WASHINGTON — Goodyear has agreed to recall more than 170,000 medium truck tires produced between 1996 and 2003 and sold for use on trucks and recreational vehicles and which have experienced a rate of failure higher when used on RVs than similar tires.
The recall covers Goodyear G159 tires in size 275/70R22.5, commonly found on RVs, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which issued a public recall notice.
While these tires are no longer in production, NHTSA said, some RV owners may have the tires on their vehicle, or set aside as a spare, and do not know. NHTSA urges anyone who owns, rents or uses an RV or truck with 22.5-inch rims to ensure these tires are not in use on their vehicle.
According to the recall notice, certain 275/70R22.5 size G159 tires installed on motorhomes experienced
tread separations and other failures when exposed to conditions present in that market segment, including overloading and underinflation. The estimated population of these tires is undetermined. Production of the subject tire ended in January 2003.
Despite being discontinued, it is possible these tires can be found for purchase on online marketplaces, NHTSA cautioned, noting that it is illegal under federal law to sell recalled tires or other motor vehicle equipment.
NHTSA said tire failure at highway speeds can lead to serious injury or death.
NHTSA opened a defect investigation into G159 tires in 2018 based on claim and complaint data obtained from private litigation alleging that G159 tires installed on Class A motor homes failed in service, causing deaths or personal injuries. NHTSA said at that time the Goodyear commercial tire may have caused 95 injuries or deaths dating back to the 1990s.
NHTSA said it had requested in February that Goodyear conduct a safety recall of the 275/70R22.5 G159 tire, but Goodyear declined at that time. To address concerns that some of these tires may still be in the marketplace or in use, Goodyear now has agreed to undertake this recall, NHTSA said.
Drivers with impacted tires are encouraged to obtain a free replacement from a Goodyear Commercial Tire & Service Network location or authorized Goodyear commercial truck tire dealer immediately.
Goodyear will replace mounted G159 tires with a G670, size 275/70R22.5, free of charge, or pay $500 in exchange for impacted tires that have not been fitted on an RV, plus $60 to cover the cost of having the RV weighed.
Visit goodyearrvtires.com or goodyeartrucktires.com to locate the nearest retailer or call 866-353-3847. Please contact Goodyear Consumer Relations at 800-592-3267 for information on the exchange process.
