Audi A4 tire blowout problems

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Tires · DC

I am reporting a serious vehicle safety incident involving my 2018 Audi A4. On XXX, while traveling from [XXX] to [XXX] with my [XXX] son in the vehicle, all four tire valve stems failed during a single interstate journey. The first failure occurred on the front-left tire, causing nearly instantaneous tire deflation. After an emergency repair, I continued driving, but the remaining three valve stems subsequently failed in succession. Each failure created a potentially dangerous situation involving sudden tire-pressure loss. A tire technician observed significant cracking and deterioration of the rubber valve stems. The remaining stems were reportedly so deteriorated that touching them could cause air leakage. Four brand-new tires had been installed by Audi Bethesda in [XXX] in XXX. The technician suggested that the valve stems appeared substantially older than the tires and might not have been replaced during that installation. I retained one of the failed valve stems, which has visible cracking at its base. I am particularly concerned that four separate valve stems failed during the same trip, repeatedly exposing my family, including my [XXX] child, to potentially catastrophic tire failures. I request that the federal safety agency document this incident and assess whether it indicates a broader vehicle equipment or tire valve stem safety concern. I can provide additional photographs of the failed component, repair documentation, and service records. Vehicle: 2018 Audi A4 Incident date: XXX Previous tire installation: Audi [XXX], XXX Number of failed valve stems: Four Reported injuries: None INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · OR

I am reporting severe vehicle safety defects and merchant safety non-compliance regarding a 2014 Audi A4. The vehicle was financed with severe, undisclosed engine defects, specifically extreme oil consumption and catastrophic coolant leaks. When I requested warranty repairs, a dealership representative named Stephen explicitly instructed me in writing via text message to intentionally operate the vehicle with active oil and coolant failures until the engine suffered a total mechanical blowout. Relying on this directive, I operated the vehicle, resulting in a sudden engine seizure inside a high-traffic 4-way light intersection placing my safety in immediate jeopardy. Additionally, the dealership lied stating the service brakes were brand new, but they were dangerously worn down and squeaking upon delivery, failing basic intake safety standards. I possess full text transcripts verifying these inspection lies and bad-faith directives.

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Brakes, Suspension · CA

An Audi dealer installed 245/40R18 93H tires on this 2018 Audi A4, while the vehicle placard/specification requires 245/40R18 97H. The lower load index reduces capacity from 1,609 lb per tire to 1,433 lb per tire, approximately 704 lb total across four tires. This creates a safety risk because load-rated tires affect vehicle stability, heat buildup, braking, steering/cornering, suspension loading, and tire failure/blowout risk. After discovering the mismatch, the concern was reported to the dealer and Audi, but the dealer stated the 93H tires were acceptable rather than providing a safety-based correction. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. This complaint is being submitted because the vehicle may have been operated with under-rated tires and because the issue can affect handling, braking, tire durability, suspension/wheel components, and safe vehicle control. Tire/repair-order records, door-jamb placard evidence, load-index comparison evidence, and dealer communications are available.

Filed Jul 27, 2021 · Tires · SC

While driving on Interstate at normal speed the tire pressure light for the driver rear came on. There was no road debris or road hazard material present. On exiting the tire was going flat . The car was placed on the jack and removed and noted tread separation and protruding steel belt wiring . The steel belt wiring protruded through the tread in several places up to several inches away from site of the tread separation and exposed steel belt material . There was probably 10000 miles on this tire. The tire was purchased from the Audi dealer in Charleston , SC. The dealer was 100 % unhelpful in requesting help with having Pirelli inspect this tire for its structural failure. I have had multiple emails with Pirelli and they have been unhelpful with my request for them to examine this tire failure. I feel there is a manufacturing defect that needs to be evaluated . 245/40 R18 97H M+S I have the tire at home for inspection. The photos do not show the protruding steel belt wires well.

Filed Jan 13, 2015 · Tires · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 audi a4 equipped with bridgestone potenza tires, size: 225/45r17. While parked, it was noticed that the front passenger side tire had tread separation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the tire was replaced. The contact also stated that the front driver side tire was replaced previously for the same failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tire and vehicle failure mileage was not available. The dot number and VIN were not available.

