Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has extended the scope of a tire recall initially issued in September 2020 for certain Cooper CS5 Grand Touring tires and Mastercraft LSR Grand Touring tires in size 225/55R17. Last year’s recall covered four weeks of production, and it’s been extended through the beginning of 2021.
In all, the recall now covers 11,957 tires, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and includes any that weren’t replaced under the original recall last year. Cooper believes 35% of the recalled tires may have the defect.
The issue remains the same: the tires may have low tread gauge in the shoulder slot area which could cause tread separation and sidewall failure.
For both the Cooper and Mastercraft tires, the production dates covered by the recall are 2920-3220; 4220-4420; and 5120-0121.
The NHTSA campaign number is 21T003000.
Cooper says “the condition may cause cracking at the base of the shoulder slots which could lead to tread separation and, if undetected, tire failure.” The tires might have a “visual anomaly” on the outside shoulder area, and might provide “a ride disturbance or in certain cases, vehicle steering or ride may be impacted, providing operator notice.”
The tiremaker initially identified the issue during surveillance testing on Aug. 11, 2020, and then followed suit with product restriction and review of tire production, ultimately followed by a recall of 1,983 tires. There were no property damage or death or injury claims associated with the tires.
Then, on Jan. 28, 2021, Cooper’s surveillance testing identified additional tires with the same condition. The same steps were followed, and Cooper identified production weeks where the tires may have the condition. No damage, injury or deaths have been recorded, but at NHTSA’s request Cooper is recalling the total population of tires.
“The issue was resolved through a tread extrusion die recut, manufacturing adjustments, as well as additional employee training,” which was completed by February 2021.
Dealers will be notified via letters mailed between Feb. 25-March 19, 2021. Registered owners of the affected products will be contacted by Cooper as well.
