August 9, 2007 -- Attorney General Paul Morrison announced a formal nationwide recall beginning today of 255,000 light truck radial tires made in China by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co., Ltd. (HZ) between 2004 and mid-2006. The tires were imported by Foreign Tire Sales (FTS), Inc. and may experience tread separation.
Last week, Morrison issued a consumer alert to warn consumers about these potentially dangerous tires as they were being investigated by a multi-state group of Attorneys General.
The brands subject to recall are Westlake, Compass and YKS. According to FTS, the tires lack a “gum strip”-a rubber strip between the steel belts-and may experience tread separation and lead to serious accidents. All the tires being recalled were sold as replacements and did not come on new vehicles.
Morrison urges consumers to check their tires and return them as soon as possible to a retailer for free replacements. To return the tires, consumers must fill out a claim form and bring it with them to a dealer. After confirming the tires are subject to recall, the retailer will provide free replacements.
FTS will reimburse retailers for replacement tires and related costs.
“I recommend all consumers check their tires immediately if they think they may be affected by this recall,” Morrison said. “The faster we act to get these tires off the road, the more we can protect our families on the roadway.”
Consumers can download the claims form from the Attorney General’s Web site, or the FTS Web site, www.foreigntire.com. They can also call toll free, 1-888-899-9293, and have the form mailed to them. Retailers can use the same number to confirm tires brought to them are subject to recall and arrange for reimbursement.
Consumers should check the sidewalls of their tires for the following numbers to determine whether their tires are being recalled:
Size Models Partial D.O.T Number
LT235/75R-15 CR861, CR857 7DT5FTS………..
LT235/85R-16 CR860, CR861, CR857 7DT2FTS………..
LT245/75R-16 CR860, CR861, CR857 7DT3FTS………..
LT265/75R-16 CR860, CR861, CR857 7DT4FTS………..
LT31X10.5 R-15 CR857, CR861 7DT6FTS………..
Consumers or dealers with questions should contact the Attorney General’s Office at (785) 296-3751 or 1-800-432-2310.