MICHELIN DEFENDER LTX M/S ALL SEASON TIRES Complaints

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tacoma equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Defender LTX M/S2, Tire Size: 245/70/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that two weeks after the vehicle was inspected and passed the inspection, while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal to stop at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to stop and slid past the stop sign. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and saw that the steel belts were protruding from the tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the vehicle should not have passed the inspection with the tires currently on the vehicle. Additionally, the contact was informed that there was a recall on the vehicle for the back-over prevention camera screen. The contact stated that the back-over prevention screen frequently went blank. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no remedy yet for the recall repair. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer approximately 22 times for three separate failures, but could not be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures, and the contact requested a buyback of the vehicle; however, the buyback was declined by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was unknown.

I purchased 4 new Michelin P245/70 R16 from Costco 12/5/2011with 31250 miles. I am a career auto mechanic for 39 years at an independent auto shop (retired, due to disability, 9/2011). I noticed sidewall cracking within about 2 years, but dismissed it because I have never heard/seen an air pressure loss due to sidewall cracking. The cracking worsened over the years, but the air pressure was even for all 4. Fast forward to 2020, I noticed my RF tire very low, looked for punctures, none found while submerged in water. November 2022 the RF tire was totally flat (parked). I found the sidewall had failed. This was a first for me in my experience. I certainly do not trust the remaining tires. I found a recall on the same brand/model but not my size. I have only 13350 miles on these tires. Tread is very good. I don't drive this truck often, but I maintain my vehicles well. Air pressure has been maintained at 40PSI, 4PSI under the max. pressure. In my opinion this is an obvious case of a defect in materials. I have not contacted Michelin yet.