I have a 2005 Ford Escape with two oem tires on the rear and two newer tires of from the same company (Continental) on the front end. For months now, when traveling at various speeds on the highway, I have heard a loud and violent flapping sound. The noise sounded as if there was a window open... after checking my tires, seal on all openings, etc., I could not find the source of the problem. Yesterday evening, while driving on the highway between 50 and 70mph, I had a blowout of my rear oem driver's side tire. Fortunately, it was not raining and it occurred while driving along a stretch of I-10 that had no guardrails, construction, etc. When I got out to inspect the damage, I noted that the tread itself was practically without problem; the problem was in the sidewall. My had a rip in the shape of a crescent moon with splitting going both toward the exterior of the tire and toward the interior or wheel/hub assembly. A local police officer arrived and assisted with the repair, which took moments, but I am quite concerned about the integrity of both the remaining oem tire I currently still have on the rear passenger side and, more importantly, the two newer Continental sport LX tires I currently have on the front end. My car has low mileage for it's age and the tread on all of my tires is not worn; there appears to be no explanation other than a design flaw or defect. I am quite concerned for my safety and am unsure whether I should replace all four tires with a different brand or if this alleged defect only affects the oem line of Continental tires which came with my vehicle (Continental Contitrac I think). I have read about similar instances online, but all instances do not describe a resolution process other customers purchasing new tires and/or receiving a $20 voucher from the tire manufacturer, general. I think this brand/model should be recalled and replacement tires of better quality should be provided at no cost.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

Noticed left rear tire almost flat. Checked tire for punctures and objects and none found. Put soap and water on the valve stem and found it leaking at the base of the valve stem. Removed tire and took it to tire store for valve replacement. The tire is a Continental Contitrac P235/70R16 about 3 years old (approx 21,000 miles).

- Palmdale, CA, USA

Ford Escape limited 2005 with 3000km. Steering wheel vibration at 80 km per hour. Dealership hasn't been able to correct the problem and don't know what the problem is. I was told to just live with it. I feel this is unacceptable and that it is a safety hazard. I test drove another Escape and the same problem was present. They told me that all the Escape had vibration in steering wheel at this speed.

- Bath, 00, USA