NHTSA Denies Yokohama Petition, Announces Tire Recall

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of 6,254 Yokohama Tire Corporation tires as the result of a design defect. These size P215/60R15 AVID H4S 93H tires, which were manufactured between December 2, 2007 and September 19, 2009, fail to adhere to the tire identification requirement of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 139, entitled “New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles.”

The molded markings on one sidewall do not include the complete TIN, or tire identification number, required by the Safety Standard. The absence of a TIN on both sides of the tire may make identification of the tires more difficult in the event of a future safety-related performance issue. As a result, the tires may not be removed from the vehicle, which could increase the risk of an injury car accident.

Because this Safety Standard noncompliance, does not affect the immediate safety of the vehicle, Yokohama petitioned the NHTSA for relief from remedy. This petition was denied on February 16, 2012. As a result, Yokohama will be recalling the tires. Registered owners will be notified and provided with replacement tires at no-cost. For additional information, owners may call the Yokohama Campaign Service Center at (888) 801-4162.

Any tire defect, whether superficial or profound in nature, has the potential to increase the risk of a motor vehicle accident.

If you have been injured as the result of a tire defect in New Jersey, the experienced tire defect lawyers in New Jersey at Blume Forte can help you determine whether your potential claim may have merit. Contact us at 973-845-4421 for a no-cost consultation.

Related Articles: