We were driving on highway 14 at about 9 pm when we heard (and felt) a loud bang and then felt the noticeable bumpiness of a flat tire. We pulled over to the side to find the front passenger side tire flat, which we proceeded to change with the spare that was supplied with the car. The car is a 2007 Subaru Impreza and is actually a loaner from the dealer since my car is in the shop, being repaired for the same problem for the 8th time in 2 years (separate complaint). Upon inspecting the tire the next day, it's evident that it is a blowout as it has a 4 inch slit in the sidewall and there was nothing in the road that we drove over. I have not had the tire replaced yet but the dealer is asserting that I am responsible for the tire, even though it's not my car. They did, however, offer to sell me the tire at their cost with free installation. I plan on keeping the tire when I do get it replaced, since I'm paying for it. I will be contacting Bridgestone headquarters and Subaru headquarters in New Jersey about this incident. Tire is a Bridgestone potenza re 92A, size P205/55R16 89V dot em8K jll2407.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

The following was sent to Bridgestone via email this is to inform Bridgestone tire of a catastrophic sidewall blowout that occurred on a Bridgestone potenza tire on July 25, 2008. The blowout occurred at the start of a cross country trip on interstate 40 heading towards memphis, tn. The car is a 2007 Subaru Impreza purchased new in September 2007 and had approximately 6500 miles on it at the start of the trip. The markings on the tire are as follows: Bridgestone potenza P 205/55R16 89V K0350 E92adz dot em8K jll1207 the sidewall blowout occurred to the left rear tire. Prior to the start of the trip the car had a tune-up at an authorized Subaru service dealer. When the blowout occurred the car was pulled off to the side of the road and the tire was changed using the provided spare tire that comes with the car. The car was then driven to the nearest tire service company which was wal mart tire and lube in savannah, tn. Store # 0268 175 J.I. bell lane, savannah, tn 38372. (731) 925 ' 3020. The car's official mileage as recorded on the odometer and noted on the service invoice was 6824 miles. Damage to the tire was two tears - one approximately two inches long and another one approximately 6 inches long on the sidewall half way up between the inner rim and the edge of the tire. The damaged tire is at my home address and is available for inspection. The tire was replaced at a cost of $98.25. Invoice # 77525. At this time I expect Bridgestone to reimburse me for the cost of the tire in the amount of $98.25. Provide a new tire of equal value to match the remaining 3 tires and inspect the remaining three tires for any potential possibilities of having a sidewall blowout. If there is a possibility of a sidewall blowout occurring in any of the three remaining tires I would want them replaced. A copy of this letter has been sent to the dot. David haber

- Staten Island, NY, USA