Tire Sidewall problems of the 2004 Jeep Liberty

While driving at speed (~70 mph) on the interstate, while on a straightaway, the vehicle began to sway as if being pushed by wind or like being passed by a semi truck. The swaying continued for 10 to 20 seconds before the rear passenger tire sidewall suffered a sudden catastrophic failure which made steering the vehicle very difficult. I had not struck any significant road debris prior to this incident or taken the vehicle off-road since purchasing the tires. The vehicle was able to stop in the breakdown lane without losing control. There were no injuries or other incidents as a result of the tire failure. The driver replaced the tire with a spare. The tire repair shop replaced the failed tire under the manufacturers warranty. Approximate miles on the failed tire - ~5000 miles length of service - < 4 months tire size - p 235 / 70 r 16.

1. Normal usage under normal conditions. Vehicle is driven daily on highway and side streets; never off road or in areas of construction. 2 three separate incidents there has been tire flats from foreign objects on the road. First incident 12/22/2008 in sidewall causing replacement 2nd incident 6/1/2009 in tread requiring repair; third incident 8/19/2009 on sidewall causing replacement. 3. First incident required tire replacement, 2nd incident tire repair, 3rd incident tire replacement. Old tires are kept by supplier. Two replacements required in less than two years.

- the contact received recall 06v288000 concerning the ball joints. She contacted the dealership in her area ,and they stated that it could take several weeks in order for them to set up service. Updated 2/16/2007 - as of 1/27/2007 the ball joints still weren't available. The tires were wearing on the outer sidewall. .

We purchased a 2004 Jeep Liberty equiped with goodyear wrangler st tires two weeks ago. With less than 250 miles on the car/tires, our daughter was driving home from university at approx 60mph (temp about 85 degrees, clear & dry) when the sidewall on the right front tire split (completely) around the entire circumference of the tire. She was able to bring the car to a stop without an accident. About 3" of the outside side wall is completely severed from the rest of the tire. There is no evidence of road damage to the tread or sidewall, except for the scuff marks left from the incident. The car was new so we had not checked the tire pressure, although they did not appear to be underinflated and the car was not overloaded. There were no passengers. The failed tire was a goodyear wrangler st, p215/75r16, serial no. T307589 grf 95m3ms. The dealer has offered to replace the tire but we are concerned about the reliability of the remaining tires, which were manufactured at the same time based on the serial numbers. This was essentially a brand new tire on a brand new car and it suffered a catestrophic failure under normal load and driving conditions. We are very concerned about this.