Tire Sidewall May Fail - Cooper, Mastercraft, Hercules & Starfire

December 18, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19T024000

Tire Sidewall May Fail

The improper sidewall component may cause tire deflation and tread separation, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19T024

Manufacturer Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

Components TIRES

Potential Number of Units Affected 2,095

 

Summary

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. (Cooper Tire) is recalling certain Cooper Evolution Tour, Mastercraft SRT Touring, Hercules Roadtour 455 Sport, Starfire Solarus AS and Mastercraft Stratus AS tires, all in size 225/50R17 and with DOT date code 3019. The subject tires were manufactured with an improper sidewall component.

 

Remedy

Cooper Tire will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. Consumers who have had their tires replaced before this recall may be eligible to receive reimbursement. Owners may contact Cooper Tire customer service at 1-800-854-6288. Cooper Tire's number for this recall is 175.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

 

December XX, 2019

 

Dear Distributor or Dealer:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in all tires identified as follows:

Product Name	Size	DOT Serial Number	Brand
Evolution Tour	225/50R17	U9 40 1LT 3019	COOPER
Solarus AS	225/50R17	U9 40 LW8 3019	STARFIRE
Stratus AS	225/50R17	U9 40 F36 3019	MASTERCRAFT
SRT Touring	225/50R17	U9 40 FYH 3019	MASTERCRAFT

 

The DOT identification number is molded into each tire, and is composed of a DOT sequence, followed by a four-digit DOT date code. As an example, the following illustration shows what this number would look like for one of the affected tires in the chart above (Starfire Solarus AS, Size 225/50R17). For this tire, the DOT sequence begins with U940LW8 ---- and ends with a date code (2-digit week and 2-digit year), which is 3019, inclusive, see the example below.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has determined the affected tires as manufactured may have an incorrect sidewall component that may develop an in-service slow loss of air pressure, in-service audible noise, unsatisfactory ride condition, belt separation, or distortion in the tread area that if undetected may ultimately result in a tire failure leading to the loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.  Driving at high speeds may cause this condition to occur and should be avoided until the tires have been inspected and replaced, if they fall within the identification numbers shown above.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is recalling all of the tires with the identification number(s) above. Check your inventory for these specific identification numbers. Effective immediately, you or your dealers must not sell any of the tires listed and described above.

 

“YOU ARE PROHIBITED BY FEDERAL LAW FROM SELLING OR LEASING NEW OR USED TIRES COVERED BY THIS NOTIFICATION.”

If a dealer knowingly sells or leases new or used recalled tires, that sale must be reported to the Associate Administrator for Enforcement, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590, within five working days after a person to whom the sale or lease has been made has taken possession of that tire. The required contents for such report are provided in NHTSA’s regulation at 49 C.F.R. § 573.10.

You should also comply with the following instructions regarding the return of new and used recall tires at no charge in accordance with such provisions.

 

PROCEDURE FOR RETURN AND CREDIT OF RECALLED TIRES

NEW TIRES:

All recalled new tires existing in your inventory, or in your sub-dealers' inventories, should be returned immediately in one shipment, freight collect to the designated inspection point for your area as indicated on the attached map.  To assure proper handling, these tires should be listed on the standard Manufacturer’s Tire Claim Form.  In order to expedite the sorting and crediting process, please use a crayon and write the words, “New Recall” on the sidewall of the tire and on the Claim Form in the comments section.

Upon verification by Cooper Tire that the tires returned are within the recall group, we will issue credit to you based upon your last invoice price of the tires.

 

USED TIRES: 

Cooper Tire’s registration records are being searched and consumers who have purchased tires with the subject identification number(s) are being notified of the RECALL.  Attached for your information is a copy of the notification being sent to such consumers.  Tires removed from consumer vehicles as a result of this RECALL should be replaced with tires of like size and construction bearing identification numbers other than those listed above.

