The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima equipped with hankook optimo H431 tires, size 225/45R 18V. While driving 20 mph, the tire gauge indicator illuminated. An independent mechanic found an air bubble in the rear driver side tire. The tire was not replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN and dot number were unavailable. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 36,000 and the tire failure mileage was 7,000.

- Harpers Ferry, WV, USA

All 4 hankook optimo 225/45/18 tires that came with my 2012 Kia Optima sx vehicle developed a bubble in the sidewall within 18 months. Due to safety concerns and advice from the dealership all 4 tires were replaced around the 2 year point from purchase of the vehicle.

- Kenilworth, NJ, USA

2012 Kia Optima. Consumer writes in regards to structural defect in vehicle tires. The consumer stated while pulling away from a stop sign on a snow covered, but plowed street, the vehicle went into a very dangerous skid in a busy intersection. He completely lost control of the vehicle going 5 mph. Fortunately, there were no cars or pedestrians nearby, but while the car was skidding, he crashed into the diagonal street corner which caused the rear fender to be scraped and the tires misaligned. There were several other occasions, where the vehicle skidded and hydroplaned always causing him to lose control of the vehicle. The consumer also noticed a bulge in the rear tire that did not hit the curb.

- Highland Park, NJ, USA

After 15,000 miles tire developed a huge bubble on the side wall of the front left tire. Bought the car brand new with original tires from dealership(nexen).these tires should be outlawed. Right after I got it to a mechanic shop, it exploded and was sitting on the rim. I was very fortune to not be driving on the highway when this occured. I can send picture also. I have had two flat tires within the first year of purchase. Not including the 2nd pair that the bubble developed at the front. The nexen tires tread life is very short too.. they seemed to drive better in slightly wet conditions than dry; odd. :/ I received no compensation from the Kia dealership I bought it from.

- Clayton, NC, USA

This complaint is about the one of my tires. During an oil change at the dealership where I purchased the car, the dealership representative notified me of a bubble in one of the tires. I purchased the car Oct (28), 2011. I don't know the exact date of the tire bubble notification by the dealer rep, but it was during the 2011 calendar year. The rep stated that unfortunately the dealership does not warranty the tires! is there any recourse to have that or all the tires replaced? the tire (all four) is a hankook optimo H431 225/45 R18. 95V, radial tubeless, made in Korea.

- San Diego, CA, USA