NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 26, 2004) — Bridgestone/Firestone is recalling approximately 25,600 Bridgestone Dueler A/T tires in the U.S. and 1,400 more in Canada in what it calls a “voluntary safety campaign.”&Copy;
The subject tires—size LT285/75R16 load range D—were manufactured in Japan by Bridgestone Corp., BFS's parent, and imported into the U.S. for sale in the replacement tire market primarily by the company's channel of independent dealers and company-owned retail outlets. In a related action, BFS said Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc. intends to replace about 1,400 of these tires in the Canadian replacement market that were sold through the firm's network of independent dealers.
Nashville-based BFS said recent data reviewed as part of its early warning system suggested a small percentage of the tires may experience belt detachment, especially if they have been operated below recommended inflation pressures for the load carried by the tire or above recommended loads. It noted that “a belt detachment of this kind can, in rare instances, lead to a loss of control of a vehicle and a possible crash.”
The performance of the Dueler A/T tires in question differs from other Dueler tires, the company said, including those of the same size and type that were made after July 31, 2002, “which continue to perform well in the field.”
The company said consumers in the U.S. can receive free replacement tires through any BFS company owned stores. Canadian consumers should contact an authorized participating Bridgestone retailer for replacement, BFS advised.