Sumitomo Tire Recalls
Sumitomo is a major player in the tire manufacturing industry, but you may not recognize their name as readily as brands like Pirelli or Goodyear. Sumitomo hails from Japan, but it also builds tires for other notable brands, like Dunlop.
When compared to other well-known tire brands, Sumitomo has had very few recalls, but there have been various complaints filed over the years. There is a chance that some unknown defects in Sumitomo tires have caused some vehicle accidents, but the victims were unaware of the real cause of the accident and therefore never filed a defective tire claim.
Tire manufacturers have a duty to build reliable and safe products. When those products fail and cause harm to others, the manufacturer needs to be held accountable. As a consumer, it’s important to understand your rights and what legal remedies are available when a defective tire caused an accident.
If you’ve been involved in a vehicle collision that involved a defective tire, whether or not it was a Sumitomo tire, it’s important to speak with a defective tire attorney.
History of Sumitomo Tire Recalls and Complaints
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a searchable database that details both tire recalls and complaints issued, including those involving Sumitomo tires:
- Sumitomo 875R165: Two complaints received in 2009, one of which involved bald tread on a one-year-old tire, causing the vehicle to hydroplane when accelerating from a stop or driving up to 55 MPH.
- Sumitomo Cyclone Radial GT: Recall issued in 2006 for certain Treadway tires due to some tires being produced with non-conforming belt wire coat stock. When used, tires may develop belt separation due to a reduction in the tire’s ability to prevent corrosion of the steel wires if moisture reaches the steel belt.
- Sumitomo HTRZII: Four complaints received between 2009 and 2014 for various tire failure issues
There are a number of other complaints filed about Sumitomo tires in general for a number of issues related to tire failure like tread separation and unexplained blowouts. Remember, just because you don’t see a recall or a complaint filed, it doesn’t mean there isn’t something wrong with your particular Sumitomo tire. This is why speaking with a defective tire attorney is so important.
Who’s Liable if I was Injured in an Accident Due to a Defective Tire?
Product liability laws cover products like Sumitomo tires. As the tire manufacturer, Sumitomo is required to ensure its products are safe and without hazards. There are limited situations where a tire distributor and/or retailer could be held liable as well.
Hiring a Defective Tire Attorney
If you’ve been in an accident and you believe a defective Sumitomo tire played a role in it, seek the guidance of a defective tire attorney. It’s important to go with an attorney who has ample experience with product liability law, especially as it relates to tire defects.
At Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A., we have over 60 years combined experience handling a variety of litigation matters, including product liability cases such as defective tires. Contact our office at 305-445-1111 to set up a free initial consultation. Let us investigate your case and see if you have grounds for a product liability claim against Sumitomo, or any other tire manufacturer.
