WASHINGTON—Sumitomo Rubber USA L.L.C. is recalling a limited number of Falken Wildpeak SUV and light truck tires produced earlier this year that may have been damaged during production.
The tires being recalled—Falken Wildpeak AT3W in size 265/70R17 115T and Wildpeak HT02 in size LT235/85R16 116S—my have a puncture in the sidewall that can cause air to leak out, Sumitomo told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently.
Affected tires containing a puncture penetrating the tire inner liner may quickly leak air upon mounting, leading to a flat tire, Sumitomo said. Loss of air under certain conditions could increase the risk of a crash.
The suspect tires are part of a lot of 1,900 tires produced at the firm's plant in Tonawanda, N.Y., over a period of 10 weeks during June-August of this year.
The Wildpeak AT3W models being recalled are marked with the Tire Identification Number starting with DA and ending in 3023, 3123, 3223, 3323 or 3423. The Wildpeak HT02 models' TINs start with 1DA and end in 2623, 2723, 2823 or 2923.
Sumitomo said the problem likely was caused by a broken component of a curing press that potentially punctured tires being removed from the press. The press has been repaired, Sumitomo told NHTSA.
Dealers will replace the recalled tires, free of charge, Sumitomo said.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Jan. 11. Owners can contact Sumitomo customer service at 877-763-0416.
