In recent months, Goodyear tires have been the subject of multiple recalls and lawsuits due to various issues, including blowouts, vehicle accidents, and injuries to the parties involved.
If you have Goodyear tires on your RV, you’ll want to ensure you aren’t the next victim of an avoidable accident due to tire failure. So, what Goodyear tire models are defective, and how can you fix the issue if you find them on your RV?
You’ll find all the information and answers right here as I explain why you may want to avoid Goodyear RV tires and what problems they’re experiencing with recalls and reported incidents.
Reasons to Avoid Goodyear RV Tires
Recall #1 of 5: Goodyear G159 275/70R22.5 Tires
There was a recall in June of 2022 of Goodyear G159 275/70R22.5 tires, a standard size for RVs, with links to hundreds of recreational vehicle, crashes since 1997. The problem with the recall is that it came too late, as the affected tire model was taken out of production well over a decade ago.
However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that some old RVs that spend a lot of time in storage may still have the tires or that they could be set aside as spares. Most of the recalled Goodyear tires were installed on Class A motorhomes.
Regarding the recall, Goodyear maintains no safety defects were in the tire design, and they had no reason to pull the tires from the market. However, they finally released the recall as a result of litigation from 2017 concerning the G159 tire model.
In a turn of events, Consumer Reports found that Goodyear is still producing their G159 tires in other sizes, which can end up on recreational vehicles with smaller rims. With the injury or death of 95 people in RV accidents due to the Goodyear tires, it should be of great concern to any RV owner with this tire brand on their camper.
The report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states the G159 Goodyear tires could fail after extended use at highway speeds. As the tire heated up, the extreme temperature would cause the tread to separate, causing a blowout.
With thousands of full-time and weekend warrior RVers on the roads traveling under the same conditions daily, it’s only a matter of time before another accident occurs.
What you need to know about the G159 Goodyear tire is that they were never intended for installation on recreational vehicles. Instead, the tire design is for inner-city delivery trucks that only have to travel short distances at highway speeds.
So, How Did These Tires End Up on Thousands of RVs?
Goodyear decided that since the tires were rated for speeds up to 65 mph, they could sell them to motorhome manufacturers, not considering the other stresses the tires would take on.
Over time, the tires ended up on over 40,000 recreational vehicles, from travel trailers to camper vans to fifth wheels. The NHTSA states they found 17 different RV manufacturers who installed G159 tires on their motorhomes between 1995 and 2015.
Since the G159 tires are still on the market in other tire sizes, you may encounter an RV with them installed, so anyone looking to purchase a new or used camper needs to be extra aware.
Recall #2 of 5: Goodyear P255/65R18 Fortera HL Tires
In 2015, Goodyear recalled P255/65R18 Fortera HL tires manufactured at its Napanee, Ontario, plant between November 10, 2014, and January 10, 2015. The affected tires will have Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers stamped into the side of the tire from 4BXMARDR4814 through 4BXMARDR0115.
Testing by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) found cracking in the treads that could lead to tire vibration, tread chunking, and a higher rate of tire failure.
Recall #3 of 5: Goodyear 295/75R22.5 G399A LHS LR G Tires
In 2016, there was a small recall of 1,650 tires of this model made between January 24 and May 28. The tires have issues with tread separation.
Recall #4 of 5: Dunlop SP50 P205/70R15 Tire
In 2016, Goodyear recalled tires from the Dunlop model with DOT numbers M6M0LTER4912 to M6M0LTER0314, which had been manufactured between December 2, 2012, and February 1, 2014.
Unfortunately, the tires have issues with thread chunking and fail the FMVSS 139 standards.
Recall #5 of 5: Goodyear Load Range “E” Tires
While there is no active recall by Goodyear with “E” tires made between 1991 and 2000, ongoing litigation concerning tread separation in over 15,000 tires should concern owners with these models.
Eighty-seven crashes involving Goodyear Load Range “E” tires were reported between 1991 and 2001. The accidents caused 158 injuries and 18 deaths. After the formal investigation closed, Goodyear reported an additional ten crashes with 26 injuries and five deaths.
However, Goodyear sells these tires under various brand names, which can be confusing when determining if your RV has the tires. You can visit NHTSA.gov to check if your RV tire brand name and size are part of the problem.
You can also look at the RV tire sidewall for the words “Load Range E” during your investigation. Goodyear improved the design with a nylon cap, and you should see the two nylon cords in the upgraded tire models.
