Brand new tire completely failed at highway speed. This tire was 7 days old and there was a total sidewall failure. Looking online after the incident, there are countless complaints of the same issue.

- Parrish, FL, USA

Four new Continental contiprocontact tires were purchased and installed on my 2000 VW Jetta. After approx. 2 days, one tire went flat while driving at low speeds. Tire sent to seller, and they pronounced it was an installation issue. This tire was sent to seller, after purchasing a new one. After 4 to 5 weeks of driving, a second tire (different wheel) from the same original set of 4, failed suddenly. This tire "suddenly" failed with a "gun shot" like noise while the vehicle was stationary. Review at the service shop showed nothing unusual in the installation. Pictures of the second tire were sent to the manufacturer, and they commented that this was an install issue. I work for an automotive engineering company, and had one of our expert technicians review the second tire. He has 30 years of service experience within Chrysler dealerships. He was convinced that this was a tire defect, had never seen such a failure, and stated that this type of failure would not happen during installation. This was based on the loose condition of the steel ring on the inner tire, and the fact that their were no witness tool marks on the outside of the tire. The original installer of the tires also stated that the rubber on the inner bead of the tire was "too thin" and of poor construction. I have the second tire in my possession, and have requested the original first tire back from the seller. I have not yet received this, nor have I received any formal conclusive report with measurements and analysis to prove their conclusion. Right now they are only stating their personal opinion, without thorough analysis. I am still driving on the remaining tires with an "uneasy" feeling that I am at risk of another catastrophic failure. I am only after the truth in this matter, and up to now have felt as though it has not been presented. I didn't create this failure, and I have a hard time seeing how the installer, who does this for a living, could have done it to 2 tires.

- Warren, MI, USA

I purchased a used certified 2000 Volkswagen Jetta in January 2004, after only one week of purchasing the vehicle, the engine light came on, the accelerator was making a vibrating sound and stalling continuously. Okay, the transmission went out and it had to be replaced at my expense - I purchased a used transmission and then the engine throttle failed and the car wouldn't even start one day - had that replaced at my expense $1700. No the old parts are not available. Okay, there's more, the brakes have been replaced a total of four times within three years, the engine light is still on, air bag light on, brake light on, lights and fog interior fuses and exterior lights have been replaced I don't know how many times, I have put so much money into this vehicle - and it still is running badly. As of today, the car won't move without warming it up first for about 45 minutes fully - when you press on the accelerator without warming it up first - it will stall and make a loud embarrassing noise as if the engine is going to explode - and you have to literally make it move by pressing very hard on the accelerator and praying that it won't just shut off while driving and never start again. My vehicle has 117,000 miles on it had 43,500 when I bought it (I know stupid wasn't I) it was my first vehicle. I know a car is not suppose to last forever, but dam does it have to cost so much to try and keep it running until it dies. Please help me with any information you may have to assist me in this matter.

- Mount Prospect, IL, USA

Replaced rear brake light 4 times; emergency flasher & turn signals fail to work randomly. Twice had rear brake pads replaced; rotors turned second time -- total cost $550. Repeated sensor failures -- knock sensor, mass air flow sensor, coolant temperature sensor; induction coil failure & vehicle imbolized. Driver mirror repaired twice; passenger P/window stuck down; driver window lock twice; seat belt cracked

- Baltimore, MD, USA

Tire initially punctured mid tread. Rapid loss of air occurred followed by the immediate separation of the side walls (both sides) from both the bead and tread (tire in 3 pieces). Failure caused loss of vehicle control on highway. Caused damage to strut, antilock break cable and various areas body parts. (dot number: M3tacxyx46 tiresize: 195/65R15)

- Parkville, MO, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle. (tiresize: 195/65R15) (tiresize: 195/65R15)

- Saratoga, CA, USA