COSTCO shoppers were warned about two kinds of tires that were recalled over safety issues.
Drivers who purchased the auto part from the wholesale retailer are at an increased risk of crashing on the road.
Costco warned customers about two of their tire products that were recalled over safety issues[/caption]
A Michelin tire was recalled because it failed to meet a federal safety standard[/caption]
Bridgestone Blizzak tires were also recalled because they were missing a Department of Transportation certification seal[/caption]
Two types of tires were part of a long list of recalled issued by Costco in recent months.
The Michelin Agilis CrossClimate C-Metric Tires Size 185/60R15C and the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 Tires Size 235/40R19 were both recalled.
Michelin issued a recall notice for the Agilis CrossClimate C-metric tires because the size did not comply with regulatory requirements and posed a greater risk of a crash.
“Chunks of tread rubber may detach from the shoulder block,” the recall stated.
The recall also noted that tire identification information is usually written on the side of each tire, directly above the bead.
Drivers who believe they purchased the recalled product were urged to double-check if they possess the faulty tires.
Those who bought the Michelin tires were asked to visit their local Michelin retailer, who would remove and replace the product with an equivalent tire.
Drivers will not be charged for the service.
The other tire, by Bridgestone Blizzak, was recalled because it did not comply with certain safety measures.
According to the recall, the Blizzak 6 tires “did not bear the DOT certification symbol on the tire sidewalls.”
“The Department of Transportation has found that tires missing the required DOT symbol may be used in appropriate applications, increasing the risk of a crash,” the recall said.
Drivers were urged to confirm they were affected by the recall by identifying if their tire has four distinct markings.
Any tire that has the brand “Bridgestone,” the “Blizzak 6” tire line, the “235/40R19” tire size, and a “1VR100W122224/1VR100W122324/1VR100W122424” identification number should be brought in for an inspection.
The vehicle should be brought to any Bridgestone company-owned retail store or Bridgestone/Firestone authorized dealer.
How can I check if my car is part of a recall?
If you own a car that’s been recently recalled, you can easily check your VIN.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) makes it incredibly quick and easy for drivers to check and see if their vehicle is part of a recent (or past) recall.
The VIN checking tool also allows drivers to see whether or not the repair was completed within the last 15 years, making it an incredible tool for buyers of used cars.
All recalls initiated by the NHTSA mean free repairs for drivers, even if it’s an engine or a transmission replacement. If your VIN shows an active recall that has not been repaired, it’s important to make an appointment at your nearest dealership.
Here’s how to make an appointment for a recall:
- Look up your VIN using the NHTSA tool.
- Find out the recall number/ID from the manufacturer.
- Call your nearest dealership’s service center with the ID number handy, and mention you’d like to schedule an appointment to repair the recall. The repair can only be done at a dealership, as they’re authorized by the manufacturer to conduct the repair free of cost using genuine parts.
- Try to make the appointment as soon as possible.
- Once the repair is completed, the dealership will update the information associated with the VIN to reflect it’s been completed.
Source: NHTSA
Employees will inspect and replace all tires that match the description, according to the recall.
Drivers who replaced the tires already could be eligible for a reimbursement for the tires, parts, labor, fees, and taxes by contacting Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations.
Any Costco shopper who isn’t sure if their product was recalled should visit the retailer’s website and search for their list of product recalls.
The wholesale retailer also provides a list of archived recalls.
Costco has a generous return policy where consumers can make returns without time limits.
There are some exceptions to this rule — tires, batteries, and other products with a short shelf life could have more specific or limited warranties.
