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Transportation equipment industry

Largest Tire Recall in History: Bridgestone/Firestone to Recall 20 Million SUV and Truck Tires

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating the safety of Firestone ATX, ATX II, and Wilderness tires after receiving 270 complaints, including reports of 46 deaths and 80 injuries. Bridgestone/Firestone, the manufacturer of the tires, will recall approximately 20 million all-terrain tires used on sport utility vehicles and light trucks. The decision to recall the tires comes after a meeting between officials of Bridgestone Corp., Ford Motor Co., and NHTSA. Ford and Bridgestone/Firestone had previously insisted that the tires are safe.

Key Takeaways:

  • The recall is likely to be the largest ever for tires, surpassing the 1978 recall of 14 million Firestone 500 Steel Belted Radial tires.
  • Firestone ATX, ATX II, and Wilderness tires have been linked to 46 probable deaths and 80 injuries, according to NHTSA.
  • Bridgestone/Firestone will try to limit the recall to the tire sizes used on the Ford Explorer and on some other light trucks made by other manufacturers.
  • The company will have to pay to replace the tires, and details of the compensation plan are expected to be announced today.
  • Ford has already voluntarily replaced about 108,000 of the tires put on Explorers and F-series pickup trucks in other countries.
  • Safety groups had questioned why Ford removed those tires while those in the United States were never recalled.
  • The company has been fielding about 1,000 calls a day from customers regarding the safety of the tires.
  • Since recent publicity about the inquiry, complaints and questions have been pouring into the NHTSA hotline, with over 1,735 calls logged in the past three days.
  • Ford officials said the card manufacturer has been fielding about 1,000 calls a day from customers regarding the safety of the tires.

Statistics:

  • 46 probable deaths linked to Firestone ATX, ATX II, and Wilderness tires.
  • 80 injuries reported due to tire separation.
  • 20 million all-terrain tires to be recalled.
  • 3.6 million Explorers have been produced since 1990, with most using the recalled tires as original equipment.
  • 14 million tires recalled in 1978 by the government.
  • Over 1,735 calls logged in the NHTSA hotline in the past three days.
  • 1,000 calls per day fielded by Ford officials regarding the safety of the tires.
  • 108,000 tires replaced by Ford in other countries.
  • 47 million tires sold as original equipment and in aftermarket sales.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • Washington Post
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Bridgestone/Firestone
  • Ford Motor Co.

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