Purchased 4 tires (toyo observe GP4, 215/65R16 980, dot: Cxhb 7em219<) in fall 2003 (from les schwab tire company) to be used on a 2002 Chrysler T&C and later a 2004 Chrysler T&C (the 2002 Chrysler T&C was replaced in April 2004 with a 2004 Chrysler T&C). Note the tires were over 4 years old when purchased new from the dealer. The tires are winter traction tires and were mounted on their own rims and used each year during the period November - March. The tires were stored (mounted) during the period April - October and were not used during that period. One tire was damaged and replaced in Nov 2005 by a tire with dot: Cxhb 95K1304). The last time the tires were used was the period November 2008 - March 2009. The tires were used each year for about 5000 miles. The suggested maximum inflation pressure for these tires is 44 psi; the tires were used with an inflation pressure of 40 psi. This report concerns the remaining three dot: Cxhb 7em219< tires (photos are available). On July 25, 2010, the following was discovered while the tires were in storage: A. tire #1 tire had a massive tread separation ( tread split apart) which covered over 1/3 of the circumference, plus additional portions of the tread were starting to separate. B. tire #2 has very noticeable delamination of the tread, but no tearing. C. tire #3 has a few detectable indications that tread separation is in very early stages. The tires have not yet been returned to the dealer under their warranty, but will be returned in early fall. There was no accident because the tires were in summer storage when the tread separation was found. If the tires had been mounted on the car when the tread separation occurred there could have been unfortunate consequences. Tire dot: Cxhb 95K1304 is not part of this complaint.

- Puyallup, WA, USA