Filed Dec 3, 2014 · Airbags, Body · 25,000 miles · VT · crash · 1 injury

I accidentally drove over the rumble strip on the side of the highway. The right rear tire blew and the car flipped over six times and changed direction. Every side air bag inflated excepted for my side, the driver's side air bag. The front air bag did not deploy either. My a4 was completely destroyed except for where I was sitting. When the first responders came they did not expect for me to be alive and the accident was classified as a level 2 trauma. I hit my head on the driver's side window and suffered a major concussion with a hematoma. I also had major facial lacerations, a broken nose, broken ribs, and a severe bone bruise on my knee. Audi sent an inspector to the car after the accident and his conclusion was there was not enough impact on the side of the car even though the car flipped six times at highway speeds to deploy my side air bag. Every other side curtain airbag deployed. The only other passengers in the car were my two labradors. No other adults were in the car. The two labradors each weighed less than 65 pounds and I weigh 135 pounds. Audi has given me a free maintenance package for my next audi. Thank you for looking into this matter. A dvd of pictures was made of the car along with a report of the condition of the car after the accident.

Filed Dec 27, 2011 · Tires · 118,563 miles · CA

Tread separation. I was driving westbound on I-580, approximately 70 MPH, when the tread on my right front tire separated and the tire blew. I was lucky to be able to pull over to the side of the road, with the assistance of other aware drivers on the highway who allowed me to change lanes at a reduced speed. The tire tread damaged the right front area of my car, causing approximately $4,000 in damages, of which approximately $3,000 was covered by my insurance company. The most important issue is safety, not money. I could have been severely injured or killed as a result of the tire failure. The tire had a big o tires brand label but it was manufactured by cooper. Before the incident, there was no abnormal usage or wear on the tire, with the exception of accelerated wear at the place where the tread separation initiated, which was caused by the separation. Cooper might be the only tire manufacturer that does not use a belt wedge. Their history of tread separations and tire failures, and total disregard for the safety of their american customers should be sufficient to remove their privilege of doing business in the u.s.

Filed Aug 31, 2011 · Tires · 66,600 miles · TN

On august 30, 2011 experienced had a right passenger tread separation of bridgestone potenza re960as. I was driving an audi a4 at 65 MPH on i24 east near manchester tennessee. Luckily I was able to pull off at the next exit without causing an accident. The tires had 19,000 miles of wear.

Filed Apr 4, 2010 · Tires · 27,134 miles · CA

I was driving my audi a-4 on the freeway at speeds of approximately 65 MPH when there was a loud thumping on the left front of my vehicle. Moments later, it stopped but I noticed there were vibrations and shimmies on my steering wheel. I slowed down and pulled to side of fwy to inspect the tire. It appeared fine, however, vibration was still there. I pulled onto surface streets at lower speeds and it stopped. Shortly thereafter, I pulled into a gas station to take the tire off to replace with spare and noticed separation of the tread, measuring approximately 31 inches long and 1.5 inches in width. I was shocked that I didn't lose control or have a blowout from this catastrophic failure.

Filed Aug 7, 2009 · Tires · 73,000 miles · CA · 1 injury

I bought 4 bf goodrich traction t/a's from big o tires in san ramon, ca for my 2005 audi a4 2.0t, and within a year (12,000 miles) the front two were showing cracks in the sidewall, one of which into the cords. That tire got replaced immediately. The assistant manager at big o, james, told me "it happens all the time", and "probably from rubbing against curbs". He thought the one that just had surface cracking around and no damage to the cords was okay to not replace "should be fine". One and a half months and one freeway blowout later, it's obvious the tires were all bad for some reason. The back two: one now showing same sidewall cracks and the other one blew out. Front one not replaced is more pronounced. The blowout had the tread fully separated from the sidewall. James, when I came back to find out what could be done about these clearly defective tires, spent most of his time trying to refute there was a problem and even tried to argue that they were the wrong tire for the car (a stupid argument for multiple reasons, including that they sold them to me and that their website still recommends it for my car....he calls to their "tech center" to prove his point, only to find out he was wrong...what a waste of time). Needless to say there was no mention or concern about my family's safety; a business that should make customer safety the #1 priority should at least say something like "was everyone okay", or "I'm sorry to hear you had something so bad happen". Instead it was just james trying to find ways of brushing it off, just like he did a month and a half earlier, when a frightening freeway blowout could have been avoided perhaps if someone who both knew tires and cared about a customers safety had checked them out instead of these dangerous crooks. These tires were clearly defective, and I hope the federal safety agency can help determine if this was a one-time event, or if there is an ongoing safety issue with these tires. Thank you.