February 25, 2012 — Goodyear Tire & Robber Co. is recalling Wrangler Silent Armor Tires because it is possible that the tire treads could suddenly detach, causing a major accident. Goodyear estimates that 27,000 of the tires are currently in use. In 2011, two college students in Texas died in a highway rollover accident after the tread on one Wrangler Silent Armor tire detached. The families have now filed a lawsuit, alleging that Goodyear failed to issue a recall in a timely manner.
Do I Have a Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tire Recall Lawsuit? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to this tire, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Goodyear Tire lawsuit.
Overview
Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tires are advertised as durable, safe tires intended to withstand the rigors and punishment of intense use. Goodyear advertises them for people who own pickup tricks, sport utility vehicles, and vans, and also for people who use their vehicle in construction or off-roading.
The Silent Armor in these tires refers to the internal frame, which is intended to increase strength of the tire without sacrificing comfort on the road. The internal frame consists of two tensile steel belts, which are reinforced with Dupont Kevlar cording. The rubber in the treads of the tires is specifically molded to resist “stone drilling,” a term that refers to stones becoming embedded in the tread and causing damage. Furthermore, the sidewalls of the tire are protected against scuffing and abrasion, and rim guards help protect the tire from the hazards of off-roading.
Goodyear has recalled nearly 41,000 Silent Armor tires. There are six sizes of the tires. They were all produced between May and March 2009 at a tire manufacturing facility in Fayetteville, Texas.
Accidents Caused by Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tires
Goodyear monitors warranty claims and property damage reports with an Early Warning System, which helps officials notice when there are unusually large numbers of adverse events. In may 2010, the Early Warning System identified problems with six sizes of Silent Armor tires manufactured at the Fayetteville plant. Even so, the company did not issue a recall.
On August 1, 2011, tragedy struck. Matthew Smith was driving his Ford F-150 pickup truck with a companion, Kerrybeth Hall. They were traveling on U.S. Highway 67 in Pecos County, Texas. The truck was equipped with Silent Armor tires. At highway speeds, the left rear tire suddenly de-treaded. Smith and Hall were involved in a massive roll-over accident. Smith was ejected from the vehicle and was killed. Though Hall was properly restrained inside the vehicle, she also suffered fatal injuries.
Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tire Recall
Though the accident occurred in August, it was not until seven months later that Goodyear issued a recall. On February 16, 2012, the company sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to announce the recall. In the letter, they said “A small number of tires within this population may experience a partial tread area separation under certain severe usage situations.” They added, “Use of these tires in severe conditions could result in partial tread separation which could lead to vehicle damage or a motor vehicle crash.”
Goodyear announced that it will be sending customers a notification of the recall by March 22, 2012.
Do I have a Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tire Lawsuit?
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