Goodyear G159 RV Tires Recalled
The long-overdue recall affects tires made from 1996 to 2003
By Jeff S. Bartlett
Goodyear is recalling more than 170,000 G159 tires that have been fitted to Class A motorhomes.
The tread on the tires can separate and lead to a loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also pointed out that motorhomes could become too heavy for the tires and that the manufacturers didn’t advise owners that the tires might not be adequate for common situations, such as overloading and underinflation, that can occur with motorhomes.
NHTSA says drivers might notice noise or vibration before a tread separation.
The tires were produced between Feb. 1, 1996, and Jan. 31, 2003, underscoring how long it has taken for them to be recalled. In fact, it took so long that these tires have aged out and should no longer be used by usual standards. But this is an important notice because the tires have an elevated risk if still in use. RV owners with Goodyear tires should check to see if they’re using these, including the spare.
Consumer Reports conducted an investigation into the complaints last year, detailing how there have been multiple deaths associated with tragedies involving these tires, and that the tires could still be found on some RVs for sale online.
“While we’re glad to see a recall finally take place, it took years of pressure for the company to do the right thing,” says William Wallace, associate director of safety policy for Consumer Reports. “Owners should take this recall very seriously—and so should safety regulators. It’s critical to hold Goodyear accountable if it broke the law by failing to report a safety defect when required.”
The Details
Tires recalled: 173,237 G159, size 275/70R22.5, with DOT date codes 046 through 0403.
The problem: Tread separation can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tires installed on recreational vehicles free of charge and provide a $60 voucher for the cost of professionally weighing a recreational vehicle. Goodyear will offer a $500 refund for tires not installed on a vehicle. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification.
How to contact the manufacturer: Call Goodyear customer service at 800-592-3267.
NHTSA campaign number: 22T009000
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has a recall that needs to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have one. But because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
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