The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz cl with Michelin primacy mxv4 TL tires, line size 225/55/R17, dot number: 898kef1X4707. The consumers grandson was driving 65 mph when the front passenger side tire blew, causing him to crash into an embankment, hit a sign post and came back onto the road into the right lane to rest. There were no injuries but the vehicle was destroyed. The police were called to the scene and a report was filed. The estimated mileage on the tires was 16,000 and the remaining tread depth was 5/16 inches. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that he should return the tire to them for further inspection. The vehicle mileage was 88,000. Updated 08/31/11 according to Michelin. The tire came in contact with an unknown object or obstruction, which cut and abraded through the sidewall rubber and polyester piles causing rapid loss of air. Michelin denied the consumers claim. The vehicle was totaled. Update 09/09/11

- Chesapeake Beach, MD, USA

Hesitation (jerking) upon acceleration, usually during turns or while in heavy traffic. This has been an ongoing problem since purchase of vehicle (new). I have taken it in for repair for this problem no less than seven (7) times, but the problem still remains. There is also a popping noise coming from the exhaust system that occurs when the brake is engaged and the vehicle is idling. Attempts to fix these problems consists of the following: Charcoal canister shut off valve replacement, leak in coductor sleeve repaired, performed adaptation of the torque converter, flushed automatic transmission and torque converter, replaced torque converter, and installed restrictor in the purge line. Additionally, the original tires on the vehicle have been very problematic. I had a blow out on the right rear tire @ 14,190 miles. I then replaced both rear tires. I had another blow out on the right rear tire at 26,400 miles while on the expressway. I replaced that tire again along with the wheel/rim. At 35,522 miles I had a blowout on the front left tire while on the expressway again. I then replaced all four tires, because they all needed replacing at that time.

- Alpharetta, GA, USA

Keyes Mercedes Benz sold me a vehicle, clk 320, with defective tires, and was unwilling to correct the problem.

- Studio City, CA, USA