Goodyear RV Tire Recall: Are You Affected?
Goodyear is a major name in the world of tires. Their products are used for cars, motorhomes, buses, motorcycles, and even airplanes! However, an announcement was recently made that Goodyear is recalling RV tires made between 1996-2003. It seems like a strange time for the company to recall these tires since this specific model hasn’t been made in almost 20 years.
The history of the G159 tire is messy, and some of the facts behind the recall are still unclear. In this article, we’re going to explore the facts of the recall, who is affected, and some of the background of these products. Goodyear is still a major company that has earned the trust of many people, but it’s good to look at the full picture.
What RV tires are affected?
On June 7, 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) put out a press release that announced the Goodyear tire recall. This recall specifically focuses on the G159 tire, which was manufactured between the years of 1996-2003. The size of these tires is 275/70R22.5. This size and designation were frequently used for RVs and motorhomes, so that is where the recall is focused.
Goodyear is recalling RV tires after facing pressure from NHTSA. The RV tires were apparently not designed to hold up during extended highway use. This is bad news for RV owners because many people take their vehicles on long trips that involve a lot of high-speed driving.
There have been numerous reports of these RV tires failing on the highway. Due to the friction and stress of the experience, the RV tires heat up beyond normal standards and experience tire separation. The G159 tires were known to experience a high rate of failure at highway speeds, especially compared to tires of similar size and structure.
NHTSA has opened a defect investigation on the G159 after hearing numerous reports of accidents, injuries, and even deaths. The numbers vary depending on the source, but it seems that about 95 people have been killed or injured in crashes that can be linked to the G159 tire. Approximately 170,000 G159 tires are included in the recall.
Goodyear has stayed on the defensive during this recall. The company said it would recall the tires “to address risks shown to occur when the tire is used in an underinflated or overloaded condition”. They also stated that there are only a few of these tires still being used today due to their age.
Whenever there’s a recall from a major company like Goodyear, you’ll want to know if it affects you. Because these tires have been off the market for several years, you’re only likely to find them on motorhomes that are fairly old or that are being sold secondhand. If someone has been regularly driving with the same set of tires since 2003, there’s a very slim chance that they haven’t worn down due to old age.
Despite all of this, the G159 was a very popular tire that was used for several RVs and motorhomes for years. The NHTSA estimates that 17 different motorhome manufacturers used these tires between 1995 and 2015 (source). It’s entirely possible that RV owners have bought a model that uses these tires, even if they’re not aware of it.
In addition, this recall could affect those who own unused spare tires as well! Selling these tires is now illegal, and those who sell them to others could be in danger of legal fines. If you want to sell your motorhome with its current and spare tires, you might get into trouble.
On the other hand, Goodyear will replace your tires for free if you are impacted by this recall. They will also pay $500 for each tire that has not been used or attached to an RV. You can get good money for your unused spare tires and save yourself the risk of legal trouble!
If you’d like to read the NHTSA report, click here. Consult your buyer’s manual to learn about the specifications of your tires and vehicle. You can also visit goodyearrvtires.com to find your nearest retailer for a return or replacement. If you need more information about this process, call 800-592-3267 to speak to a Goodyear representative.
Goodyear’s response
Goodyear is recalling RV tires only after facing years of pressure from NHTSA. They seem reluctant to admit guilt or responsibility for any of the issues these tires have caused and have only issued this recall under pressure. As stated above, they maintain the position that few of these tires are still in use and their concerns are due to people underfilling or overfilling the tires.
However, some sources indicate that Goodyear might have known about these issues as early as 2002. The G159 tires were made in such a way that the tire treat heats up and separates from the body. If this happens at highway speeds, the results can be catastrophic. Goodyear had a responsibility to report these findings within 5 business days of their discovery, but these tires have remained on the market until June of 2022.
NHTSA urged Goodyear to recall these tires several times. As recently as March 2022, the company still refused to recall the G159 tires. NHTSA eventually threatened to move forward with court action and a public hearing if the tires were not recalled and Goodyear relented (source).
This behavior is troubling, especially for long-time fans of Goodyear RV tires. The company withheld information about these tires for many years, using confidentiality as a shield from many investigations. NHTSA believes that little to no competitive harm would come from Goodyear releasing the information they requested, but the company routinely issued court orders to hide information about their tires and testing (source).
