2000 Audi S4: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Sep 26, 2001 · Tires · CA

Pe00 020; consumer was traveling about 55mph on highway and noticed a tremble of vibration. He was able to pull over. Noticed that rear passenger tire tread separated from rim. Firestone, bridgestone re040, potenca, p225 r15/ dealership was aware of the problem.

Filed Aug 3, 2001 · Tires · NY

This is the third tire I have had to replace since getting the car, one had a bubble and the other two had a sidewall blowout will driving the car. Audi has sent their customers a letter stating that if certain condition are met they will pay for the replacement. *ak (tiresize: 225/45yr17)

Filed Oct 16, 2000 · Tires · MA

The tire bubbled up on the sidewall. A very hazardous condition at any speed especially at 55+MPH. Could have caused a high speed blowout.( dot number: tire size: 225 45 17 )

Filed Sep 15, 2000 · Tires · MI

While travelling at 35-40 MPH, I hit a small bump and tire blew, also these tires were sold as an all weather tire, I was assured by several audi sales people that they were and at aproximately 200 miles I had to purchase snow tires as these tires are dangerous in even a light dusting of snow. I purchased michelin alpines for snow, but, have not replaced the bridgestones for normal driving as competitive tires would be at least $800 due to the size and speed rating. *ak( dot number: )

Filed Aug 25, 2000 · Tires · IL

Sidewall belt failure @ 200 miles. Second oem tire failure (same, sidewall) @ 5000 miles. Tires replaced with 5 (4 corners + spare) yokohamas @ 6000 mles( dot number: n/a tire size: 225/45r-17 )

Filed Aug 15, 2000 · Tires · PA

Developed tire bubble spontaneously without hitting anything such as curb or pothole( dot number: tire size: 225 45r17 )

Filed May 28, 2000 · Tires · IL

I have had two tire blowouts, and now have a bubble on the sidewall of another. This is brand new orginal equipment on a 2000 vehicle. Many other s4 audi owners have reported the same problems.*ak( dot number: tire size: 225/45 r17 )

Filed May 18, 2000 · Tires · NY

This is the third tire failure since I received my s4. A fellow motorist noticed a large bubble in the sidewall of the right front tire. This tire is a replacement tire that was installed after the original failed. There is obviously some problem or defect with these tires. I have been in touch with other s4 owners and many of them complain about these sidewall bulges. The fact that bridgestone denies any problem and will not replace the tires free of charge is ridiculous. I do not feel safe driving this car with these tires. Pressure needs to be put on audi and bridgestone to either reimburse us for the tires and replace them free of charge, or to supply us with a new improved or different tire. These tires should be recalled immediately because they are unreliable and unsafe. A blowout in the sidewall of a tire at highway speed can cause a serious accident after which a serious lawsuit would follow. *ak( dot number: ejh8cfe279 tire size: p225/45r17 )

Filed Apr 28, 2000 · Tires · NY

This is the second tire failure in less than 4000 miles. Once again while washing my car, I discovered a bulge in the sidewall. This problem seems to occur approximately every 1900 miles. I contacted bridgestone and the representative said that since these tires have a low profile sidewall, they are prone to damage from driving on "rough" roads. I told him that I understand that I live in new york city where the roads may be "rough" but that low profile tires are supposed to be engineered with a stronger sidewall to absorb any "roughness" in the road. This is why they cost significantly more than tires with a larger sidewall. As an engineer, I know that the sidewall should be strengthened on a low profile tire to prevent damage and reduce the risk of a failure or an accident. I believe that these tires are unsafe unless they are used only on perfectly smooth roads. I still had to pay $125, half price for a new tire, and I am not satisfied with the answers I received at all. I am very disappointed in the quality of these tires as well as concerened for my safety while driving with these tires. It is ridiculous that normal everyday driving would cause two identical tire failures in less than 4000 miles on a brand new car. The manufacturer insists that there is no defect and that there is no problem with the tires. How can this be? My family and I have been driving on the same roads for years with various different cars equipped with various types of tires and have never encountered tire problems before. One more point of interest is that on the bridgestone website, the potenza re-040 tires are not even listed in the catalog. This seems strange to me. Perhaps there is a problem or a recall and the manufacturer just does not want to stay. I will be keeping my fingers crossed and will regularly check the condition of these tires, though it may be in my best interest to change all the tires to another brand altogether.