Firestone Recalls 127,000 Defective Tires

July 1, 2009 7:16 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Bridgestone/Firestone are issuing a recall for 127,183 tires manufactured from September 9, 2007 to July 2, 2008.

According to Bridgestone, Firestone model FR380 tires (in sizes P235/75R15) suffer from a defect where the tire causes excessive vibration and groove cracking. As a result, "extended use could lead to tread distortion or tread separation and loss of vehicle control."

Bridgestone has offered consumers to replace the defective tires free of charge and will include a free mounting and balancing for the new set.

Consumers have complained about these tires for years. At the auto forums on 1010tires.com, there are a series of complaints about the FR380's.

"I've been driving for over forty years & find these tires to be the worst I've ever had," Elmer Johnson wrote. "Go over 60 mph & the car shakes all over the highway - increase the wind outside & the problem multiplies. I'm going to have to purchase new tires because I'm afraid to attempt driving them any further - feeling that sooner or later they will cause me to have an accident."

"These tires are NO good," wrote a user named Nelson. "When any two of the tires get in sync you bounce up and down like on a carnival ride. NEVER again!!!"