NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Hankook Tire America Corp. is recalling certain Kinergy GT tires, size 235/60R18H H436, because the tire identification number (TIN) is missing the 4-digit week and year code mark.
Nine tires in the market have been identified for recall, all of which were purchased originally by American Honda Motor Co. as original equipment. The report did not specify the vehicle model(s) affected.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the tires don't comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 574, "Tire Identification & Recordkeeping," because of the incomplete identification.
"Missing TIN information can make it difficult for tire owners to identify a tire involved in a recall," the June 3 NHTSA report stated. "Owners may continue to drive on recalled tires, increasing the risk of a crash."
In March, Hankook was notified by Honda that certain tires did not have the required date code on the sidewall of the tires, according to the report. Between March and May, Hankook reviewed its inventory, sales records and production records and inspected the tires in production.
On May 24, Hankook determined that nine tires outside of its possession and control did not contain the required date codes and were not compliant.
The tires in question were produced between Jan. 17 and Feb. 28 at Hankook's Clarksville, Tenn., plant.
Hankook has scrapped all subject tires found within its control and possession. The other tires will be replaced with new tires featuring a compliant date code portion of the TIN at no charge to the customer, according to the report.
Owners may contact Hankook customer service at 800-426-5665, or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit nhtsa.gov.
