Continental recalls nearly 150,000 passenger tires

The American branch of Continental (CTA) has begun recalling 146,568 all-season passenger tires Continental ProContact GX AO (the AO marking indicates that the tires were homologated by Audi) in size 255/35 R19, manufactured at the plant in Korbach (Germany) from the 19th week of 2021 to the 32nd week of 2024. A recall of tires from this batch, totaling 833 units, has also been initiated in Australia.

It is noted that due to excessive elasticity of the shoulder area of the tire, it overheats, which can cause the edge of the breaker to peel off, and with prolonged operation, this can lead to the separation of the breaker belt and tread, loss of control of the vehicle, and an accident.

In Continental, it was reported that from May 2021 to December 2023, CTA customers returned four ProContact GX tires with complaints that suggested possible breaker separation. After that, from January to July 2024, similar problems were found in several more tires, and an inspection was carried out at the plant, as a result of which a decision was made to recall. According to the company's estimates, 100% of the recalled tires are defective.

CTA also announced the recall of 462 Continental HDL2 DL+ truck tires in size 11R24.5, produced at the plant in Clinton (Mississippi, USA) during the 43rd week of 2023.

It is reported that the shoulder areas of the recalled tires were manufactured using an incorrectly selected rubber compound, which creates a risk of separation of the edge of the breaker layer, a sharp loss of pressure, and an accident.

The possible defect became known on June 25, 2024, when one of Continental's dealers reported it. Five tires were delivered to Continental's warranty center, and an inspection was carried out at the plant, which showed that the wrong materials were used. The company says that only 138 tires from the recalled batch are defective.