FULLERTON, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2005)—Yokohama Tire Corp. is voluntarily recalling a batch of 69 Yokohama commercial tires produced by GTY Tire Co., a joint venture in Mount Vernon, Ill., involving Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., Continental Tire North America Inc. and Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd.
The defective tires contain a non-specified compound in the shoulder area, Yokohama said. During extended running, the shoulder area of the tire could lift, resulting in degraded ride and handling. Eventually, the tread could separate from the casing, posing a safety risk, the company said.
Yokohama said there have been no reports of tire failures, accidents or injuries due to the defect, which was detected within one week of manufacture.
The company said it will replace the affected tires with standard in-specification production tires at no cost to end-users or dealers through July 31, 2005. After that date, recalled tires will be adjusted on a pro-rata basis.
A total of 142 GTY-produced steer, driver and trailer tires are affected by the recall, including the 69 Yokohama tires, Yokohama said.
More information on the recalled tires is available at www.yokohama.com/recall or by calling (800) 722-9888.