Defective Tires Manufactured In China

It seems that all products manufactured in China are now under careful scrutiny after recent recalls of everything from pet food to children's toys. Tires are no exception.

The TREAD Act is a federal law passed in 2000 after deaths were linked to rollovers involving Ford Explorers equipped with Firestone tires. The law requires tire makers and importers to inform NHTSA of warranty claims so defects can be spotted before accidents occur.

Between the years 2000 and 2001, Tokyo-based Bridgestone Corp. voluntarily recalled 6.5 million tires designed for the Explorer. Ford Motor Co. replaced another 10.6 million Firestone tires in 2001, saying it didn't have confidence they were safe.

In 2005 NHTSA received complaints on tires manufactured by a company in China, Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co., sold in this country under the brand names Westlake, Compass and YKS. The complaints stated the tires have a defect that could cause them to fall apart on the road. If you are experiencing any issues with defective tires find an attorney in your state who can advise you of your rights under defective product law.