Firestone nearly doubles previous tire recall

Bridgestone is recalling 127,000 Firestone tires sold in 2007 and 2008 -- nearly doubling an earlier recall of tires from the same line, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced.

All the tires involved are FR380 P235/75R15.Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC, formerly known as Bridgestone Firestone North America, said the tread base of the tires was not made correctly and could cause tread separation and loss of control of a vehicle after extended use.

No incidents have been reported, the company told NHTSA.In the fall, the company recalled more than 162,000 tires made in 2006 and 2007 for the same reason. All the tires being recalled were made at the company's plant in Costa Rica. Bridgestone told NHTSA the problem was remedied at the plant in July 2008.

For anyone with the affected tires, Firestone is supposed to notify owners that they will be replaced for free -- including mounting and balancing.

The replacement tires can be obtained at authorized Firestone dealers or company owned stores, including Firestone Complete Auto Care and TiresPlus.

Tire owners can also call Bridgestone at 800-465-1904 or visit the company web site.Firestone also told the government it will reimburse customers who incurred costs related to the recalled tires.

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