Bridgestone and Firestone are from the same company. In essence, they are the equivalent of a Hyundai and Kia relationship. They each have unique brand identities but share products or engineering. So, when one Bridgestone tire is recalled, there is a good likelihood that a tire from Firestone will also be involved in the same recall. That is the case with this news item.

What Bridgestone and Firestone tires are in the recall?

Bridgestone Americas and Bridgestone Canada are jointly issuing a recall for 1,923 Firestone Destination LE3 tires. They are also including Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus tires in the same safety action. The tires are for passenger and light truck usage.

According to the press release, there is a specific date code for each of the tires that is affected by the recall action. So, it is not all of the Destination and Ecopia series that are subject to the safety action. The announcement identifies the following date codes,

“Firestone Destination LE3 tires in size 255/60R19, manufactured between June 14, 2020 and July 18, 2020 with DOT date codes 2420 – 2820 and press identification number E07L;

Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus tires in size P255/60R19, manufactured between July 12, 2020 and August 8, 2020 with DOT date codes 2820 – 3120 and press identification number E07L.”

Where were the recalled tires sold?

The tires linked to the recall are replacement tires sold throughout the United States and Canada. As such, they are not original equipment that would have been on a new car purchase. But if a consumer stopped at a tire shop to replace original tires on a new car, then the recalled tires may have been in the mix.

What is wrong with the tires?

The announcement goes on to say that there may be a leak in the sidewall of the affected tires. The leak would be the result of a pinhole. The tire manufacturer described the concern as,

“Affected tires may have been manufactured with a small pinhole in the upper sidewall of the tire. In rare instances, the pinhole may penetrate the tire inner liner and the tire may slowly leak air. If a slow air loss is undetected or ignored, the continued loss of air may increase the risk of a vehicle crash or personal injury. There are no known accidents or injuries involving tires subject to this recall.”

Bridgestone and Firestone have notified their retailers, dealers, and distributors. But, consumers are encouraged to contact dealers with any concerns. This will permit verification if the tires purchased are among those affected in the recall. If they are, the tires will be replaced for free with tires outside the affected date code range “or with a suitable replacement tire.”

A compromised tire compromises the safety of everything that rides upon it. Compromised safety is not good. So, if you recently had replacement tires installed, take a moment to see if they are a match for this recall. Then take action as or if necessary.