We have advised the consumer to return his recalled tire(s) and his letter to you.  If your inspection verifies that the consumer has a tire(s) with the suspect identification number, the tire(s) should be replaced, mounted and balanced at no charge, if presented for remedy within one-hundred and eighty (180) days after (i) receipt of this letter or (ii) notice that a replacement tire(s) is available (if not available at the time of the inspection).  It is expected that replacement tire(s) will be available at the time of inspection.  Please ensure that you have the correct replacement tires in inventory. However, if the tires are not available at the time of inspection, they will be available within twenty-one (21) days. After expiration of the one-hundred and eighty (180) days, tires will be replaced under our normal adjustment policy.

We have advised the consumer that it will take approximately thirty (30) minutes each to replace the recalled tires.  For any tires removed from consumer vehicles during such one-hundred and eighty (180) day period, Cooper Tire will authorize an allowance of $17.50 per tire to cover mounting and balancing.

Tires removed from consumer vehicles must be listed on our standard Manufacturer’s Tire Claim Form. The Claim Form must be properly completed and signed by the consumer and the consumer's copy of the recall letter attached.

For the purpose of the RECALL, the Claim Form must include RECALL tires only. The word "RECALL" must be printed directly across from the name and address on the claim form in the comments section.  All tires should be identified in crayon with the Claim Form reference number per standard adjustment procedures.  Also, please write the words, “Used Recall” on the sidewall of the tire.

Upon verification by Cooper Tire, credit will be issued to you on a no charge replacement basis if replaced by you and returned to Cooper on or before two hundred and ten (210) days after notice of this RECALL.

All Claim Forms for both "New Recall" and "Used Recall" tire(s) should be mailed to Cooper Tire & Rubber Company using the standard tire adjustment procedures.  Please mail the claim forms one to two days before shipping the tires.  Remember: DO NOT ship the Claim Forms with the tires.

You should return in one shipment all recalled new and used tires to the inspection point as indicated on the attached map. These tires should be classified as SCRAP and shipped as SCRAP RUBBER TIRES, freight collect.  Freight collect privileges apply only within the prescribed time period.  Any tires returned after the designated time will be handled under our regular tire adjustment procedures.

Cooper Tire requests that you advise it of those customers of yours, if any, who have purchased any of the tires described above for which registration forms have not previously been submitted so that such customers can be advised of the recall and the replacement of their recalled tires can be scheduled.

We certainly apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.  If you have any questions pertaining to the implementation of this RECALL or need assistance, please contact the Cooper Tire Consumer Relations Department at 800-854-6288

 

Sincerely,

 

William N. G. Geaman, Jr.
Manager, Consumer Quality Systems

 

Attachments:
Cooper Tire Consumer Letter
RIP Map

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

 

December 30, 2019

 

Dear Dealer:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Hercules Tire & Rubber Company has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in all tires identified as follows:

Product Name	Size	DOT Serial Number	Brand
Roadtour 455 Sport	225/50R17	U9 40 H3T 3019	HERCULES

 

The DOT identification number is molded into each tire, and is composed of a DOT sequence, followed by a four-digit DOT date code. As an example, the following illustration shows what this number would look like for one of the affected tires in the chart above (Roadtour 455 Sport, Size 225/50R17). For this tire, the DOT sequence begins with U940H3T ---- and ends with a date code (2-digit week and 2-digit year), which is 3019, inclusive, see the example below.

Hercules Tire, upon consultation with the tire manufacturer, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has determined the affected tires as manufactured may have an incorrect sidewall component that may develop an in-service slow loss of air pressure, in-service audible noise, unsatisfactory ride condition, belt separation, or distortion in the tread area that if undetected may ultimately result in a tire failure leading to the loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.  Driving at high speeds may cause this condition to occur and should be avoided until the tires have been inspected and replaced, if they fall within the identification numbers shown above.

Hercules Tire & Rubber Company is recalling all of the tires with the identification number(s) above. Check your inventory for these specific identification numbers. Effective immediately, you must not sell any of the tires listed and described above.

 

“YOU ARE PROHIBITED BY FEDERAL LAW FROM SELLING OR LEASING NEW OR USED TIRES COVERED BY THIS NOTIFICATION.”

If a dealer knowingly sells or leases new or used recalled tires, that sale must be reported to the Associate Administrator for Enforcement, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590, within five working days after a person to whom the sale or lease has been made has taken possession of that tire. The required contents for such report are provided in NHTSA’s regulation at 49 C.F.R. § 573.10.

