Continental Tire recalls about 94,000 tires from the Continental, General, and Barum brands because of a tire manufacturing defect that could cause a tire blowout. According to Consumer Affairs, if this happens when the vehicle is moving, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and crash. Many of the recalled tires were installed at the factory on new cars, including models from Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Fiat, GMC, Honda, Toyota, Subaru and other top brands.
Details of the Recall
Vehicle manufacturers will directly contact owners with recalled tires to schedule a complimentary replacement. Vehicle owners who bought the recalled tires at a dealership, a tire shop or an online retailer can find a list of recalled tires at the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website.
This list includes the brand names and the manufacturing codes necessary to identify the recalled tires. The codes are printed on the tire’s sidewall. The problem with these tires is that they may have been “over-cured” during manufacturing, which could lead to a break in the sidewall or separation at the tire’s belt edge.
Continental will also notify vehicle owners about how to replace their tires at no cost. If vehicle owners replaced the defective tires before the recall, they may also be eligible for reimbursement. Continental says it is unaware of any crashes, injuries, or deaths related to this recall.
Consumer Reports says if your tire blows out while driving, don’t hit the brakes and pull over to the shoulder, even if you may be tempted to do so. Instead, they recommend holding the steering wheel firmly, lifting off the throttle, braking gently, and gradually pulling off to the side of the road where it is safer.
Product Liability Issues
Tire blowouts are extremely dangerous because they could cause even the most experienced drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Tire blowouts almost always occur when the vehicle is in motion. Tire-tread separations and tire blowouts typically result in rollover crashes that could lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a defective tire, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of the tire as well as the automaker. Injured victims may seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, pain, suffering, and emotional distress. If you have lost a loved one, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent parties seeking compensation. An experienced auto defect lawyer can advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/continental-general-barum-tires-recalled-for-blowout-risk/
