The defect
GTC NORTH AMERICA, INC., (GTC) IS RECALLING CERTAIN ADVANCE EXTRA GRIP AR215 LIGHT TRUCK RADIAL TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER 2008 THROUGH DECEMBER 2009. SOME OF THE SUBJECT TIRES EXPERIENCE BLISTERING OR BUBBLES ON THE TIRE'S SIDEWALL. THESE TIRES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 139, "NEW PNEUMATIC RADIAL TIRES FOR LIGHT VEHICLES."
The risk
THESE TIRES MAY EXPERIENCE BLISTERING ON THEIR SIDEWALL THAT, WITH EXTENDED USE, COULD LEAD TO TREAD CHUNKING WITH BELT EDGE EXPOSURE AND POSSIBLE AIR LOSS, THEREBY INCREASING THE POTENTIAL RISK OF PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, OR A CRASH.
The remedy
GTC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT TIRES WITH A SIMILAR TIRE FREE OF CHARGE. FREE MOUNTING AND BALANCING WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED, AS APPLICABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GTC AT 1-330-498-5000.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance · safety standard FMVSS 139 · part: sidewall
Tires covered
| Brand | Tire line | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Advance Extra Grip | AR215 | — |
Tire recalls in 2012
NHTSA received 18 tire recall campaigns in 2012, covering up to 1,136,314 tires. With 12,289 tires, this campaign ranks 7 of 18 by size that year.