Class Action Alleges Kumho ‘Buried its Head in the Sand’ Rather than Warn of Trucking Tire Defect

New to ClassAction.org? Read our Newswire Disclaimer

A Jonesboro, Arkansas trucking company alleges in a proposed class action lawsuit that Kumho Tire U.S.A. and two co-defendants have concealed an inherent defect in the company’s “low rolling resistance” trucking tires. 

The 31-page lawsuit, which names van trailer manufacturers Hyundai Translead, Inc. and Hyundai de Mexico, S.A. as co-defendants, explains Kumho’s low rolling resistance tires were advertised as more resistant to wear than other long-haul tires and were thus longer lasting and better for fuel costs. According to the plaintiff, however, the tires, specifically the KLT02e model, were manufactured from a defective rubber compound that was “too soft and not in compliance with federal regulations.” As a result of the alleged defect, the tires are subject to rapid wear and erosion, the case claims, and are unsafe for road use.

The suit goes on to allege the defendants, despite possessing knowledge of the problem, were “determined to ignore” the defect in the tires and even took steps to deny customers’ warranty claims.

“Instead of warning the public and consumers and offering to replace the tires, Defendant KUMHO simply ceased the manufacture of the KLT02e, buried its head in the sand, refused to honor its warranty, and offered to sell different tires to complaining consumer [sic],” the complaint reads.