Michelin Tire Recalls
Known for inventing radial tires, the pneurail and a colorful mascot named Bibendum (aka Michelin Man), French tire manufacturer Michelin is the second largest tire maker worldwide, trailing only Bridgestone but larger than both Continental and Goodyear. Two brothers who operated a rubber factory, Edouard Michelin and Andre Michelin, are credited with the creation of the company.
The company controls numerous brands through successful acquisitions over the years, namely BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Riken and Tigar. Tires produced by this globally recognized company are fitted for motorcycles, vehicles, space shuttles, aircraft, heavy equipment and bicycles.
Did you trust Michelin tires to keep you safe while traveling long distances, only to have a major blowout or accident due to faulty manufacturing? Professionalism in all product liability claims make Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. a popular choice among consumers. Call our tire defect attorneys immediately if you’ve been injured, or a loved one lost their life, due to Michelin tire issues.
History of Michelin Recalls
Success has come at a steep price given the numerous tire recalls Michelin has endured over time. Here’s an abbreviated list of recalled tires including what continent the recalls affected:
- 2013: Approximately 100,000 tires were recalled due to potential blowout risks. In an effort to find 2,500 defective tires, Latitude Tour, X Radial, and LTX M/S2 lines were replaced on trucks and SUVs. Production dates ranged from late 2012 to early 2013 and affected North America.
- 2013: 1.3 million tires, including some found on older Ford Econoline vans, were recalled in an attempt to mitigate endurance problems with tread/belt. Consumers who had damaged vehicles, along with those who qualified for replacement, were able to get new tires and even receive compensation for damages. These tires were produced in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, and the size affected was LT225/75R16 115/112R LRE. Production dates were January 2010 to June 2012.
- 2007: 19,924 Michelin Pilot Power 2CT tires, used primarily as front motorcycle tires, were recalled to address adhesion issues. This limited recall started in July, 2005 and continued until all tires were located. DOT weeks affected were unknown.
If you’re unsure if Michelin tires you own are subject to recall, put your VIN or model number in the NHTSA website. You will qualify for replacement free of charge.
Michelin Tires and Consumer Action
Although Michelin takes every precaution necessary to manufacture tires compliant with Federal safety regulations, production doesn’t always go as planned. This causes bad tires to pass through quality inspection, find their way into retail stores, and get installed onto vehicles. Once installed, any number of things could happen – including an unwarranted death.
Owners of Michelin-brand tires who’ve endured needless pain and suffering due to an accident otherwise avoidable if tires were in good shape have options. Halpern Santos & Pinkert helps injured persons navigate those options, whether it’s holding Michelin or another driver (or both) accountable civilly or settling cases out of court.
Contact our firm if you’ve been injured by no fault of your own, and poor tires produced by Michelin were responsible. Call our office at 877-529-6211 to setup a no-charge consultation. We encourage you to read about us in the news.