Continental recalls 12,000 possibly defective tyres

Continental Tyres has launched a voluntary tyre exchange programme for 12,000 potentially defective tyres.

A small number of the tyres, mostly fitted as original equipment by European truck manufacturers, are reported to have suffered sudden pressure loss before entering service.

The tyre in question is a 205/75R17.5 Conti Hybrid LS3, produced from calendar week 27 in 2014 to calendar week 26 in 2015. The product was mainly sold to original equipment manufacturers in Europe and – to a lesser degree – into the replacement market. Continental stressed that there have been no reports of accidents or injuries.

According to the tyre manufacturer, the voluntary recall has been initiated because “in a few exceptional cases, the product showed sudden pressure loss before being put into service”. The relevant Conti Hybrid steer tyre of size 205/75R17.5 shows the DOT serial numbers HW96 F7T9 2714 to 2615. Customers can identify the tyres by this lettering on the sidewall.

The date of manufacture can be identified by referring to a four-digit code on the sidewall. The first two digits are the week number followed by two for the year, hence the affected codes range from 2714 to 2615.

Conti says that it has notified the responsible national authorities of the details of the voluntary tyre exchange and is in “close communication” with the respective original equipment customers as well as with its tyre distributors and dealers to identify replacement customers who purchased potentially affected tyres. Owners will be promptly notified and informed about the details of the voluntary programme. Replacement tyres and their installation are free of charge for the customer.