Sumitomo recalling Falken, Dunlop, Goodyear tires for tread separation issues

Washington — Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. is recalling 2,286 passenger tires sold in the US earlier this year under the Goodyear, Dunlop and Falken brand names because of possible tread separation issues.

The tires are the Falken Ziex CT50 A/S, size P255/50R20 104V, bearing the date code 1619; Dunlop SP Sport 5000, size 215/45R18 89W, bearing the date code 0919; and Goodyear Eagle LS2, size P215/50R17, bearing the date code 0619.

The tires were all produced in Sumitomo's Miyazaki, Japan, factory earlier in 2019 — the Goodyears in the sixth week, the Dunlops in the ninth week and the Falkens in the 16th week — the tire company told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA).

Sumitomo may have used an incorrect rubber compound during the manufacture of these tires, which may allow sections near the tread surface to become partially detached, the tire maker told NHTSA.

The Goodyear Eagle tires were removed from dealer inventories before sale, according to Sumitomo.

SRI said it is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or property damage related to this condition. The recall affects 1,271 Falken-, 1,011 Dunlp- and four Goodyear-brand tires.

Sumitomo produces certain Dunlop- and Goodyear-brand tires under a global licensing agreement with Goodyear.

Dealers will replace the tires free of charge, according to NHTSA. The recall will begin Dec. 6.

Owners of the Falken-brand tire are asked to bring their vehicle to an Falken Tires or Mazda dealer, while those owning the Dunlop or Goodyear branded tires should bring their vehicles to an authorized Goodyear dealer.