Bridgestone is expanding the recall it announced in October of last year to include additional Firestone FR380 P235/75 R15 tires manufactured by Bridgestone de Costa Rica at its San Jose plant in 2007 and 2008.
The company estimates that about 127,000 of the FR380 tires from the added production weeks have been sold in the U.S. replacement market. It is also possible that some of them may have been sold in Canada.
Although no property damage or personal injury claims have been reported, according to Bridgestone executives, “the tires fail to meet the company’s internal standards and will be replaced for consumers free of charge. Specifically, the subject tires were produced with insufficient tread base gauge, and continued use of these tires may lead to vibration and groove cracking. Extended use could potentially lead to tread distortion or tread separation and possible loss of control.”
The initial recall covered about 135,000 Firestone FR380 tires in size P235/75 R15 that were produced from the 23rd week in 2006 (June 2006) through the 35th week in 2007 (August 2007). The field action has been extended to include the FR380s produced during the 36th week in 2007 (September 2007) through the 30th week in 2008 (July 2008).
The recall consists of only those Firestone FR380 tires in size P235/75R15 with the tire DOT number that matches any of the following numbers stamped on the sidewall:
WBHL 380 3607 through and including WBHL 380 3008.
If the tire has a partial DOT serial number that appears as WBHL 380, the tire may be included in the recall. Consumers are advised to either look at the opposite sidewall to confirm that the full DOT number is within the noted range or have a tire professional check the number.
Bridgestone can be reached at 800-465-1904 to answer questions about the recall or replacement tire program.
The company says “every effort will be made to identify customers who have purchased tires covered by this recall in order to advise them of the program by mail.”
Buyers can also visit Firestone Complete Auto Care, ExpertTire, Tires Plus, HibdonTires Plus, Wheel Works or Commercial & Farm stores to have their tires inspected.
Staffers will replace with new tires any tire, including the spare, falling under the recall; mounting and balancing will also be done for free. The replacement tires will be a similar P235/75R15 size. Canadian customers can visit any Firestone independent tire dealer to have the tires replaced.
The recalled tires can only be replaced with the list of authorized replacement tires lines. “It’s important that consumers and their tire professionals check the owners’ manual for the appropriate fitment as certain vehicles may require extra load tires or A/T pattern tires,” the company says.
The authorized replacement tires are:
• Firestone brand: FR380, Destination LE, Destination A/T
• Primewell brand: PS850
• LeMans brand: Pathmaker H/T, Pathmaker A/T
• Dayton brand: Timberline H/T II, Timberline A/T II
• Peerless brand: Widetrack Baja H/T, Widetrack Baja A/T
Bridgestone says the recall campaign will expire Oct. 31, “so it is important that consumers act as soon as possible if their tires are covered by this program.”
For more information, visit www.firestonetire.com.
