My 2009 Toyota Venza had 32,116 miles on it and had been in the garage for a tune up and tire rotation/check 1,000 miles earlier, with a written report that the tires were in good condition with good tire tread. On Saturday, September 8th, ~5:00pm, I was driving on the busy three-lane 894/45 in milwaukee, wi 1.5 miles short of the I94 interchange when I heard a loud bang. I did not hit anything in the road. Car pulled, but I avoided an accident. Saw smoke behind my car and the tire pressure indicator came on. Sidewall of the right rear tire blew with a ~10 gash. Terrible and I was a basket case. By the time the sheriff and tow truck came, all Toyota dealers were closed. Had to drive 85 miles to madison on the wee spare tire. Took car to smart motors last Friday who told me "something must have hit the side". they saw no other damage. I left the car there and contacted my insurance company. Adjuster came yesterday. They then told me that they found a hole in the tire and that likely caused the blown tire, which doesn't make sense to me. Can that cause a blown side wall and loud "bang"? seems odd that they found a hole after I told them I contacted my insurance company and that an insurance adjuster was coming to see the tire.

- Madison, WI, USA