Tire recall: how to check, what's covered, and the replacement process

NHTSA issues 50-150 tire-related recalls per year. Here's how to check if yours is affected and what the manufacturer covers.

Tire manufacturers issue recalls when a defect affecting safety is found. NHTSA tracks all recalls publicly. The recall process is free for the consumer when handled correctly, but most affected owners never get notified — the recall mail goes to the registered vehicle owner, not the tire owner, so tires bought aftermarket often fall through.

How to check if your tires are recalled

Two ways:

By DOT code: nhtsa.gov/recalls → enter the 4-digit week+year from your tire's sidewall and the manufacturer name. Their database returns all matching campaigns.

By VIN: nhtsa.gov/recalls → enter your vehicle's VIN. Returns recalls affecting your specific vehicle (including OEM tires if there's a tire campaign).

Tirefolio displays active recalls on the affected tire-detail pages — search for your tire by brand and model on our /tire/ pages and look for the gold warning banner.

Common recall causes

• Sidewall separation: belt or ply layers separating from the carcass; can cause sudden blowouts
• Tread chunking: tread compound separating in chunks; usually high-speed driving
• Mismarking: wrong load index or speed rating stamped on the sidewall (rare but does happen)
• Manufacturing contamination: foreign material baked into the rubber compromising strength

What a tire recall covers

Free tire replacement from a participating retailer or the original dealer. The manufacturer pays for the tire and the install (mount, balance, disposal). You pay nothing IF the recall is handled within the campaign's eligibility window (usually 8 years from manufacture).

Some recalls also offer reimbursement for related vehicle damage (a tread separation that damaged a fender, for example). Submit claims with photos and repair receipts within 90 days.

The replacement process

1. Confirm your tires are affected (NHTSA campaign number)
2. Stop driving the vehicle on recalled tires for non-essential trips
3. Call the manufacturer's recall line (every brand has one — usually 1-800-XXX-XXXX)
4. Schedule a replacement appointment at a participating dealer
5. Bring the tires (still mounted on the vehicle, or off if the vehicle was towed)
6. Dealer scans the DOT codes, confirms eligibility, installs replacement tires
7. You sign a release acknowledging the recall completion

If you bought aftermarket

The recall notification goes to whoever registered the warranty — if you bought tires used or didn't return the warranty card, you won't get a mailing. Check the NHTSA database monthly if you have older tires; recalls can issue years after manufacture.

Aftermarket buyers are still eligible for free replacement — the manufacturer pays regardless of who currently owns the tire. Bring proof of purchase (any receipt) plus the tire itself.

If you find your tires are recalled today

Don't panic. Most recalls aren't immediate-failure scenarios — they're elevated-risk situations. Steps:

1. Check tread for visible signs of the defect (bulges, cracks, tread separation)
2. If visible problems: stop driving, get a tow
3. If no visible problems: drive normally to a dealer for the recall replacement, avoid sustained high-speed driving
4. Schedule the replacement within 7-14 days

How many tires get recalled annually

Approximately 50-150 tire recall campaigns are issued per year in the US, affecting anywhere from a few thousand to several million tires. The biggest recalls in recent history have been Firestone Wilderness (2000, 6.5M tires) and various lesser-known brands' single-batch defects.

Smaller, infrequent recalls are normal in the tire industry — they're a sign the quality control system is working, not failing. The right response is to check periodically and replace promptly when affected.

By Mark Bishop · Updated 2026-05-17.