Cooper Tire & Rubber announced that it is recalling over 48,000 tires after receiving reports of tire separation and failure. It is the third recall in two years. In July 2007, Cooper recalled over 90,000 of its Dominator Sport ATV tires and in February 2006, it recalled nearly 300,000 Cooper Lifeliner Touring SLE H-Rated and T-rated tires.

Products affected by the recall

The following tires are affected by the recall:

• Cooper Discoverer ATR (sizes LT235/85R16 and LT265/75R16)
• Dean Wildcat Radial (size LT265/75R16)
• Mastercraft Courser A/T 2 (sizes LT235/85R16 and LT265/75R16)
• Mentor All Terrain Radial SXT (size LT265/75R16)

The tires were produced between December 2, 2007 and February 9, 2008 at the company’s Albany, Georgia factory. According to Cooper, "The tires, on the test wheel, developed a separation between two components in the sidewall on the whitewall side only." The recall began on March 14, 2008; however, the official announcement was not made until March 25, 2008.

Although the Akron, Ohio based Cooper Tire & Rubber produces over 40 million tires each year, this is the third major recall in a two year period – leaving consumers to wonder about the company’s reputation. Investors seem to be feeling the same way as the value of the company’s stock has also fallen since its July 2007 recall. Cooper has advised the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) of the recall.

Additional information

For additional information, consumers may contact Cooper’s customer relations department at 800-854-6288 or visit its website at www.coopertire.com.