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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08144 — Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-05024 — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 102 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles
NHTSA wants to update a safety rule to help self-driving cars that don’t have steering wheels or gear shifts. They’re proposing to remove the need for a gear position display in these automated vehicles, cutting costs without hurting safety. If you have thoughts, speak up by April 15, 2026!
2026-05023 — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Modernization of FMVSS No. 103 and FMVSS No. 104 To Accommodate ADS-Equipped Vehicles; Incorporation by Reference
NHTSA is updating rules for windshield defrosting, defogging, wiping, and washing to better fit self-driving cars that don’t have steering wheels or pedals. These cars won’t have to follow old rules meant for human drivers, cutting costs and unnecessary requirements without hurting safety. The changes kick in about six months after the final rule, and manufacturers can still add these features if they want.
2025-22674 — Public Hearing for Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards: The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicle Rule III for Model Years 2022 to 2031 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks
The government is holding a virtual public hearing on January 7, 2026, about new fuel economy rules for cars and light trucks from 2022 to 2031. These rules aim to keep vehicles safer and more affordable while improving fuel efficiency. If you care about how much gas your car uses or how much you pay at the pump, this is your chance to speak up before the rules are finalized.
2026-09849 — Event Data Recorders
The government is giving car makers more time to add better crash data recorders in vehicles, starting a slow rollout from September 2028 through 2031. This change affects all vehicle manufacturers, with smaller makers and special vehicles getting extra time until 2032 or 2033. The goal? Make sure new safety tech fits smoothly into car production without rushing, and yes, early upgrades are welcome!
2026-09151 — Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance
Kawasaki found that some of their motorcycles from 1979-1981 and 2017-2025 don’t fully meet brake safety rules. They asked the government to decide if this issue is minor and won’t affect safety. People have until June 8, 2026, to share their thoughts, and no money or recalls are expected right now.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21528 — Michelin North America Inc., Grant of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance
Michelin found a small problem with about 160 of their X Multi D+ truck tires made in 2019 that don’t fully meet a safety rule. They asked the government to say this issue doesn’t really affect safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration agreed. No recalls or fixes are needed, so drivers and businesses can keep rolling without worry or extra costs.
Next: 2025-21530 — Ford Motor Company, Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance
Ford found that some 2021-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles didn’t fully meet tire pressure and seat belt safety rules. They asked the government to decide if these issues are minor enough to not affect safety. People have until December 29, 2025, to share their thoughts, and no money changes hands right now.