Table of contents
- Latest Cooper Tires Lawsuit Updates
- March 25, 2021: Recall Expected to Start
- March 1, 2021: Consumer Reports Describes the Recall
- February 26, 2021: AP Reports Light Truck Tire Recall
- February 24, 2021: Transport Canada Posts Recall 2021092
- December 17, 2019: Cooper Files Report 19T-024
- Who May Be Affected?
- Reported Injuries or Damages
- Recall and Regulatory Background
- Evidence to Preserve
- Filing Deadlines
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Which Cooper Tires Have Been Recalled?
- How Can I Contact Cooper About a Tire Recall?
- Can I Get Reimbursed for Replacing Recalled Cooper Tires?
- Does a Cooper Tire Recall Mean Cooper Is Liable?
Cooper tires have been recalled in the United States and Canada for sidewall and tread separation. The defect can lead to tire failure and a crash. The recalls date from 2019 and 2021.
The newest recall covered more than 430,000 light truck tires. Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. reported no property damage, death or injury claims tied to that problem. The 2019 recall covered passenger tires built in a single week.
No MDL, class action or named court case against Cooper Tire over tire failure exists. Injured drivers bring individual product-liability claims. Transport Canada posted a related recall for Cooper CS5 tires in February 2021.
Latest Cooper Tires Lawsuit Updates
March 25, 2021: Recall Expected to Start
The Associated Press reported that Cooper’s large light truck tire recall was expected to start on March 25 [1]. Owners were to be notified, and dealers were to replace the tires.
As of October 2026, no MDL or class action covers Cooper tires. Tire failure claims proceed as individual product-liability claims.
March 1, 2021: Consumer Reports Describes the Recall
Consumer Reports described NHTSA campaign 21T002000, a recall of 430,000 tires from four brands made February 1, 2018 through December 1, 2019 [2].
The magazine said the problems were identified from a higher-than-usual return rate for these tires. Cooper’s notice describes the problem as bulges or separations in the sidewall area.
February 26, 2021: AP Reports Light Truck Tire Recall
The AP reported that Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. recalled the light truck tires in the U.S. for sidewall bulges. Documents posted by safety regulators set out the recall.
The AP said the bulges can cause a sidewall separation, which can make the tires lose air rapidly and raise the risk of a crash.
February 24, 2021: Transport Canada Posts Recall 2021092
Transport Canada posted recall 2021092, an expansion of recall 2020-440, for Cooper CS5 P225/50R17 tires [3]. The affected date codes are 2920 to 3220, 4220 to 4420 and 5120 to 0121.
Transport Canada said the tires were built without enough rubber in the shoulder slot area of the tread. Cracks could start forming in the slot or base area, and a tire failure could raise the crash risk.
December 17, 2019: Cooper Files Report 19T-024
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. submitted NHTSA report 19T-024, recalling 2,095 passenger tires built July 28, 2019 through August 3, 2019 [4].
The report names an improper sidewall component used on one tire building machine. Dealer letters were to be mailed between December 20, 2019 and January 10, 2020. The filing is a manufacturer report and no court case.
Who May Be Affected?
Three recalls name Cooper-built tires:
- NHTSA 19T-024: 2,095 tires, including Cooper Evolution Tour, Hercules Roadtour 455 Sport, Starfire Solarus AS and two Mastercraft lines. All are 225/50R17 with DOT date code 3019.
- NHTSA 21T002000: about 430,000 Cooper, Hercules, Mastercraft and Mickey Thompson light truck tires in sizes 275/65R18 and 275/55R20.
- Transport Canada 2021092: Cooper CS5 P225/50R17 tires with the date codes listed in the notice.
The DOT code on the sidewall shows the week and year the tire was made, which helps match it to a recall. A legal review looks at your tire, vehicle and injuries to decide whether a claim exists.
Reported Injuries or Damages
In report 19T-024, Cooper told NHTSA it had no claims for property damage, death or injury tied to the recalled tires. Consumer Reports said Cooper is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the 2021 problem.
The recall reports describe the risk as slow air loss, belt or tread separation and tire failure. They also name loss of vehicle control and a higher risk of a crash.
Recall and Regulatory Background
For the 2019 recall, tires with an affected DOT number are replaced at a Cooper Regional Inspection Point. For the 2021 recall, Cooper offers free inspection and replacement of the affected tires.
Transport Canada says all tires affected by its recall will be replaced. Cooper warns that, if undetected, the 2021 problem may result in a tire failure leading to the loss of vehicle control.
Evidence to Preserve
Keep these items after a tire failure, since each can show what happened:
- The tire itself, with its sidewall markings intact.
- Purchase and installation receipts for the tires.
- Photographs of the tire, the wheel and the vehicle damage.
- Shop, tow and repair reports.
- Police or crash reports.
- Medical records and bills.
- Any recall notice or letter you received from Cooper.
Do not discard the failed tire or have it repaired or resold. Store it in a safe place and write down the date, the place and the road conditions while you remember them.
Filing Deadlines
Filing deadlines for a tire injury claim come from state law. They vary with where you live and when the injury or loss happened.
If a deadline passes before you file, a tire injury claim can end even when the facts are strong. Speak with a lawyer promptly to learn which deadline applies to your situation and how much time remains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Cooper Tires Have Been Recalled?
The Cooper tires recalled in 2021 include certain Discoverer, Evolution, Courser, Deegan, Adventurer, Hercules, Back Country, Multi-Mile Wild Country and Big O tires. Consumer Reports lists them in 18- and 20-inch sizes.
How Can I Contact Cooper About a Tire Recall?
You can contact Cooper about the 2021 tire recall through Cooper Tire customer service at 800-854-6288. Give Cooper’s number for the recall, which is 178. Consumer Reports published this contact when it described the recall.
Can I Get Reimbursed for Replacing Recalled Cooper Tires?
Owners who replaced tires covered by report 19T-024 before the recall may be eligible for reimbursement, according to Cooper’s report to NHTSA. Cooper said it would contact registered owners of those tires by registered mail.
Does a Cooper Tire Recall Mean Cooper Is Liable?
A Cooper tire recall does not by itself mean that Cooper is liable. Recall reports are company and agency statements and not court findings. Each claim depends on the tire, the crash and the injuries involved.