On 8/13/07, I was traveling approximately 70 miles per hour on nc hwy 52 northbound (a 4 lane divided highway) when I had a sudden massive blow out of a Michelin tire on the left rear of my vehicle, a 1995 BMW 325 is. There was no warning. The tire was not low on air pressure and did not have any puncture as verified by the tire dealership owner. The tire is a Michelin energy plus mxv4, size 205/60R15. It has the following lettering on it: Dot aptm W17X 2306. The dealer said that the 2306 indicates the week of manufacture. The tire had 12,000 miles on it. There was a complete separation of the outside side wall from the rest of the tire. With some struggle, I was able to maintain control. Fortunately there was no vehicle beside of me as I had to utilize both of the lanes in my direction to regain control. On the same day, I showed the tire to the owner of C&C tire in asheboro, nc (336-629-6634) where the four new michilen tires were purchased and installed on 4/14/07. No damage occurred to my vehicle and no personal injury was incurred. I am awaiting a call from the Michelin representative to discuss replacement of the tire. I wish to report this incident only so that it can be investigated whether or not there is a manufacturing problem that is wide spread.

- Asheboro, NC, USA

Bought four Goodyear assurance triple tread tires (warranty for 80,000 - 85,000 miles) at belle tire in June '05. (tires never felt right.) by November '05, after only 10,000 miles, tires were worn to the tread bar. Belle tire blamed everything except the tire, went to 3 different locations and waited over two weeks for problem to be 'resolved'. issue was not resolved to customer satisfaction. Also, belle tire charged for an alignment in June '05, when in fact the location did not have the proper equipment to do the alignment (german-engineered vehicles require special equipment). Belle tire refused to reimburse the alleged 'alignment'.

- Ypsilanti, MI, USA

On August 9,2001 a left rear tire disintegrated at 60mph. The Bridgestone Firestone representative(after contending that it was not a manufacturing defect) agreed to replace the tire (still under warrantee - about half the tread left). We had been experiencing a slow leak on the right front and on the day of the failure had been in the shop to be told that nothing could be detected in the rf tire - pressure had been checked on the rear. Subsequently we continued to loose air in the rf tire and experience a shimmy in the car. We took it to a competitior who in checking the tire discovered significant delamination on the inside edge tread of the tire. In addition the remaining two tires also showed signs of delamination of tread and belt. We switched to winter tires early and I have the suspect tires in my possession. A call to the district manager of Bridgestone-Firestone indicated no interest in checking on the potential for a defect or compensation consistent with the warranty. Because all four tires from that set delaminated in the same place and in the same way and at the same time I am highly suspicious of a manufacturing defect. The company already has a track record of failure and my experience with personnel indicates complete disregard for the safety issues, even after the previous problems. I am concerned that others who may not be as vigilant about tires could fall victim to auto accidents. Can something be done. I will retain the tires for inspection pending your interest in the issue. Thank you. (dot number: Dlf076 tiresize: P215/60R15)

- Tacoma, WA, USA