On February 14th of this year, during a regular tire inflation inspection, I noted three bulges on the outside sidewall of the left front nitto 450, 225X50X17 tire. I immediately knew that I was having a tire failure and that it must be replaced asap. I immediately took the car to discount tire where the tire had been purchased and they replaced both front tires for something over $300. The defective tire has mostly highway miles on it and was purchased April 6, 2004. I am retired and most of the miles were accumulated while on vacation. The tire had less than 20,000 miles on it and had substantial tread remaining. The tire was well maintained and I consider its failure premature. Subsequently, I E-mailed nitto customer service and wrote the North american president of toyo, the tire manufacturer. The E-mail and follow up letter were forwarded in February of this year and elicited no response from nitto or toyo. I retained the tire and have it in protected storage. I am a fast driver and shudder to think what might have happened if the tire had failed at speed. I am deeply disappointed in the lack of care or response from nitto or toyo.

- Dallas, TX, USA