NEWARK - Attorney General Anne Milgram and Acting Consumer Affairs Director Stephen B. Nolan announced that a New Jersey-based importer of Chinese-made tires that is under investigation by state authorities is recalling 255,000 defective light truck tires nationwide.

Foreign Tire Sales, Inc. (FTS) of Union is recalling Westlake, Compass and YKS brand steel-belted radial tires that were manufactured by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co., Ltd of Hangzhou China. FTS sold these tires for SUVs, pickups and vans from early 2004 to mid-2006. According to FTS, these tires lack a gum strip which makes them susceptible to tread or belt separation.

“We are concerned about how the public’s safety came to be put at risk in this matter,” Attorney General Milgram said. “We’re continuing our investigation and our staff is coordinating its efforts with other states and the federal government.”

New Jersey in late June issued a subpoena to FTS that sought information regarding the locations to which these tires were shipped, the identity of consumers who might be using them and FTS’s knowledge that the tires might be defective. An estimated 14,000 of these tires may have been sold in New Jersey.

“Consumers who purchased these tires should return them and file a claim as soon as possible to protect their safety.” Acting Director Nolan said. “The FTS website has helpful video and text information that will assist consumers in determining whether their tires are subject to the recall.”

To return the tires, consumers must fill out a claim form and bring the tires to a dealer. After confirming the tires are subject to the recall, the retailer will provide replacements. FTS will reimburse retailers for replacement tires and related costs.

Consumers should check their tire sidewalls for the following information to determine whether their tires are being recalled:

Consumers who find that their vehicles are equipped with these light truck radial tires should contact FTS at 1-888-899-9293 to obtain a claim form. Consumers can also download claim forms and obtain detailed information from FTS‘s website - www.foreigntire.com.

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