Cooper Tires Recall

 Overview

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. (Cooper Tire) is recalling several of their tire models including Discover, Evolution, Courser, Deegan, Adventurer, Hercules, Back Country, Multi-Mile Wild Country and Big O brand tires. These tires were also sold under brand names including Cooper, MasterCraft, Mickey Thompson, Discount Tire, Pep Boys, Les Schwab, TBC and Tire Kingdom.

According to the manufacturer, the affected tires may develop bulges or separations in the sidewall area of the tire. A sidewall separation may cause the tire to rapidly deflate, increasing the risk of a crash. The affected tires were manufactured between February 1, 2018 and December 1, 2019.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued this safety recall on February 19, 2021. The NHTSA estimates that there are approximately 430,000 tires potentially affected by this recall. While the recall isn't expected to begin until March 25, 2021, consumers can go to the NHSTA Recall Site to get more information. The NHSTA recall ID number is 21T002.

Remedy 

Cooper Tire will notify owners by registered mail. The notice will explain the issue and include instructions on how to obtain replacement tires. Dealers will replace affected tires, free of charge. Consumers who have had their tires replaced before this recall may be eligible to receive reimbursement for the cost of obtaining a pre-notification remedy of the problem associated with this recall. Owners can contact Cooper Tires customer service at 1-800-854-6288. Cooper Tire's number for this recall is 178.

Dealers are prohibited by federal law from selling or leasing new or used recalled tires. If a dealer knowingly sells or leases new or used recalled tires, that sale must be reported to the Associate Administrator for Enforcement, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590, within five working days after a person has taken possession of that tire. 

 How Do I Check My Tires?

If you suspect that you may have one of these affected tires, you should check your tires immediately. All is takes is a quick visual inspection of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Identification number molded into the side of the tire. The number is composed of a DOT sequence, followed by a four-digit DOT date code. 

Consumers can check the associated recall documentation at the NHTSA recall site for details on the serial numbers and tire sizes. 

Other Considerations 

You may find that your tires are not part of this recall, but in checking them, you've realized you might need a new set. Check out our post, How Do I Know If I Need New Tires? and see if it helps you decide.