You should also comply with the following instructions regarding the return of new and used recall tires at no charge in accordance with such provisions.

 

PROCEDURE FOR RETURN AND CREDIT OF RECALLED TIRES

NEW TIRES:

All recalled new tires existing in your inventory, or in your sub-dealers' inventories, should be returned immediately in one shipment, by contacting your servicing ATD location to schedule a RMA return to stock. To assure proper handling, these tires should be listed on the standard Hercules Protection Policy Claim Form.  In order to expedite the sorting and crediting process, please use a crayon and write the words, “New Recall” on the sidewall of the tire and on the Claim Form in the Removal Reason section.

Upon verification by Hercules Tire that the tires returned are within the recall group, we will issue credit to you based upon your last invoice price of the tires.

 

USED TIRES:

Hercules Tire’s registration records are being searched and consumers who have purchased tires with the subject identification number(s) are being notified of the RECALL.  Attached for your information is a copy of the notification being sent to such consumers.  Tires removed from consumer vehicles as a result of this RECALL should be replaced with tires of like size and construction bearing identification numbers other than those listed above.

We have advised the consumer to return his recalled tire(s) and his letter to you.  If your inspection verifies that the consumer has a tire(s) with the suspect identification number, the tire(s) should be replaced, mounted and balanced at no charge, if presented for remedy within one-hundred and eighty (180) days after (i) receipt of this letter or (ii) notice that a replacement tire(s) is available (if not available at the time of the inspection).  It is expected that replacement tire(s) will be available at the time of inspection.  Please ensure that you have the correct replacement tires in inventory. However, if the tires are not available at the time of inspection, they will be available within twenty-one (21) days. After expiration of the one-hundred and eighty (180) days, tires will be replaced under our normal adjustment policy.

We have advised the consumer that it will take approximately thirty (30) minutes each to replace the recalled tires.  For any tires removed from consumer vehicles during such one-hundred and eighty (180) day period, Hercules Tire will authorize an allowance of $17.50 per tire to cover mounting and balancing.

Tires removed from consumer vehicles must be listed on the standard Hercules Protection Policy Claim Form. The Claim Form must be properly completed and signed by the consumer and the consumer's copy of the recall letter attached.

For the purpose of the RECALL, the Claim Form must include RECALL tires only. The word "RECALL" must be printed directly in the Removal Reason section. Also, please write the words, “Used Recall” on the sidewall of the tire.

Upon verification by Hercules Tire, credit will be issued to you on a no charge replacement basis if replaced by you and returned to ATD on or before two hundred and ten (210) days after notice of this RECALL.

You should return in one shipment all used tires by contacting your servicing ATD location to schedule a WRMA warranty return. (RECALL) Any tires returned after the designated time will be handled under our regular tire adjustment procedures.

Hercules Tire requests that you advise it of those customers of yours, if any, who have purchased any of the tires described above for which registration forms have not previously been submitted so that such customers can be advised of the recall and the replacement of their recalled tires can be scheduled.

We certainly apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.  If you have any questions pertaining to the implementation of this RECALL or need assistance, please contact the Hercules Tire Consumer Relations Department at 844-708-7291.

 

Sincerely,

Jesse Seibold
Product Adjustment Analyst

 

Attachments:
Hercules Tire Consumer Letter

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5 Affected Products

Tires

BRAND	TIRE LINE/SIZE	PRODUCTION DATES
COOPER	EVOLUTION TOUR/225/50R17	07/28/2019 - 08/03/2019
HERCULES	ROADTOUR 455 SPORT/225/50R17	07/28/2019 - 08/03/2019
MASTERCRAFT	SRT TOURING/225/50R17	07/28/2019 - 08/03/2019
MASTERCRAFT	STRATUS AS/225/50R17	07/28/2019 - 08/03/2019
STARFIRE	SOLARUS AS/225/50R17	07/28/2019 - 08/03/2019

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3 Associated Documents

Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19T024-8285.PDF 217.615KB

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-19T024-2500.pdf 271.863KB

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-19T024-9176.pdf 281.26KB

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19T024&docType=RCL

 

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Last update on 2021-01-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API