Now Tyre Problems For Goodyear In USA

Reports in American newspapers suggest tyre tread separation problems with Goodyear tyres are being linked to eight deaths. The Goodyear 16 inch Load Range E tyres received a design alteration five years ago, but no recall was made. Goodyear said it had found no faults in the tyres, but did settle several lawsuits arising from the incidents.

Amounts and details of the agreements have been kept secret. However, the lawsuits were very similar to those currently facing Firestone. The NHTSA advises that it has received 59 reports of tire failures over the previous three years, involving Goodyear light-truck tires.

They continue to monitor the reports. Goodyear conducted full tyre testing on the tyres in question as far back as 1995, but found no faults, so did not inform regulators at the time. Company spokesman, Chuck Sinclair said, “We believe the Load Range E tires to be good tires free of any manufacturing or design defects”.

However, as part of the review process Goodyear recognised that larger vehicles might lead to overloading the tyres and a nylon cap was added to the tyre to carry the extra loads expected. Some millions of the older, un-reinforced tyres remain in circulation. .