Indiana Attorney General Carter Alerts Hoosiers of Chinese-Made Tire Sales Recall

August 16, 2007 -- INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter is alerting Hoosiers of a tire recall by Foreign Tire Sales (FTS) recalling about 225,000 Chinese-made tires it imported to the United States. The tires lack a safety feature called a “gum strip” and could be in danger of tread separation. The tires were sold from early 2004 to mid-2006 as replacement tires for SUV’s, pickups and vans under the brand names Westlake, Compass and YKS.

“Tire recalls are serious events that affect the security of our families and other drivers,” Attorney General Steve Carter said. “During the busy summer travel season it’s essential to check the safety of tires.”

The tires affected were manufactured in China by the Hangzhou Zhomgce Rubber Company, Ltd but FTS is the U.S. distributor of the tires. Consumers should immediately check the sidewall of their tires for the brand, size, model and Departments of Transportation (DOT) number.

The tires will have the following numbers on their sidewalls:

• LT235/75R-15 CR861, CR857 (Partial D.O.T. Number: 7DT5FTS)
• LT235/85R-16 CR860, CR861, CR857 (Partial D.O.T. Number: 7DT2FTS)
• LT245/75R-16 CR860, CR861, CR857 (Partial D.O.T. Number: CR857)
• LT265/75R-16 CR860, CR861, CR857 (Partial D.O.T. Number: 7DT4FTS)
• LT31X10.5R-15 CR861, CR857 (Partial D.O.T. Number: 7DT6FTS)

Consumers who own any of the tires should contact FTS at 1-888-899-9293 or go to www.foreigntire.com for further instructions on how to obtain replacement tires. Tire owners may be required to complete a questionnaire to provide to a local dealer when replacing the tires.

FTS can refer consumers to the appropriate dealer to obtain replacements. Consumers should avoid driving long distances until replacements can be obtained. No other tires are involved in this recall.

Source: Indiana Attorney General