WASHINGTON (Sept. 29, 2004) — For the third straight time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found no defect trend in Firestone Steeltex tires.
Two of the investigations—including this one—were instigated by Joseph L. Lisoni, a Pasadena, Calif., plaintiffs' attorney who alleges that all Steeltex tires made since 1995 are inherently defective.
NHTSA, however, found the information Mr. Lisoni submitted was repetitive and mostly erroneous.
In a press release, Bridgestone/Firestone said it was “pleased but not surprised” by the agency's findings and that this latest ruling “should once again put to rest any and all questions that have been raised about the Steeltex tires, even for Mr. Lisoni.”
Mr. Lisoni, however, said he not only would refile his petition with NHTSA in six months, but also will continue to seek certification of his class-action lawsuit against Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone/Firestone. The lawyer is appealing the denial of class-action certification that an Indio, Calif., judge issued last March in the case.