WASHINGTON (Sept. 5)—The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has upgraded its investigation of Firestone ATX, ATX II and Wilderness AT tires to an engineering analysis from a preliminary evaluation. NHTSA began the investigation May 2, amid growing reports of tread separations and accidents involving the tires. During the preliminary analysis, the agency asked Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. for paperwork on the tires. Upgrading the investigation means agency engineers will study the evidence. If NHTSA finds a defect in the tires, under law it will have the right to order Bridgestone/Firestone to recall all 47 million ATX, ATX II and Wilderness tires made since 1991, not just the 6.5 million the tire maker voluntarily recalled Aug. 9.
NHTSA upgrades Firestone investigation
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