Many people still have faith in them and the troubles caused by the G159 tires may just be a blip on the radar. However, it’s important for companies to take accountability for their products and actions.
We urge customers to find out if their vehicles are using G159 tires and bring them in for a replacement or refund. New G159 tires have not been made for several years, but older motorhome models could still be in danger of tire failure.
Make sure you keep track of all your RV tire maintenance and repairs with an online tool such as RV LIFE Maintenance. Not only can you keep all of your documents in one place, but you’ll also receive timely reminders when maintenance is due to help you avoid costly repairs and potentially serious accidents.
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So I guess my question is who is running 20 plus years on their RV tires?
I had all brands of tires on my campers. Every 3 years one of them would let the tread go. I started using LT truck tires and now they are five years old and look new.
I did not have this model but they were Goodyear tires on my Monaco coach when purchased in 2006. They road terrible, had rivering on both front tires and had a blow-out on an inner dual. All pressures were regularly checked. Got rid of all six tires and never looked back. Goodyear was just waiting this out until there are almost NO G159 tires left and if you have them on an RV, shame on you, since they are way beyond their usable age!
This isn’t the only tire Goodyear wouldn’t stand behind or except responsibility for. HD Wrangler tires in the mid 90’s were ever bit as bad or worse than the Firestone disaster. I was a die hard Goodyear customer due to inferior products, no warranty support and a complete lack of customer service I wouldn’t run Goodyear tires if they were giving them away for free.
I have a 2001 Newmar Dutchstar gaser…
I have Goodyears on the front but are the 19.5 size.
Wander if they are included.
Will take a look in the morning..
Bob
Having recently purchased an older RV with comparatively low mileage used, I wanted to check whether these were on it. Yep.
If you’ve purchased used, check.
I’ve had terrible experiences with the Goodyear Marathon tire on my travel trailer and have stopped buying them. No problems with another brand.
In Canada tires 10 years or older are illegal to use anyway . So who cares about 20 year old tires , Junk anyhow !
This is definitely not a moot point recall. If you had these tires on your RV and one failed and caused significant damage, injury or death, Goodyear might still have liability. That is why they have resisted a recall for so long. They were/are trying to run out the statute of limitations.
This is exactly what the car manufacturers do. They all believe they shouldn’t be subject to product liability laws.
How about their wonderful Goodyear Marathon trailer tires!! they could pay me for 8 before I wised up!!
What happened to the NHTSA recommendation below that has been in force since at least 2013 or before. How can Goodyear with good conscience let anyone run faulty tires from 1996-2006 until now in 2020. Looks like criminal negligence to me.
How often should you be replacing your tires?
every six years
The NHTSA recommends that tires be replaced every six years regardless of the number of miles driven. Proper inflation is the Holy Grail of tire maintenance. Too much or too little air in your tires is guaranteed to cause you trouble and uneven or excessive wear over time. Dec 17, 2013
If you are still running tires from 1996-2003 you have major issues anyways.
All of these tires have aged out and most will already be off the road goodyear ducked of this one for the most part
If you have tires this old you deserve to have them fail. What a waiste of money for Goodyear.
A little late for that. Tires that old shouldn’t be on your vehicle anyway.
What about my blown and discarded Goodyear’s?⁰
Who is still using 19 year old or older tires ??
Very interesting and informative article. Now, what can be done about the trailer tires on the market? Belt separation is the norm for these tires after a year and when traveling in/through hot climates. Even checking air pressures every morning, give them a year and they separate if traveling cross country. It does not matter the brand, Maxxis, Goodyear, Walmart specials—they seem all about the same. What needs to happen to get NHTSA to investigate these ST 235/70 15” Load range E tires?
Tires are supposed to be replaced in 8-10 years anyway. So who ever has them shouldn’t.
This is a moot point. None of these tires should be in service anymore anyway, they have aged out!
Who would drive on a 20 year old tire? If they do they should not be allowed on the road.
That’s great, I had 10 on my Monaco when one failed, removed and replaced all of them. Local Dealer was upset when we quit purchasing for our trucking company as we used there nation wide pricing and service contracts. TOO little and WAY to late.
Strange, We are told tires only last 7 years yet Goodyear is recalling 19 to 26 yrs old !!!!!!!!!