NHTSA Gives Michelin a Pass on 14,000 Noncompliant Truck Tires
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Notice
Summary
Michelin found that about 14,000 of their X Works D tires didn’t fully meet a safety rule for big trucks. They told the government and asked for a pass, saying the issue doesn’t affect safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration agreed, so no recalls or fixes are needed, saving time and money for everyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
No Recall for 14,047 Tires
NHTSA agreed that about 14,047 Michelin X Works D tires made between January 1, 2021 and September 14, 2022 had a marking error but are inconsequential to safety. Because of this exemption, Michelin is not required to notify owners, purchasers, and dealers or provide a free remedy for those tires under 49 U.S.C. 30118 and 30120.
Dealers Remain Restricted From Selling
The NHTSA decision does not relieve tire distributors and dealers of the prohibition on selling, offering for sale, or introducing into interstate commerce noncompliant tires that remain under their control after Michelin notified them the noncompliance existed. That prohibition continues to apply to dealers and distributors.
Manufacturer Corrected Future Production
Michelin corrected the mold drawings and states that all tires produced after the error was found have the correct markings. Future buyers of Michelin X Works D tires will receive tires with correct dual and single load markings.
Marked Load Causes 55‑Pound Underload
The incorrect marking shows a maximum dual load of 5,590 pounds at 120 psi instead of the correct 6,005 pounds at 120 psi. Michelin states that following the erroneous marking would result in a tire loading 55 pounds below the tire's designed maximum dual load.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in