Tire Bead Problems of Chevrolet Malibu

Premature tire failure at the bead of the tire. Bridgestone driveguard run flat tires. Vehicle has a tire pressure monitoring system. Two days before the event we replaced a non related sensor in the vehicle. While the vehicle was in for service a complete service check was done including verifying the proper tire pressure in all tires. The day of the event, while on the highway driving 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly pulled to the right. After pulling over it was discovered the right front tire had ripped at the edge of the bead. The hole created was about 1 1/2 inches long. The tire have about 5000 miles on them and are rated for 60,000 miles. I have pictures of the failure. The rims, tires and car have no signs of damage such as curb rub. I have no confidence in these tires and believe that I am not the only one to experience this type of dangerous premature tire failure.

See all problems of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The right front tire became flat at 75 mph on I-15 in the California desert. When I stopped the car and examined the tire, I found that the tire was completely shredded and the car was resting on the metal rim. The only tire residue were the tire beads on the inside of the rim. The inside of the wheel-well had extensive damage to all the mud shields, indicative of the tire thread seperating from the tire. The outside temperature at the time was 81 degrees. Drove 30 miles into the next town on the "doughnut" tire, and found a tire dealer. Bought 4 new non-firestone tires. While the car was up on the rack, I examined the other three tires. They all showed the thread wear indicators. Mileage on the tires at this time was 14,750 miles. Called the manufacturer firestone several weeks later and they said they would not recompense me because I did not have the damaged tire. I told them it was in thousands of pieces on the California desert, but they still would not give me satisfaction. Nor would general motors give me satisfaction for the same reason. Dt.

See all problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.