Table 1 shows two common tire related problems of the 1998 Saturn SC2.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Tire Sidewall problems | |
| Tire Tread/belt problems |
This tire suffered a catastrophic failure at 65 m. P. H. For no apparent reason on a straight stretch of highway. I have personally checked the inflation and wear patterns on these tires weekly, inflating them per Saturn's recomended p. S. I (posted in the door jam). These tires are nowhere near the wear-bar indicators, and show absolutely no irregular wear due to misalignment etc. Etc. The sidewalls completely (and instantly) separated from the tread, it is a clean separation similar to that which is regularly seen on tractor-trailer retread failures. I still posess the failed tire, and showed it to the firestone dealer. He was reasonable, and offered me a discount rate on replacement tires. There is no explanation for this failure, and if it woud have occurred on a curve in the road a potentially damaging accident may have taken place. I believe this tire was defective, and therefore am reporting it to you in the hope that if this is a common occurence a warning may be posted. A Saturn coupe has a very low center of gravity, and this is the only reason my car did not lose control (or overturn). If you wish to obtain a picture of this tire please e-mail me at the given address (rtaylor229@yahoo. Com). I will be more than happy to scan in a picture. If I am not contacted by October-5-01 I will assume that it is o. K. For me to dispose of the tire carcass. Thank you. (dot number: w2v9vfb217 tiresize: p195/60r15).
Tread separation. Tread came completely off tire. Steal belt is showing and there is a hole in the tire. Caused body damage to car. I am not sure what the numbers are , but I have two sets of numbers for the tires. One set is bm01854-1 the other is p195/60r15 87h mts. Very unsafe tires.