Lawsuits Putting Pressure on Run-Flats

In the US it appears that consumer response to run-flat tyres is not as universally glowing as tyremakers had anticipated. So far two class-action suits have been filed due to dissatisfaction with the new technology, the latest being filed against Michelin and Honda on March 12.

The tyre at the centre of the March 12 suit is the Michelin Energy LX4 PAX run-flat, as fitted to the 2005-7 US market Honda Odyssey Touring and available as an option on the 2006-7 Acura RL. The suit claims that buyers were deceived about the cost of repairing and replacing the run-flat tyres.

One Honda Oddysey owner, although not a plaintiff in the case, reports that her vehicle’s tyres wore out after 20,000 miles. A Honda dealer quoted her a replacement and installation price of US$1,600. However Michelin claims the tyres should have an average tread life of 35,000 miles. According to Tom L. Chubb, Michelin North America’s vice president for original equipment marketing, it is possible some consumers may prematurely think their tyres need replacing as the shoulder design of the PAX can sometimes have the appearance of being badly worn when in fact it is not.

The PAX features a supportive internal polyurethane ring that allows for a more comfortable ride and better fuel economy as the there is no need for the tyre’s sidewall to be as stiff as in other run-flat designs. However this feature also makes the PAX more difficult to repair. According to Honda spokesman Chris Naughton, Michelin outlets or car dealers must have special tyre-changing equipment that can cost $3,000 to $15,000, depending on what equipment the dealer already owns.

Mark F. Anderson, one of the lawyers who filed the suit, said it was “ridiculous” that repairing a PAX tyre should be so complicated. Mr. Anderson also filed a class-action suit in 2005 against Toyota, Bridgestone and Dunlop over run-flats used on the 2004-6 4×4 Sienna.

Michelin spokeswoman Lynn Mann responded that the suit had “many misstatements and errors.” Chris Naughton said that Honda had not seen the suit, but described the Michelin Energy LX4 PAX as a “great product that provides convenience, added safety and peace of mind for our customers.”