Michelin Recalls Three Urban Bus Tires

Photo © Michelin North America, Inc.

Michelin North America, Inc. will be recalling three varieties of Michelin truck tires bus tires (D'oh!) on or about April 30, 2012:

• XZU3 LRJ in size 305/85R22.5
• XZU2 LRJ in size 12R22.5

Tires under recall were produced between October 23, 2005, and September 3, 2011. (Tire Identification Numbers between 4205 and 3511.)

• XM505 LRJ in size 305/85R22.5

Tires under recall were produced between April 18, 2010, and May 8, 2010, (TIN numbers between 1510 and 1810) and January 23, 2011, and February 12, 2011. (TIN numbers between 0311 and 0611.)

(See also: "Down the Rabbit Hole" for further discussion of Tire Identification Numbers.)

According to NHTSA, these tires "have a casing that may experience a loss of integrity". This means that the outer structure of the tires is defective and can blow out, thus experiencing "rapid air loss", which is a Bad Thing.

Michelin will provide information to customers on how to obtain replacement tires. Owners may also contact NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit Safercar.gov.