NHTSA Complaint #10626259 — 2013 RAM 1500

I WAS DRIVING 35 MPH ON AN ASPHALT PAVED ROAD IN MY 2013 RAM 1500 CREW CAB, WITH 3,842 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, ON 11/JULY/2014. THE LEFT FRONT TIRE, GOODYEAR WRANGLER SR-A 275/60R20, EXPLODED VIOLENTLY CAUSES INSTANT DEFLATION. THE TIRE TREAD SPLIT COMPLETELY IN HALF FROM OUTSIDE TOP OF RIM TO INSIDE TOP OF RIM. DURING THE PROCESS OF ALL THIS, THE TIRE MANAGED TO MANGLE MY INNER FENDER WALL AND RIP MY LEFT FRONT FENDER FROM ITS ANCHOR BOLTS CAUSING $1,200 WORTH OF DAMAGE. SEARS AUTO DEPARTMENT REPLACED THE TIRE AT NO CHARGE DUE TO BEING COVERED BY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE GOODYEAR CLAIMS DEPARTMENT AND HAD THE TIRE MAILED TO THEIR INSPECTION DEPARTMENT. I RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL INFORMING ME THAT THE CLAIM WAS BEING DENIED DUE TO NO FAULT ON THE TIRE. GOODYEAR SAID THE TIRE WAS PUNCTURED AND HAD NORMAL DEFLATION. AFTER RECEIVING THE TIRE BACK FROM GOODYEAR, I TOOK IT TO 3 SEPARATE STORES IN MY TOWN TO GET A SECOND OPINION. WITH OVER 85 TOTAL YEARS OF EXPERIENCE COMBINED, THE FINAL VERDICT WAS A UNANIMOUS AGREEMENT...NONE OF THEM HAD EVER SEEN A 20" TRUCK TIRE COMPLETELY SPLIT FORM BEAD TO BEAD IN THEIR ENTIRE CAREER. I HAVE LETTERS TO VERIFY THIS INFORMATION. I AM NOW LOOKING INTO A SMALL CLAIMS COURT CASE AGAINST GOODYEAR IN ORDER TO GET PAYMENT FOR THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO MY VEHICLE. *TR