On the highway tonight at 9pm on my way into DC for what I thought would be an enjoyable evening, my rear driver's side tire blew up. I am 99% certain I didn't hit a thing. I kept control of the car, and thanks to the strong sidewalls of the potenza's, I didn't damage the rim. However, these were new tires and I only bought the car 2 weeks ago. I don't think the dealership will do much for me (although they claim they will know from looking at it whether or not it was a manufacturing defect), but I will take the "implied warranty of merchantibility" angle and see how that goes. Anyone else have the potenza's fail on them? The only thing remaining on the rims is the sidewalls, the treads of the tire are completely gone. That sounds like failure of the tire to me, but what do I know. I'll update after the dealership puts the new tire on tomorrow. At least they have them in stock. *sigh*

 

Sorry to hear about that Bob. I promise the ownership experience will get better. AFAIK, the Potenzas are good tires - haven't heard of any mass grumblings about it. I wouldn't discount the notion that you did indeed drive over something to cause such a failure. The amount of quality control new tires go through (particularly from parent company Bridgestone, remember the Explorer?) is extensive.

Let us know of any updates.

 

I assume no one was hurt and I hope there was no damage to the rim...?

If you don't get satisfaction from the dealer, you can also try Bridgestone customer service.

The experience will only get better. And for the best time you can have with your NSX (with your clothes on, anyway), come to NSXPO 2004 October 8-12. NSXPO moves around the country from year to year - you HAVE to go this year, when it's close to home!

 

I remember seeing a thread on nsxprime with similar problem. By the way, did you check the tire pressure on the tire that blew? The problem with those tires is that since the sidewall is so stiff, you can't really tell if the tires have less air than recommended. I had a problem where I ran my rear potenza at about 20psi(instead of 40psi factory setting) due to my rim being bent and leaking air and not knowing it, and when I took the tire off, there was significant damage visible only from the inside along the edge of the tread/sidewall. If I was to run those tires longer without knowing about the low tire pressure, I would imagine that same thing as your incident would have happened to me.

Those potenzas are great tires, but you should keep your eyes on the tire pressure!

-ak

 

Thanks for the replies guys, I'm not going to let it get me down. The strength of the sidewalls is unbelievable, it definetly kept me from damaging the rim. Acura wouldn't cover me, but they sold me the tire for invoice, so they weren't trying to make any $ from my poor luck. I had them keep the sidewalls for me (i.e. the only thing that was left of the tire), and I am going to bring them to a local Bridgestone rep to see what they say. It was a $250 day, but it could have been a lot worse. No damage to the car, and minimal scratching on the rim w/ no structural damage. Just hope it's a once in a lifetime occurence for me. I'll keep you guys posted. Boy the NSX sucks on a doughnut

 

I know I don't own a NSX but you should at least get a refund from the dealer or a free tire. When my friend bought his 2004 s2k one of his tires blew within the first month and he complained to honda and got free ones. I'm sure bridgestone wouldn't like to hear this, I say bring it to a rep if acura doesn't do anything about it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EM2Civic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">my friend bought his 2004 s2k.......</TD></TR></TABLE>

There's your answer in part, that was a brand new car. This is a 2000.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NSX Bob &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">There's your answer in part, that was a brand new car. This is a 2000.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Tires are warrantied by the tire manufacturer, not by the auto manufacturer.

You mention that the tires were new. Bridgestone's warranty says that they will replace without charge any tire which fails as a result of a defect in materials or workmanship during the first 25 percent of treadwear or 12 months from date of purchase, whichever comes first. After that, they will prorate and charge for the amount of tread actually worn.

Call Bridgestone customer service at 800-847-3272. You have nothing to lose by doing so...