KUMHO CRUGEN KL33

TIRES:SIDEWALL

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Crugen KL33 Blackwall, Tire Size: 225/55/R18, and DOT Number: 27LZYANH1921. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the front passenger's side tire had a low tread depth, cracks on the side wall, and was dry rotted. The dealer replaced the front passenger's side tire at approximately 20,000 miles. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred, while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the rear passenger's side tire had a low tread depth, cracks on the side wall, and was dry rotted. The dealer replaced the rear passenger's side tire at approximately 20,400 miles. The tires were the original equipment. The manufacturer was called but was unreachable. The vehicle and tire failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Crugen KL33 Blackwall, Tire Size: 225/55/R18, and DOT Number: 27LZYANH1921. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the front passenger's side tire had a low tread depth, cracks on the side wall, and was dry rotted. The dealer replaced the front passenger's side tire at approximately 20,000 miles. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred, while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the rear passenger's side tire had a low tread depth, cracks on the side wall, and was dry rotted. The dealer replaced the rear passenger's side tire at approximately 20,400 miles. The tires were the original equipment. The manufacturer was called but was unreachable. The vehicle and tire failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

Purchased 2024 brand new Audi Q5 with Kumho tires - KL33  235\55R19 from manufacturer Dec 2023. Have the car serviced at the Audi dealership per service recommendation. Tires were inspected and deemed roadworthy Jan 2025. By [XXX] (15 months post new purchase of vehicle) rear tire shredded on highway due to a known detreading issue with the Kumho tires. Causing pulling of vehicle into the central lane on highway. No accident or fatalities. Had emergency replacement of the affected tire and evaluation of the other three tires. It is noted during inspection of the three tires were also worn down atypically for the mileage (19,600). The rear tire on the driver side was also noted to not pass inspection due to early defective wear. All tires replaced, no accountability from dealership.  According to the manufacturer warranty these tires would have all been replaced if bought personally (within 5 years of purchase, or under 60,000) , due to the fact the tires came with the vehicle there is no recourse per Audi dealership. Upon further investigation of Kuhmo tires there appears to be a known component regarding detreading of the tires especially with highway road speeds that has caused fatal accidents. Unable to reach Kuhmo tires to discuss accountability regarding gap in warranty coverage  and defective tires. Per Audi employee this is a known issue with Audi and the tire company where they would rather pay off damages than correct the problem due to profit loss. My safety and others on the road were put in peril due to placing unsafe tires with known detreading issues on new cars, without any place for recourse when the said defective tires fail. Lack of consideration from Kuhmo tire company and Audi has placed a large population of car owners at risk, as Audi unable to get Continental tires knowingly and willingly opted for cheaper tires with known issues. Looking for accountability from these corporations. Will continue to reach out to Kuhmo for recourse.  INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION