WASHINGTON—Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is expanding the scope of a recall of Cooper CS5 Grand Touring and Mastercraft LSR Grand Touring tires it began in September to nearly 12,000 tires from 2,000.
Roughly a third of the tires, in size 225/55R17, are suspected of having manufacturing anomalies that could lead to tread separation and sidewall failure.
The expanded recall covers 11,957 of the tires produced at Cooper's plant in Tupelo, Miss., during several weeks starting in July 2020 and running through early 2021.
Cooper said the affected tires may have "low tread gauge" in the shoulder slot area that could cause tread separation and sidewall failure. A sidewall failure may cause the tire to rapidly deflate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Cooper estimates 35 percent of the tires being recalled may have the defect.
The recall affects tires with DOT manufacturing date codes 2920 through 3220, 4220 through 4420, and 5120 through 0121. The plant code is U9.
Cooper said the affected tires may have a visual anomaly on the outside shoulder area of the tire. In-service conditions may include a ride disturbance or in certain cases, vehicle steering or ride may be impacted, providing operator notice.
Cooper said it is not aware of any property damage or death or injury claims associated with any of these tires.
Cooper will notify registered owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the tires, free of charge. Cooper plans to begin notification no later than April 22.
Owners may contact Cooper customer service at 800-854-6288 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. The recall number is 177-2. This recall supersedes 20T-017 that initiated in September 2020 and any tires recalled under 20T-017.