Nearly 400,000 Primewell Valera Tires Recalled; Sold at Firestone

Daily Hornet
Giti Tire (USA) Ltd. has issued a safety recall for over 394,000 Primewell tires because the sidewall can crack and lose air, increasing the risk of a crash. They were sold at Firestone stores in the U.S.

Giti Tire (USA) Ltd. is recalling 394,378 Primewell Valera Touring II replacement passenger tires that were sold at Firestone stores in the United States. No injuries or accidents have been reported, but 219 cracked tires have been confirmed and inspected.

There have been no reports of air pressure loss, but the tires have only been on the market since 2015 and the cracks develop over time. A sudden loss of air pressure increases the risk of a car accident.

The cracks develop in the lower sidewall and may become visible externally after the tire has been in service for a few months. In most cases, the crack occurs on the opposite side of the tire from the serial number, which is normally located on the inside. This can make the cracks hard to detect.

The recall involves the following Primewell tire sizes:

Primewell Valera Touring II tires were previously recalled in October 2016, including: size 205/65R16 95H, DOT number Y9 CLHX 1714 to 4016; size 205/50R17 93V XL, DOT number Y9 HF CLVX 1814 to 3516; size 215/50R17 95V XL, DOT number Y9 HH CLVX 2214 to 3516; size 225/50R17 94V, DOT number Y9 HJ CLVX 1914 to 3416; size 225 50R18 95T, DOT number Y9 FH CLTX 1914 to 3416.

To find out if your tire is subject to a recall, visit http://recall.primewell-us.com and enter your DOT number.

Giti Tire reported the safety hazard to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after discovering it through “continuous monitoring of market signals.”

The most recent recall involves Primewell tires that were manufactured by Pt. Gajah Tunggal TBK in Jakarta, Indonesia between April 2015 and November 2016. They were sold in the United States nationwide at Firestone stores.

Owners will be notified and the affected tires will be replaced for free. The recall is expected to start July 20, 2017. For more information, pwners can call Giti Tire customer service at 866-488-4737.

Source: Primewell tires recalled; sidewall can crack and lose air