The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has denied a petition from PT. Multistrada Arah Sarana Tbk (MASA), an Indonesian tire manufacturer, seeking to classify a labeling noncompliance as inconsequential to motor vehicle safety. Published in the Federal Register on November 17, 2025, the notice details MASA's admission that approximately 1.6 million tires sold under brands like Achilles, Corsa, Radar, and Milestar feature tire identification numbers (TINs) with extra characters, violating federal standards. This ruling requires MASA to notify owners and provide remedies, highlighting the agency's emphasis on traceability in safety recalls even when tire performance is unaffected. The decision stems from MASA's June 2020 noncompliance report and subsequent petition, which argued the error posed no safety risk but was rejected after NHTSA's review revealed issues with tire registration.
Background and Regulatory Context
MASA, a producer of passenger car and light truck tires, identified the issue in tires manufactured between January 3, 2016, and March 14, 2020. The affected models include Achilles lines such as the 868 All Seasons and Desert Hawk UHP, Corsa All Terrain XL, Radar Renegade H/T, and Milestar Patagonia M/T, among others. These tires were distributed in the U.S. market, with a total of about 1,673,307 units involved.
The noncompliance pertains to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 139, which governs new pneumatic radial tires for light vehicles, and 49 CFR Part 574 on tire identification and recordkeeping. Specifically, paragraph S5.5.1 of FMVSS No. 139 requires tires to bear a TIN on the intended outboard sidewall, formatted according to Part 574. The TIN consists of groupings: a two-symbol plant code, a size code, an optional descriptive code of no more than four symbols, and a four-symbol date code. MASA's tires exceeded this limit by using up to six symbols in the optional third grouping, resulting in TINs longer than the standard 13 characters.
This standard traces back to the Tire Identification and Recordkeeping regulations established under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, amended over time to enhance traceability. Precedents in NHTSA decisions, such as grants or denials of similar inconsequential noncompliance petitions, often hinge on whether the error impacts safety or recall efficacy. For instance, past approvals have occurred when labeling errors did not hinder identification, but denials are common when registration or notification is compromised.
MASA's Petition and Arguments
In its June 25, 2020, petition, MASA sought exemption from recall obligations under 49 U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h), claiming the noncompliance was inconsequential. The company argued that the tires met all performance requirements of FMVSS No. 139, with no operational safety risks. 'The incorrect TIN marking with additional characters in the optional code has no bearing on tire performance,' MASA stated in its submission.
MASA emphasized that key TIN elements—plant code, size code, and date code—remained intact, allowing traceability. They noted proper markings for maximum inflation pressure and load rating, and the presence of the DOT symbol on both sidewalls certifying compliance. On identification, MASA contended that extra characters did not prevent registration or recall notifications, citing no complaints from distributors or consumers. The company also outlined proactive steps, including internal communications and confirmation that their Achilles Tire USA website could handle registrations.
Politically, this petition reflects broader industry efforts to streamline regulations, often supported by manufacturers seeking relief from minor technical violations. However, NHTSA's enforcement aligns with congressional mandates to prioritize public safety, influenced by advocacy groups like the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, which push for strict adherence to labeling for recall effectiveness.
NHTSA's Analysis and Rationale for Denial
NHTSA's denial, detailed in the Federal Register notice, focuses on the safety implications of impaired tire registration. The agency evaluates inconsequentiality based on risks to individuals in scenarios a recall would address, not merely the absence of complaints. 'In general, NHTSA does not consider the absence of complaints or injuries when determining if a noncompliance is inconsequential to safety,' the notice states, citing precedents like the 2013 General Motors petition grant and the 2016 Morgan 3 Wheeler denial.
Critically, NHTSA tested MASA's claim about registration and found that the Achilles website rejected TINs exceeding 13 characters, preventing owners from registering tires. This undermines direct notification in recalls, as unregistered tires rely on less effective public notices. Even if later adjustments allowed 14-character registrations, prior failed attempts could deter consumers from retrying. The agency concluded that MASA failed to demonstrate inconsequentiality, obligating notification and remedy.
Different perspectives emerge here. Manufacturers like MASA view such errors as administrative oversights without real-world impact, supported by industry groups advocating for regulatory flexibility. Consumer safety advocates, however, argue that any barrier to registration heightens risks, especially given historical recalls involving defective tires, such as the 2000 Firestone tire crisis that led to over 100 deaths and spurred TIN enhancements.
Implications and Broader Context
Short-term, MASA must comply with recall procedures, potentially involving owner notifications and TIN corrections, which could impose financial burdens. Long-term, this decision reinforces NHTSA's stance on labeling precision, possibly influencing future petitions and encouraging manufacturers to invest in compliance systems.
The ruling occurs amid ongoing debates over automotive safety regulations, with the Biden administration emphasizing enforcement amid rising road fatalities. It also highlights global supply chain issues, as MASA is based in Indonesia, underscoring the need for international manufacturers to align with U.S. standards.
In summary, NHTSA's denial prioritizes traceability over MASA's performance-based arguments, ensuring that safety mechanisms like recalls remain robust. Potential next steps include MASA's implementation of remedies and possible appeals, while challenges persist in balancing regulatory stringency with industry efficiency. Ongoing debates may center on updating TIN standards for digital registration era, without endorsing specific reforms.