driving. This is particularly true of vehicles used for towing, like the Nissan Titan.