Plaintiffs' Attorney Joseph Lisoni in National Class Action Lawsuit Responds to Firestone Recall of Steeltex Tires

PASADENA, Calif.--Feb. 26, 2004--Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC. (BFNT) announced today that it is recalling 490,000 Steeltex tires (LT265/75R16 Load Range D) tires which were made in Canada for use on Ford Excursion vehicles manufactured in 2000-2002 and for some 2003 models.

These tires are allegedly linked to 14 sport utility vehicle crashes that resulted in the deaths of five people. According to BFNT, approximately 297,000 of the tires are still on vehicles in the United States and another 20,000 internationally.

On Aug. 1, 20043, 2002, a national class action lawsuit against Bridgestone Corporation, Inc. and Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. was filed by the Pasadena, Calif.-based law firm of Lisoni & Lisoni. The lawsuit contends that the Firestone Steeltex R4S, R4SII and A/T tires have defects in design and manufacturing and have led to massive tire separation causing accidents which have resulted in deaths and injuries. The lawsuit seeks in excess of $3 billion in reimbursement for owners of the more than 30 million Steeltex tires manufactured, which are standard equipment on 71 types of vehicles.

Following is a statement by Joseph L. Lisoni, lead counsel in the lawsuit, commenting on today's recall by BFNT of the Steeltex tires:

"While helpful, Bridgestone/Firestone's announcement today that it has recalled some of its Steeltex tires is a classic case of too little too late. It represents less than two percent of the Steeltex tires which are out on our nation's roads and highways today. How many more catastrophic accidents have to occur which are causing injuries, deaths and property damage before it accepts its responsibility and recalls all Steeltex tires. Already, ambulance companies in 33 states have voluntarily begun replacing Steeltex tires at their own cost due to sudden tread separations which have led to injuries and deaths of patients being transported as well as injuries to their employees. Bridgestone/Firestone has known for years that the tires have serious defects in their design. The safety of these tires was further diminished in 1995 when the company severely reduced the quality of the materials used in manufacturing the Steeltex tires in a major cost-cutting effort known as Project C-95. This partial recall is tantamount to 'throwing a bone' to those in both the public and private sectors who are dedicated to having all of these tires recalled in the interests of public safety. Our national class action lawsuit is moving forward and we are redoubling our efforts to educate the public to the dangers of the Steeltex tire series as well as put pressure on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reopen its investigation of the Steeltex tires. Ultimately, however, Bridgestone/Firestone must recall all of its Steeltex tires. With each passing day it doesn't recall the tires, the health and welfare of the public is seriously at risk."