Michelin Announces Safety Recall

Michelin North America has notified Transport Canada and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it is recalling approximately 6,500 Michelin Pilot Sport 255/35ZR20 97Y Extra Load tires in Canada and the United States. According to the firm, the decision was taken after Michelin’s internal quality control system indicated that the tires do not meet its quality standards. In an affected tire, the condition is ordinarily noticeable as a blister on the sidewall of the tire. The blister may produce a noticeable tire vibration, which a driver might detect. The condition may result in a rapid loss of air pressure, which could potentially lead to a loss of control and potential vehicle crash.

To date, there have been no accidents or injuries reported in North America. The majority of the approximately 6,500 tires affected by the recall were distributed in the United States with fewer than 400 distributed in Canada. Related actions are under way in other countries.

The recalled tires were fitted as original equipment on some trim levels of Jaguar XJ8 vehicles and also were available in the replacement market. The affected tires’ DOT markings begin with FHPNEFMX and end with 00, 01, 02, 03 or 05. The company will be replacing all potentially affected tires in a comprehensive commitment to retrieve from the market any tire that does not meet Michelin quality standards. Replacement tires are available at no cost (including mounting and balancing) to consumers through Michelin tire dealers.

Any consumer who believes they are affected by the recall should not wait to receive notification but should call Michelin Consumer Relations at (888) 871-4444 or return to their servicing tire dealer for a free inspection and replacement of affected tires.