According to a safety news report posted on beaconjournal.com, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is the subject of a new criminal investigation launched by the U.S. Department of Justice. The criminal investigation alleges that Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company failed to stop manufacturing and selling motor home tires that they knew were defective and dangerous. The U.S. Department of Justice complaint states that Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company was aware of the danger for more than twenty years.
The U.S. Justice Department criminal investigation concerns Goodyear’s recreational vehicle G159 275/70R22.5 tire.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration pursued a recall of the defective motor home tires back in February of 2022. However, Goodyear stated in June that it would administer a recall of nearly 175,000 tires.
A June 6 NHTSA letter states that the agency recognized the defective motor home tire recall, saying that the recall “will be conducted pursuant to Federal law for the product(s) listed below.” The NHTSA letter then provides details concerning the product and recall information.
The RV tire has caused eight deaths and nearly 70 injuries, according to federal government investigators.
Goodyear issued an emailed statement saying that the company had completely cooperated with the NHTSA’s investigation ended last year. Goodyear explained that they believed this tire line was not defective, but the company initiated the RV tire recall to cooperate with NHTSA directives.
Goodyear’s response states that there was no safety defect in its G159 275/70R22.5 tire, and it initiated the recall of the tire to address hazards caused by underinflated or overloaded conditions.
The NHTSA investigation found that the tire was defective under certain conditions, and the tire’s tread would separate.
According to WSJ, Goodyear had received over 600 personal injury and property damage claims connected to the defective tire.
Media reports stated that the U.S. Department of Justice criminal investigation involves prosecutors from both the Justice Department’s consumer-protection branch and the U.S. attorney’s office of the Central District in California.
CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN LLP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
Parker Waichman LLP helps families recover financial compensation for injuries and deaths caused by defective vehicle tires, parts, and negligent drivers. For your free consultation, contact our Accident Law Firm today via live chat or call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).