I experienced a problem with three out of a set of four Goodyear american Eagle tires purchased at walmart in North Carolina on 09/25/2003. These were 60,000 mile rated (tread wear rating 420) radial tires size: P205/55R16. These were for my Volvo S-60...the manufacturer's recommended size. I kept the recommended psi @ 38 tire pressure. I had them rotated and rebalanced several times, usually at about 5,000/6,000 mile intervals. During my most recent service for rotation and rebalancing on August 31, the walmart store in roanoke, va brought this defect to my attention. Three of the tires had developed severe and potentially dangerous cracks on the inside sidewall between the tread and the rim circling the inside of the sidewall and appeared to be a "blow-out" potential hazard. The manufacturer's production code was: Dot pjt24ahr2403. Walmart adjusted and replaced this set with the same tire that they had in stock. I reported the problem to Goodyear and was given a claim # 789726. I phoned them to ask what could have been done to avoid this problems or to avoid this same problem for occurring on the current set that walmart had put on. They told me that nothing could have been done or could be guaranteed on the newer set. I think further investigation should be done by NHTSA as this could be a very serious problem for other drivers caught unaware to this problem. Please advise.

- Apex, NC, USA

The mileage on the perelli P6 tires for Volvo S60 T5 is only 11,000 miles. During a crusing on the freeway, the driver heard a loud "pop" noise inside the car. After the car was driven home (within 5 miles), the driver notice a flat tire short time later. I went to Volvo's dealer service department on 6/25/03 to see if I can get some assistance or explaination on the causes of my tire problems. The same thing happened 2 times before on the other tires. I was surprised how little help I got from the service consultant working there. It appears that they don't even care to hear or discuss my problems. Later on, I find out information from NHTSA that other drivers also experienced problems with pirelli P6. Since I don't feel safe driving on these factory installed tires, I decide to replace them the following day.

- La Canada-Flintridge, CA, USA

I recently brought my Volvo S60 for 15000 mile service(my car had 16200) and was informed that I needed 4 new tires. How shocked we were. The dealer informed us that this was pirelli and we must contact them. I did and was told to see a authorized pirelli dealer. Brought the car in waited and then told me they will only take 20%off. While I waited for tire dealer to return my call bubbles formed in the tires. This can't be safe. Volvo prides themselves on safe cars. How safe can they be with bad tires. Pirelli and Volvo better watch out. Remember Ford and Firestone. They are only a few miles behind. No fatalities yet!!!

- Paramus, NJ, USA

I have replaced 3 pirelli P6 235/45 R17 tires due to bubbling of the sidewall. I complained to the dealer about this and they stated that they knew of no particular problem with this tire or car model. I then found on the web that someone had already complained to the NHTSA about this very same problem. I have E-mailed Volvo and pirelli and I am awaiting reply. However, the safety issue appears serious enough to warrant my contacting the NHTSA.

- Dover, MA, USA