The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·13T004000·Announced 2013-04-30

Kumho Solus KH25 Tires Recalled for Puncture-Related Failure Risk

Kumho is recalling 11,922 Solus KH25 tires that were sold as used despite having drill holes, posing a risk of rapid air loss and crashes.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (tire failure) that could cause a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating under the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Kumho Tire U.S.A., Inc. is recalling 11,922 Kumho Solus KH25 passenger car tires, size 225/45R17, produced between August 21, 2011, and June 23, 2012. These tires were originally part of a previous recall (NHTSA 12T-020) and were rendered unusable by being punctured with three drill holes through the tread surface for disposal. However, Liberty Tire Recycling, LLC, sold these punctured tires as "used tires" to wholesalers and distributors in Texas, New York, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico.

The safety concern is that if the drill holes are repaired, the repairs may not adhere to specific Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) standards. This non-compliance could result in rapid air loss while the vehicle is in use, leading to tire failure and a potential crash.

Kumho will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected tires in accordance with a dealer notification letter. The safety recall began on May 6, 2013. Owners may contact Kumho at 1-909-428-3358 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
TIRES:SIDEWALL recall
Manufacturer
Kumho Tire U.S.A., Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Tires
Hazard
Affected units
11,922

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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