Defective Tires Recalled
Cooper Tire Company is recalling Cooper CS4 Touring (VR tires) size 215/55 R17 produced between September 7 and October 11, 2008. According to the NHTSA recall campaign these tires may have been cured for an inadequate amount of time. This condition can lead to tire tread separation, possibly resulting in the loss of vehicle control and a vehicle crash. Cooper Tires has agreed to notify owners and replace, mount and balance any defective tires free of charge. Owners may contact Cooper Tire Consumer Relations toll free at 1-800-854-6288.
Tread separation is an extraordinarily dangerous defect that often results in death and catastrophic injuries. Improper manufacturing and curing of tires can cause a tread belt separation, which often leads to a tire blowout. Tread separations ordinarily cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle even when the tire does not lose pressure.
The Pennsylvania vehicle defect lawyers at Reiff and Bily have had extensive experience handling SUV and 15-passenger van rollovers that have resulted from tire failures. Tread separations often occur due to the manufacturing process including improper repairs, using overage dry stock, improper final inspection, using petroleum solvent before vulcanization, and curing moisture into the tire.
A study issued by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that tread separations reduced the ability of a driver to control the vehicle, especially when the tire failure occurred on a rear tire and at high speeds. This tread separation results in the much greater likelihood of death, injury and crashes when occurring on an SUV or a 15-passenger van.
If you have experienced a tire defect or a tread separation on a recalled tire, please contact the experienced automobile defect lawyers at Reiff and Bily to learn more about your rights at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.
