I purchased 4 new Continental-made tires for our 2001 GMC Yukon. These tires carry the "general" brand name, model P265-70R16, grabber aw, dot# A3723J82301. I purchased these tires with an understanding that they are warranted against defects and any damage occurring as a result would be covered by the tire company. I have properly maintained these tires throughout my ownership of them. After a little more than a year after purchase, one of the tires unexpectedly and suddenly blew up, causing me to lose control of the vehicle, barely missing an embankment and concrete bridge column. Upon inspection of the tire immediately thereafter, I saw that the tread had completely ripped off the top of the tire. As a result of this, the loose tread was "slapping" every part of the vehicle in the surrounding area causing over $4,000 worth of damage, including, body damage, tailpipe damage, electrical wires cut, A/C lines cut, tail light severed, running boards broken and more. Immediately after, I contacted Continental and filed a claim to be reimbursed for this damage. After a lengthy wait, I was informed on January 26, 2005 that they were denying my claim due to a small tire puncture. It is my contention that a small puncture should not cause the tire to absolutely explode the way mine did. Furthermore, Continental claims there were other defects in the tire, such as sidewall damage, that were all caused as a result of the accident, and not the other way around. It has since become clear to me that Continental has had the same sort of blowouts on similar models. See: www.consumeraffairs.com/news03/Continental.html I would like the company to reimburse me for all damages made to my vehicle and also refund my money for all the tires so that I can purchase a set from a different manufacturer so that my family's safety on the road can be better assured.

- Dallas, TX, USA

A loud grinding noise was heard coming from the rear. Vehicle was taken to a tire garage for inspection, and mechanic determined that a rock gravel was trapped inside of the tread, and the rocks would cut groves inside of the alloy wheels. This caused loss of air pressure from the tires.

- Jones, LA, USA

While the vehicle was parked the consumer seen that front/rear tire tread had separated. The consumer repaired the rear tires only. The dealership was notified of the problem, but did not resolve. Firestone steel tex#lt245R16 please provide the dot number.

- Sun Lakes, AZ, USA

Firestone, wilderness, P265/70R16, dot 8X72wli, original equipment on a 2001, GMC, Yukon with 19000 miles, during tire rotation dealer noticed both rear tires and front right tire showed signs of tread separation. Consumer was informed that problem would not be covered under warranty.

- Cornville, AZ, USA

Firestone, wilderness, P265/70R16, dot 8X72wli, original equipment on a 2001, GMC, Yukon with 19000 miles, during tire rotation dealer noticed both rear tires and front right tire showed signs of tread separation. Consumer was informed that problem would not be covered under warranty.

- Cornville, AZ, USA

Tread separation-complete failure-only 2 passengers in vechile--no load-luckily no injury. (tiresize: P265/70R16)( dot number: Tire size: P265/70R16 )

- Bishopville, SC, USA