Michelin recalls 1.2 million tires in U.S.

Michelin North America is recalling 1.2 million tires in the United States — including some used as original equipment on some of Ford Motor Co.'s full-sized vans — because the tread might come apart.

Michelin said it had detected a “tread/belt endurance" problem through warranty claims and 20 claims from consumers seeking reimbursement for damage to their vehicles.

There have been no reports of injuries, the company said.

Michelin, in a report posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site, said the recalled tires were designed for “commercial light trucks, full-sized heavy duty vans, small recreational vehicles and some large pickup trucks."

"Several instances of tread/belt endurance issues (exhibited as ride vibrations, irregular wear, tread loss, or rapid air loss) were observed for the subject tire in the third quarter of 2013," Michelin told NHTSA.

"Up to 100 percent of the described tires could be affected during service," the company said in a letter dated Dec. 11, 2013, to NHTSA. "As of November 20, 2013, approximately 0.015 percent of the total U.S. market population has exhibited a loss of tread or rapid air loss condition. This represents less than 200 tires."

Ford used the tires as original equipment on the 2010 through 2013 model E-Series van, The New York Times reported, citing a Ford spokeswoman.

The E-Series is a full-sized commercial van used primarily as a shuttle and delivery vehicle. It was formerly known as the Econoline.

Overall, the recall covers 1.3 million tires, Michelin said.

The tires being recalled were manufactured at a Michelin plant in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, from January 2010 through June 2012 and are LTX M/S tires, size LT225/75R16 115/112R LRE, the company told NHTSA.

The Detroit News said Michelin will contact owners by early January with instructions on how to obtain replacement tires and how to be reimbursed.