Data points out flaws,BFS recalls more tires

Jan. 2, 2001

Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. (BFS) appears to be taking its data collection and analysis methods seriously. After reviewing its warranty adjustment data last month, the company recalled 8,000 tires made at its Cuernavaca, Mexico, plant during the week of April 23, 2000.

The Cuernavaca facility can produce more than 11,000 passenger and light truck tires a day, according to Modern Tire Dealer statistics.

BFS hopes to recover 150 tires built there on April 24 that contain non-specified belt-area rubber, which can reduce materials adhesion.

The recall is limited to size P265/70R16 Wilderness LE tires identified by DOT numbers V672WL11700 (black sidewall) and V672WL21700 (raised white letters).

The units in question may have been original equipment on up to 4,700 model year 2000 GMC Yukon XL 1500 SUVs and optional tire choices on Chevrolet Suburban 1500 SUVs produced at General Motors (GM) Inc.’s Silao, Mexico, plant during late April and early May last year.

BFS is not aware of any injuries or property damage claims stemming from the recalled tires.

“We committed to our customers that we would change the way we review our collected data and respond to product concerns to facilitate quick detection of anomalies and establish a quick response system,” says BFS President, Chairman and CEO John Lampe. “That system is working.”

General Motors Coro. “fully supports” the recall, says a spokesperson for the Detroit automobile manufacturer.

BFS initiated data collection and analysis reforms in the wake of its Wilderness, ATX and ATX II tire recall that started last August.