WASHINGTON — Hankook Tire America Corp. is recalling certain Kinergy GT tires because of a potential issue with tread separation.
The impacted Kinergy GT tires are size 235/50R19H with DOT code 0521.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation. Tread separation can result in tire failure and a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
In a recall notice to tire dealers, Hankook said, "a small batch of passenger tires produced as original equipment for the Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain were manufactured with sub-tread rubber with an insufficient amount of curative agent due to a manufacturing irregularity."
The company said consumers may hear noise or feel vibration when driving. At high speed, tread delamination may occur.
Hankook identified 172 tires with the impacted barcode, but the recall could potentially affect 7,026 units, according to a safety report issued by the NHTSA.
Hankook and General Motors will begin notifying end consumers in letters to be mailed July 29. The consumers will be directed to contact the dealer where they purchased their vehicle to schedule an appointment for having a replacement tire installed on their vehicle.
"In case you are contacted, we request your assistance in verifying that the tire is included in this program and removing, replacing, and returning all identified tires," the company wrote to tire dealers.
The tires must meet the DOT, DOT Date, and barcode number in order to be part of the recall. However, Hankook will also replace tires with an unreadable barcode. If a vehicle has one or three tires installed that are part of the recall, Hankook will provide replacement tires to ensure that both tires on an axle are replaced.
Only Hankook brand tires will be eligible for payment or credit for the cost of the tires.
Upon receipt and verification of the tire by Hankook, payment or credit will be issued to the tire dealer.