On 6/2/09, I removed my old wheel from my 1998 Mercedes Benz C230 prior to trading it for another vehicle. I posted the custom wheels and tires (yokohama YK520) that I purchased from discount tires. I met with a gentleman who was interested in purchasing the tires, but carefully inspected them and found hairline cracks on the inside and outside wall of all 4 tires. This was enough for him to change his mind and not make the purchase. I then became suspicious and afraid that my family life could have been at risk and many other families out on roads across this country and elsewhere. On 6/3/09, I contacted discount tires and brought the complete wheel and tires for an inspection and possibly replacement. Discount tires stated that the tires are a safety hazard, but would only prorate the tires and give me a partial credit toward the purchase of tires. Discount then gave a number to contact yokohoma tires Consumer Affairs office directly to discuss this serious matter. I later contacted yokohoma Consumer Affairs office and discussed the matter in detail which they later refused to replace my tires of give full credit refund. I explained to them that this matter will immediately be forward to my attorney for review if this matter cannot be resolved at this level. I am very concerned that this particular yokohoma tire (YK520) 225/40R/18 has a manufacturer material or design defect that can be catastrophic to millions of families out on the roads as I write this today. I am also concerned that the millions of tire shops such as discount tires in my case fail to complete a full thorough inspection of tires and wheels upon repair or safety checks. Since the purchase of these tires, I went back to discount tires for regular rotations and balances and they didn't notice this extremely dangerous hazard. Now this issue comes down to who is at fault, the tire manufacturer or the tire retailer. The legal course may have to determine this case.

- Fayetteville, GA, USA