What Is Goodyear Doing for People Who Have Recalled RV Tires?
Goodyear has designated dealers across the US that will give affected RV tire owners free tire replacement or cash payment for tires not fitted to their RV.
For people with affected load range “E” tires, you’ll want to replace them and consider contacting a lawyer who can add you to the ongoing litigation for potential future reimbursement.
How to Read the DOT Stamp and Other Data on Your RV Tires
All RV or automobile owners should know how to read tire codes to learn the tire rating and specs, find the lifespan remaining on the tires, and check for recalls.
All tire manufacturers must comply with DOT NHTSA safety standards and mark codes on the sidewall for easy reference. US-made tires will have a DOT serial number on the inside sidewall on the edge nearest the rim.
The code system consists of eight to 13 numbers and letters identifying where the tire was made, the size, the code from each manufacturer, and the week and year the tire was produced.
Here Is a Quick Explanation of How to Find the Age of Your RV Tires
When you look at the sidewall of any tire, you’ll see two lines of numbers and letters.
The code line that starts with a letter, such as P or ST, followed by numbers and letters with a slash in the middle, indicates tire service information, such as for a passenger vehicle or a trailer, and other size data.
The second line of code starts with “DOT,” followed by a series of numbers of letters. Since 2000, the last four digits in the sequence indicate the week and year the tire was manufactured.
For example, when the last four digits are 4321, the tire was made in the 43rd week of 2021.
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Before 2000, the date code was only three digits, with the first two numbers indicating the manufacturing week and the last number being the year. The issue with this old date code system is that no decade could be determined (outside of the apparent aging of the tire.)
For example, if the date code was 118, the tire was made in the 11th week of either 1998, 1988, or 1978. At this stage, any tire with a three-digit date code is unsafe for use on any vehicle.
For a complete breakdown of tire codes, you can visit TireRack.com.
Are All Goodyear RV Tires Bad?
Not all Goodyear tires that can fit on RVs are bad quality. However, the history of tread separation issues across many different tire models should concern potential customers.
The fact that Goodyear knew as early as 2002 that they were making defective tires and continued to market them for two more decades before they chose (or were forced) to recall the G159 RV-size tire is a red flag.
NHTSA protocol says Goodyear should start a recall within five working days after becoming aware of manufacturing or design defects. A Goodyear engineer at the time stated the company began an internal investigation into tire failures after a series of reports on crashes but chose to keep their findings to themselves.
In 2007, another Goodyear engineer testified in court that operating the G159 heavy truck tires above 200 degrees Fahrenheit could cause tread separation. But, Goodyear tests in 1996 found the temperatures of the tires would exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit when traveling at only 50 mph, even though the tire safety rating was for up to 75 mph.
Investigation into the Goodyear tire failures shows the company made it a routine to settle lawsuits and get judges to seal information, so the NHTSA and other plaintiffs’ lawyers were unaware of the settlement terms.
None of Goodyear’s actions should instill confidence in its customer base. If the company chose to hide the tire defects that cause injury and death instead of instituting immediate recalls, what else could they be hiding with current tire lines?
Motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels carry a lot of weight and size on narrow tires. Those tires must be as durable as possible to prevent blowouts and keep occupants safe.
Are you willing to risk your life and the investment made in your RV by purchasing tires from Goodyear when other companies make quality RV tires that will perform reliably?
In Summary
- Set of 4 New Premium Radial Trailer Tires 225/75R15 10PR, Brand: FREE…
- Full cap ply ( nylon overlay cross entire tread area), significant…
- Featured “Scuff Guard” ring on tire wall for better tire side…
- 8 mm deep tread depth vs 5.6 mm of other cheap competitors, durable…
- Heavy duty 10 ply rated, load range E. Steel belted, speed rating…
Goodyear is a well-known tire brand with an overall positive image in the US, which can make shoppers complacent when selecting tires for their camper.
However, recreational vehicle owners may not be aware of the issues with Goodyear tire failures that result in crashes and trigger recalls or lawsuits. Therefore, sharing this information about the company with fellow travel enthusiasts is essential to reduce potential accidents and bodily or financial loss.
Please use the information above to pinpoint whether or not the tires on your RV are made by Goodyear and need further investigation to ensure they are safe. If you need to replace RV tires, I suggest you avoid Goodyear models and select other American-made brands with a more reliable track record.
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