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Bridgestone/Firestone Announces Voluntary
Recall of 3.85 million RADIAL ATX and RADIAL ATX II Tires, and
2.7 million Wilderness AT Tires
Company urges all drivers to maintain
proper inflation in their tires.
WASHINGTON, DC, Aug. 9, 2000
-- Saying
the safety of consumers is the company’s first concern, today
Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., announced a voluntary recall of all
Firestone Radial ATX and Radial ATX II tires in size P235/75R15
produced in North America, including Mexico, and Wilderness AT
tires in size P235/75R15 produced at the Decatur, Ill., plant.
The recall includes original equipment and replacement tires
of that size, regardless of the vehicle’s manufacturer. Vehicle
owners will be notified of the recall by mail. Bridgestone/Firestone
will replace all of these tires with brand new Wilderness AT or
other Bridgestone/Firestone tires. If necessary, the company will
obtain other sources of supply.
The recall was announced by Gary Crigger,
executive vice president of Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., at a Washington,
D.C., news conference. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
is currently conducting a preliminary evaluation of the tires
in response to questions relating to failures of these tires.
The company is not limiting the recall. There have been approximately
14.4 million of these tires produced. The company estimates that
the number of tires still in use and involved in the recall is
6.5 million, which includes 3.8 million Radial ATX and ATX II
tires and 2.7 million Wilderness AT tires.
"At Bridgestone/Firestone, nothing
is more important to us than the safety of our customers,"
said Crigger. "We felt we must take this extraordinary step
as a precaution to ensure consumer safety and consumer confidence
in our brands. So, no matter how old the tires, no matter how
many miles they have on them, we will replace them with new tires."
Crigger said, "Throughout this process,
we have been working very closely with Ford Motor Company and
NHTSA to determine the cause of the accidents involving vehicles
with these tires. While we have not determined what, if any, problem
there may be with these tires, our review of the data suggests
three things."
Although noting that accidents involving
these tires are rare in comparison to the millions of tires produced,
he said that the data shows:
- The number of reported incidents with
the P235/75R15 Radial ATX and ATX II is higher than with other
sizes in this line;
- The Decatur, Ill., plant is over-represented
in the accident claims and reports compared with other plants;
- The majority of the incidents are in
the southern-most states of Arizona, California, Florida and
Texas, which suggests there may be a direct correlation between
heat and tire performance.
"In addition," Crigger said,
"the abundance of concern surrounding these tires clearly
indicates the need for this action."
The company also urged all consumers to
take additional steps to increase the lifespan and safety of their
tires, by maintaining proper inflation.
"When under inflated, all radial tires
generate excessive heat," Crigger said. "Driving on
tires in this condition can lead to tread separation. Maintaining
the proper inflation level will enhance the performance and lifespan
of these tires."
For the owners of the P235/75R15 size tires
in the ATX, ATX II produced in North America, including Mexico,
and Wilderness AT tires produced at the Decatur, Ill., plant:
- Customers who have a recalled tire will
receive a letter from the company notifying them of the recall
and the steps they need to take. .
- Those who have a recalled tire should
call their nearest local Firestone retailer to set up an appointment
for an exchange. Because the preponderance of incidents is in
the four southern states and given the limited supply of replacement
tires at this time, the company will be undertaking a three
phase recall starting in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas.
The second phase for the recall will be implemented in Alabama,
Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
The final phase will include the remainder of the states.
CLARIFICATION as of 8/16/00: Our
commitment is to replace all recalled tires as quickly as possible.
We are increasing US production of replacement tires and ramping
up supplies from our global network. Meanwhile, we are asking
all of our stores and retailers in every state to respond immediately
to their customers, replacing the recalled tires with competitors'
tires, if necessary.
- Keep non-Ford vehicles with Wilderness
AT tires at the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
- All vehicle owners using Wilderness
tires should keep their tires inflated at the pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer. For owners of Ford Explorers or
Mercury Mountaineers, with P235/75R15 ATX and Wilderness AT
tires on their vehicles, Ford recommends these tires be maintained
at a minimum of 26 psi. At the request of Firestone, Ford has
evaluated the performance of these tires at 30 psi and has determined
that the vehicles maintain good performance characteristics
at this higher pressure. Ford recommends a tire pressure range
of 26-30 psi. Firestone recommends a tire pressure of 30 psi.
Consistent with the company’s long-standing
policy of commitment to customer satisfaction and service, all
Wilderness tire owners were urged to contact their nearest company-owned
service center for a free inspection.
"We will inspect each customer’s tires
for damage or excessive wear, while checking to make sure the
tires are inflated to the level specified by the vehicle's manufacturer,"
said Crigger.
Crigger reiterated that these steps were
being taken to protect consumer safety and satisfaction. "We
extend our condolences to families that have lost loved ones in
accidents. We also apologize to our customers for the inconvenience
this recall causes and we ask for their patience," he said.
Nashville, Tenn. based Bridgestone/Firestone,
Inc., the largest subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation of Japan,
the world’s largest tire and rubber manufacturer. Bridgestone/Firestone,
Inc. develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone,
Dayton and private brand tires. The company also produces Firestone
air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber and industrial
fibers and textiles.
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