Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. said Monday that it was recalling about 288,000 replacement tires used on passenger cars and light trucks because of concerns about slow leaks and cracking in the tires.
The Findlay, Ohio-based tiremaker said there have been no reported crashes or injuries linked to the recalled tires. The recall represents a small portion of the 40 million tires it produces each year, the company said.
“We have a very vigorous inspection for tires, and we never take any chances,” said Pat Brown, a Cooper Tire spokeswoman.
The company will replace the tires for free. Owners are being warned to avoid driving at highway speeds until the tires have been inspected and replaced.
About 183,000 of the tires — manufactured between February 2004 and Jan. 21, 2005 — were recalled because of a slow leak that may have been caused by a contaminant in the upper sidewall.
The models, used on pickups and sport utility vehicles, include the Cooper Discoverer S/T, Dean Mud Terrain Radial SXT, Durango Radial XTR, Mastercraft Courser C/T, Dick Cepek Radial F-C II, Mesa C/T, Pro Comp Xtreme A/T and Tempra Trailcutter Radial RT.
The company said an additional 101,000 tires — used on passenger cars — were recalled because of cracking during testing. The tires were made from November 2004 to July 2005 and include the Dean Alpha 365 A/S, Mastercraft A/S, Starfire Flite-line IV and Trendsetter SE.
Cooper Tire was also recalling more than 3,000 models of the Cooper Zeon 2XS and Mastercraft Avenger ZHP because of cracking in the sidewall.
In a separate action, Ford Motor Co. recalled more than 200,000 models of the 2006 F-150 pickup truck and the Lincoln Mark LT because of a software error in the instrument panel. The error could prevent the antilock brake system warning light from illuminating if the system malfunctions.