Firestone Waiver Forms Waived

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Consumers do not have to waive any of their legal rights to take advantage of the Bridgestone/Firestone tire replacement program under an agreement worked-out between Firestone executives and attorneys general from 49 U.S. states.

“At the request of the attorneys general, Bridgestone/Firestone has removed any release language from reimbursement forms. Consumers do not have to waive their legal rights to take advantage of any Bridgestone/Firestone tire replacement program,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Mike Fisher. “Additionally, at the request of the attorneys general, Bridgestone/Firestone has agreed not to enforce any ‘releases’ on the recall or advisory forms previously signed by consumers.”

Firestone will replace all tires listed on the Sept. 1 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration consumer advisory free of charge if the tires are taken to an authorized Bridgestone/Firestone dealer. Tires will be replaced regardless of use and condition--and they can even be replaced if not currently being used on a vehicle. If a consumer prefers to replace consumer advisory tires with a competitor’s tires, Firestone will reimburse the consumer up to $140 per tire for any tire purchased to replace a tire listed on the NHTSA Consumer Advisory.

“I want to urge all consumers to replace any consumer advisory tires as soon as possible,” said Jennifer M. Granholm, Michigan’s attorney general. “You can either get free replacements at a Bridgestone/Firestone dealer or obtain reimbursement up to $140 per tire if you go to a competitor to have your tires replaced. Your safety and your peace of mind are paramount.”

If customers choose the replacement option at a Bridgestone/Firestone dealer, “tire replacement should be absolutely free to the consumer. Consumers will not be charged for mounting, balancing, valve stem, sales tax or disposal fees for replacement tires.” If a customer previously had a road hazard warranty or insurance, Bridgestone/Firestone will replace that warranty free of charge when the replacement tire is installed.

Bridgestone/Firestone will replace consumer advisory tires for either individuals or companies, but will select the brand and type of tires used as a replacement.

Should consumers choose the $140 reimbursement option, the reimbursement includes mounting, balancing, valve stem, sales tax and tire disposal fees. “Consumers can elect the reimbursement option regardless of the use or condition of the tires. If a consumer previously had a road hazard warranty, Bridgestone/Firestone will pay to replace the warranty on the new tires.”

In order to be eligible for the reimbursement program, consumers must return NHTSA’s Consumer Advisory tires to an authorized retailer where appropriate forms to apply for reimbursement will be provided. A consumer will also need an original receipt for the replacement tires to attach to the reimbursement form. It will likely take 4-6 weeks for a consumer to receive the reimbursement from Bridgestone/Firestone.

In addition, tires voluntarily recalled by Bridgestone/Firestone are also subject to free replacement by a Bridgestone/Firestone dealer or reimbursement of up to $100 dollars when a competitor’s tires are purchased.

More information about identifying recalled and advisory tires, and Bridgestone/Firestone’s explanation of the process is available at www.bridgestone-firestone.com.

NHTSA’s Consumer Advisory and other traffic safety information from the federal government are available at www.nhtsa.dot.gov.