Goodyear recently announced a recall of certain Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT tires due to the absence of a production date code on the tire sidewall. While that might sound like a minor issue, this is a serious labeling defect that could have dangerous consequences for drivers in Michigan and across the country.
Without a legible production date code, people with these tires may not realize how old they are. In turn, they could keep them installed for much longer than is safe to do so, putting themselves, their passengers, and others on the road at an increased risk of serious accidents.
At Fieger Law, we represent people who have been injured by defective and dangerous products in Detroit and throughout Michigan, including tires that fail to meet federal safety standards. In this blog, we’ll explore what drivers need to know about this recall and what to do if a defective tire causes harm.
What’s Wrong with These Tires?
According to a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected Cooper Discoverer Stronghold AT tires—size LT275/65R18—were manufactured between Feb. 2 and Feb. 8, 2025. These tires are missing their 4-digit date code that indicates when the tire was made. That’s a violation of federal regulations and a serious safety hazard.
This is dangerous because tires degrade over time. Without knowing how old a tire is, a driver could unknowingly keep it on their vehicle long past its safe lifespan, increasing the chances of a blowout or tread separation.
Goodyear has indicated it will replace the recalled tires for free, including the cost of mounting and balancing them. If you think you may have these tires on any of your vehicles, contact Goodyear at 1-800-592-3267 or visit NHTSA.gov for more information.
Why Outdated Tires Are Dangerous
Tires are made of rubber and synthetic compounds that naturally degrade over time due to heat, UV exposure, and oxidation. Most tire manufacturers and safety experts recommend replacing tires every six to 10 years, regardless of tread wear.
When tires become too old, the following can happen:
- The rubber can dry out and crack, weakening the tire’s structure.
- Tread separation is more likely to occur at high speeds.
- Internal belts can fail without warning, leading to sudden blowouts.
All of these potential scenarios related to aged tires are extremely dangerous. Without a date code, there’s no reliable way to know whether a tire is still safe to drive on, making this defect more than just a cosmetic issue.
Accidents That Can Result from Defective or Aged Tires
Defective or degraded tires can cause a range of serious accidents, including:
- Highway blowouts that lead to multi-vehicle crashes
- Loss of vehicle control from tread separation
- Rollover accidents—especially in SUVs and trucks
- Rear-end or side collisions from sudden stops or swerving
- Off-road incidents for all-terrain tires used in rough environments
These accidents often happen without warning and can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord damage, or even death.
How Fieger Law Helps Victims of Defective Products
Fieger Law has a long history of fighting for consumers harmed by dangerous products, including defective tires, auto parts, appliances, medical devices, and more. If you or someone you love was injured in a crash caused by a recalled or faulty product, we want to help you:
- Investigate the cause of the accident and identify product defects
- Hold manufacturers accountable for failing to follow safety standards
- Pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages
We’ve won hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients, and we’re ready to fight for you, too.
Contact Our Defective Product Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a defective tire or other recalled product, Fieger Law is here to help. Contact us today to speak with an experienced product liability attorney and get the peace of mind you deserve.
