1998 Saturn SL Tires Problems

“My firestone compact spare tire for a 1998 Saturn sl2, which has never been used, shows tread separation. The rubber is splitting apart in the tread area and the belts are showing through. This also happened to a previous firestone compact spare I owned for a Saturn. The tire is size t115/70r14 and the serial number is hym7h5a377. The tire is admittedly old, but the extent of damage is alarming considering the tire has not been used. It has been impossible to find a new replacement- tire dealers say to get a replacement from a junk yard, but they would have the same problem. …”

“My new husband and I had just driven over 300 miles the night before on the interstate to our honeymoon destination. The next afternoon, we were traveling on a divided four lane at approximately 50 MPH when a tire blew. The tires were relatively new and had little wear. The gentleman at the tire dealership showed us where the tire had just ruptured on its on. The tire was made by firestone and was an affinity label. I replaced the damaged tire and the opposite tire on the front (my car is front wheel drive). …”

“While driving at 65 MPH left front tire went flat, consumer lost control, vehicle rolled over, and neither of the air bags deployed . Consumer bought vehicle five days prior to accident, and was not sure if there were air bags in the vehicle.”

“The contact owns a 1998 Saturn SL, equipped with summit sienpre 6 tires, size 185/65/r15. The contact stated that he noticed that the rear driver and passenger tires had developed large bubbles in them. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The tires were not replaced. The failure and current mileages on the tire were approximately 30,000. The failure and current mileages on the vehicle were approximately 125,000.”

“The contact owns a 1998 Saturn sl1. The vehicle has goodyear assurance tires, size p185/70/r14. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear passenger side tire blew out without warning. Within one year, six identical tires in various locations failed without warning. The contact took the tires to the dealer and had the first set replaced. Shortly after the replacement, the tires failed. The manufacturer did not assist and the technician could not identify the cause of the failure. The contact has possession of the failed tires. The failure and current mileages were 10,000. Updated 03/09/09. …”