NHTSA Service Bulletin 10181054: Bridgestone Bridgestone
Official manufacturer communication context for model years not specified Bridgestone Bridgestone, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
For 2020, new sizes of Firestone Winterforce 2 studdable winter tires were introduced. An error in a small number of stud locations in three of those sizes has been discovered that may cause retailer or customer concern if studs are installed. Studs installed in a limited number of holes along the edge of tread lugs in the shoulders will not have adequate support. The rubber will be visibly distorted upon insertion of the stud in these locations, and will likely tear out of the hole. The vast majority of the other stud holes in the shoulder ribs are properly located and can be studded as usual. During the studding process, simply skip the holes in the incorrect stud location.Omitting the incorrectly placed stud holes will not effect winter performance. There are sufficient stud locations elsewhere for the tires to perform as intended. For tires placed into service without studs, this situation is not applicable and no action based on this bulletin is necessary.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10181054?
For 2020, new sizes of Firestone Winterforce 2 studdable winter tires were introduced. An error in a small number of stud locations in three of those sizes has been discovered that may cause retailer or customer concern if studs are installed. Studs installed in a limited number of holes along the edge of tread lugs in the shoulders will not have adequate support. The rubber will be visibly distorted upon insertion.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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