2008 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class Tires & Wheels Problems

Cooper Tire Evolution 245/65R17 - Tire Tread Separation - the entire tread out layer came off of the driver side front tire while driving on the freeway - the tire was not deflated - the entire tread hit the driver side mirror breaking it completely off - hitting driver window and deploying all airbags on driver side of the vehicle. The tire itself still was fully aired and full circle entire outer layer of tread was off of the tire. Caused vehicle damage - Personal Injury

I HAVE OWNED A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ ML350 SINCE IT WAS NEW AND IT NOW HAS 52,000 MILES ON IT. THIS PAST WEEKEND I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL THAT GOES ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE WHEEL "SPOKE". THAT IS THE MAIN PART OF THE WHEEL HAS FAILED AND IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE WHEEL IS ORIGINAL OEM SUPPLIED AND HAS NEVER BEEN MODIFIED. ALL OF THE DRIVING HAS BEEN BY MYSELF ON CITY STREETS AND FREEWAYS WITH NO ABUSIVE DRIVING, OR OFF-ROAD ACTIVITY. IN FACT THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN ON A NON-PAVED ROAD. I LIVE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SO POTHOLES AS YOU WOULD FIND IN OTHER PARTS OF THE US ARE NOT AN ISSUE. MY FEELING IS THAT THIS IS A MATERIAL DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURE OR DESIGN OF THE WHEEL. THE DEALER HAS ADVISED ME THAT IF I CONTINUE TO DRIVE ON IT IN THE PRESENT CONDITION THE WHEEL WILL FAIL AT SOME POINT WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION WHICH WILL SURELY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCEDES BENZ ML350. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TIRES, CONTACT 4X4, SIZE 255-50-R19, DOT HWLHNXXN3807, SERIAL E402336540223360. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER CONFIRMED THAT THE FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,500.