The content – at www.safercar.gov – of the early warning information were generated from quarterly data provided to NHTSA under the TREAD Act by tire manufacturers and other automotive market manufacturers.
“There’s an important caveat to all this,” says Jim MacMaster, RMA chairman and executive vice president for the business division of Yokohama Tire Corp. “The published results, while informative, represent claims that have not been substantiated. The statistical data pertaining to claims filed against tire manufacturers have been culled from allegations; not corroborated fact.”
According to the company, “a claim exists regardless of any denial or refusal to pay it, and regardless of whether it has been settled or resolved in the manufacturer’s favor.” A complaint, it continues, is “a communication of any kind made by a consumer (or other person) to a manufacturer expressing dissatisfaction with a product.”
“We fully support all of NHTSA’s efforts to safeguard consumers on America’s highways – including this data on potential defects,” said MacMaster. “We want to assure the public realizes, though, the data is merely unverified information.” (Tire Review/Akron)
