440K Cooper Tires Recalled Over Sidewall Problems

Hundreds of thousands of tires made by Cooper and sold under eight other brand names have been swept up in two nationwide recalls concerning sidewall problems that can lead to rapid deflation, according to regulators. If you were involved in a crash with these tires on your car, you could join a class action lawsuit investigation. 

Brands affected by the recalls include:

• Big O’s
• Cooper
• Discount Tire
• Les Schwab
• Mastercraft
• Mickey Thompson
• Pep Boys
• TBC
• Hercules

Cooper says that it will contact owners of the recalled tires in the coming months with remedies, including inspection and possible replacement.

On Feb. 19, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the recall, affecting more than 430,000 tires. The tires, manufactured by Cooper & Tire Rubber Co., can deflate rapidly due to sidewall separation, says the agency. Rapid deflation increases the risk of a serious accident, states the recall notice which notes that recalled tires may also develop a bulge.

A list of the affected tires, along with their tire line and size is available on the NHTSA website. Customers with the recalled tires will be notified by Cooper starting March 25, 2021.

“Cooper Tire will notify owners, and dealers will replace affected tires, free of charge,” states the recall notice.

Customers may also contact Cooper Tire at 1-800-6288 or the NHSTA at 1-888-327-4236 with questions. Cooper’s recall number is 178.

The agency issued a second recall notice affecting more than 11,000 tires made by Cooper on Feb. 21, 2021. This recall concerned another problem with the sidewall, in this case, low tread gauge. The NHTSA warns that these recalled tires may rapidly deflate if the sidewall fails.

The second recall affects Cooper and Mastercraft brand tires, including Cooper CS5 Grand Touring 225/55R17 and Mastercraft LSR Grand Touring 225/55R17 tires with DOT codes 2920 through 3220, 4220 through 4420 and 5120 through 0121.

“The tires may have low tread gauge in the shoulder slot area which could cause tread separation and sidewall failure,” states the recall notice.

Cooper says that owners of the recalled tires will be notified no later than April 22, 2021. Owners can bring the tires to a dealer for inspection and replacement, if necessary.

The recall notice also states that the second recall supersedes another recall on Cooper tires issued previously, and any tires not yet replaced under that recall now fall under this second tire recall.

As with the first tire recall, customers may also contact Cooper Tire at 1-800-6288 or the NHSTA at 1-888-327-4236 with questions. Cooper’s reference number for this recall is 172-2.

Do you own a set of tires affected by either of these recalls? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below or click here to learn more about how to get a free class action lawsuit claim review!

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Pep Boys Class Action Says Store Doesn’t Provide Tire Registration Forms
• Walmart Class Action Lawsuit: Company Fails to Register Customers For Tire Recalls
• Do You Qualify: Auto Accident Diminished Value Claims Lawsuit Investigation
• Do You Qualify: Takata Airbag Deployment Injury Lawsuit—Deadline to File April 11