Carlisle - 214 complaints? After more digging, I found 265 trailer tire complaints of all trailer models made. A closer evaluation will show that the vast majority of the tires were made prior to 2010. Some of the complaints were too vague to determine. I read one complaint about a 2011 tire, but by reading the summery it appeared more suspect to a road hazard than a defect.
The Guangdong Meiyan Tires Co., Ltd. of China has been operated as a subsidiary of Carlisle Tire & Wheel Company since 2007. That is one reason the trailer tires have improved since 2009. According to the Carlise’s latest business report, they plan to move that entire operation to Clinton, TN. Since taking control of the China plant, they have been able to oversee that the tires meet or exceed DOT requirements.
I purchased 6 Carlisle Radial Trail RH, ST235/80R16 made after 2009. I paid less than a $1,000 for 6 tires at Discount Tires including the hazard warranty. Goodyear tire and some others may be better, but I just couldn't justify the price of those when the failure rate of Carlisle tires made since 2009 were about the same according to NHTSA.