Bridgestone/Firestone Announces Voluntary Recall Of 3.85 Million Radial ATX and Radial ATX II Tires, And 2.7 Million Wilderness AT Tires
10 August 2000
Company Urges All Drivers to Maintain Proper Inflation in Their Tires
WASHINGTON - 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, Illinois 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, DC 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:
* 1. The number of reported incidents with the P235/75R15 Radial
ATX and ATX II is higher than with other sizes in this line;
* 2. The Decatur, Illinois plant is over-represented in the
accident claims and reports compared with other plants;
* 3. 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, Illinois 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. Customers who need assistance should call
the toll-free customer service number at 800-465-1904.
* 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.
* 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, Tennessee based Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., is 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.