Bridgestone Firestone Tyre Recall

Bridgestone Firestone North American is recalling 25,600 of its tyres. The ‘voluntary safety’ recall follows concerns that “a small percentage” of Dueler A/T 693 tyres, size LT285/75R16, load range D, imported into the US from Japan, could suffer belt detachment.

Data reviewed by the company suggested that the tyres, made between 1 July 1998 and 31 July 2002, might experience belt detachment, especially if they have been operated above or below recommended inflation pressures for the load carried by the tyre.

The tyres were imported by the BFNT for the replacement market and sold primarily through its independent dealers and affiliated company BFS Retail & Commercial Operations.

Bridgestone Firestone Canada will also replace about 1,400 of the tyres, sold through independent dealers in Canada.

“Recent data reviewed as part of the company’s early warning system suggests that a small percentage of these tyres may experience belt detachment, especially if they have been operated below recommended inflation pressures for the load carried by the tyre or above recommended loads,” said BFNT officials.

“A belt detachment of this kind can, in rare instances, lead to a loss of control of a vehicle and a possible crash. In order to avoid any future problems, BFNT will replace these tyres to enhance safety and to ensure customer satisfaction.

“The performance of these tyres differs from other Dueler tyres, including those of the same size and type which were manufactured after 31 July 2002, which continue to perform well in the field.”

“Safety is the first priority in our company, and to that end we actively monitor our tyres’ performance in the field,” continued Mike Kane, VP quality assurance, BFNT.

The BFNT plans to notify customers of the recall by letter and has set up an enquiry line for customers to call.