The Transportation Department’s Office of the Inspector General has launched an investigation into Goodyear and the company’s G159 tires, which have been linked to several injuries and fatalities.
An OIG spokesperson confirmed the investigation, but declined to provide additional details. Goodyear did not immediately respond to request for comment.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating the Akron, Ohio-based tire manufacturer over allegations Goodyear covered up evidence that its G159 tires were faulty. The agency charged that the tires have failed in as many as 1 in 10 vehicles. The company has denied that its tires are defective.
Despite the federal investigation, Goodyear’s overall revenue increased 4 percent to $3.8 billion for the quarter that ended on June 30. Net income rose 6.4 percent to $164 million in the same period.
To date, there have been no congressional oversight hearing specific to the Goodyear scandal, but that could change as federal interest intensifies.
“It’s certainly something we’re interested in,” Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said previously.
