Michelin recalling 77,775 truck tires in U.S., Canada

ERJ staff report (TB)

Greenville, South Carolina -- Michelin North America Inc. is voluntarily recalling 77,775 Michelin-brand medium radial truck tyres in the US and Canada because of a problem with the tyres' casings that could cause rapid air loss. The case can be researched under NHTSA Campaign ID number 12T009000

The tyres being recalled are certain Michelin XZU3 LRJ, size 305/85R22.5, and XZU2 LRJ, size 12R22.5, produced between Oct. 23, 2005, and Sept. 3, 2011; and XM505 LRJ, size 305/85R22.5, produced between April 18 and May 8, 2010, and Jan. 23, 2011, and Feb. 12, 2011, at Michelin's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina .

The recall covers casings that have been retreaded, Michelin said. Of the tyres being recalled, 4,130 were sold in Canada.

Greenville-based Michelin said the tyres being recalled were used predominantly by transit bus fleets on a lease basis. During 2010 and 2011, Michelin said, customers using retreads on casings identified in this recall started experiencing “an increasing rate of casing endurance issues.”

Michelin said it has received one personal injury claim related to the subject tyres.

Michelin also said its program of continuous improvement produced numerous design and process updates that targeted various performances, including casing life.

Michelin said it will scrap all tyres in the specified DOT date ranges removed from service, or in its possession.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Campaign ID number 12T009000 from NHTSA