Tire Sidewall problems of the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta

The front left tire went flat after vehicle was sitting for a month, and the front right tire blew out while driving because of cracks in the sidewall. Also, the 2 rear tires developed cracks in the sidewall.

While driving at 30 mph consumer realized that the vehicle was riding on a flat tire. Upon closer inspection consumer found that the tire had numerous splits on the inside sidewall. Also, consumer noticed that metal was exposed in some of the splits. Consumer took the vehicle to the tire dealer, who admitted that the tires were defective, but would not replace the tires free of charge. The same thing happened in 2002, but all of the tires were replaced free of charge. The manufacturer was aware of the problem.

While home on leave, my son had a flat. Upon taking the tire off, we discovered the inside separating. Almost like a slit on the inside walls. Upon further inspection, all four tires were the same. We had to replace all four. These are the eagle rsa, high performance tires, with less than 20000 miles on them. Four blowouts waiting to happen.

Richard gunn wrote to goodyear; I have a 2002 vw Jetta that came stock with goodyear eagle rsa tires,225/45r17 91h. At 13,000 miles one of the tires went flat but did not appear to have any nails or holes in it when I removed it, although thesidewall was split. I took the tire into the clem tire company 7907 highway 72, madison, al 35758 , 256-837-9151. One tire was put on order as these tires are an unusual size for this car. The following day a second tire went flat. Again there was no nail or explainable cause. A second tire was ordered. When the tires came in I went down to have them installed. I asked the shop to look at the front two tires to see that they were ok as I had now become suspicious of these tires. The shop found the front two tires were split out on the inside sidewalls as well. The shop contacted goodyear who was good enough to replace all four tires free and asked to send the tires back for evaluation. The tires that are being returned are the same as what was just put on my car and frankly I am not all that warm and fuzzy that they are safe to drive on. I would like to see the failure analysis report on the returned tires, complete with conclusion as to the failure mechanism. Also I would like to know what the corrective action is to verify that this tire or lot has been isolated so that others might not be injured due to defects in this tire. I suppose I was fortunate that I was not traveling at high speed when my tires failed but others might not be as fortunate. Additionally I think that Volkswagen should be informed so that they can make the call on whether to notify their customers of this potential issue. I have a copy of the receipt that has all of the details on it if you would like me to fax it to you a can do so.

Goodyear eagle rsa 225/45 17r tires that came with the car when we bought it new. Completely worn out in 18,000 miles. Inside sidewalls were cracked and had bulges. (breakdown of cords) talked to vw about this and they said it wasn't covered under warranty. They told us to take it it to a tire store because it wasn't their problem. Went to America's tire store (livermore, CA) and they were good enough to call goodyear on the defect. They pro-rated the tires (I think we got $25 out of it) and recommended continental contitouring contact 225/45 17r. These tires are warranted from conti for 55,000 miles! the price was the same as the goodyears. Outstanding tires! don't buy your vw new with goodyears! get the michilens if you can.

Sidewall failure of tubeless radial right front tire. Michelin "pilot" xse hx mxm4 225/45 r17 treadwear: 300 temperature: a traction: a tire was properly inflated and had only 8,190 miles (oem). Mounted on a 2002 vw Jetta GLS. Dot #: b98ah5bx3801 tread depth upon removal was 8/32" no prior damage to vehicle, I. E. , steering linkage, struck pot holes, crashes, etc. . . No perceivable contributing factors other than workmanship/material defect. I covet similar information, I. E. , consumer problems/complaints. I am a public safety employee (state trooper) and I have extensive training in traffic homicide investigation/traffic crash reconstruction. If you read this and feel that you experienced the same problem, please email me dmdjer2911@yahoo. Com.