NHTSA Complaint #11497685 — 2022 VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON

This vehicle is fitted with low profile tires and alloy wheels that do not adequately respond to common road hazards such as potholes. At the time of purchase, I was informed by the dealership that other customers had experienced issues with flat tires and was urged to purchase additional tire and wheel protection coverage. I did purchase this coverage. I have owned the vehicle for less than two months and have experienced two blow-out flat tires. Each incident occurred while traveling normally maintained roads in clear conditions at speeds less than 45 mph. Blow out flats have out me and the other vehicle occupants at risk for collision, as well as additional risk of accidents while waiting stranded on heavily traveled roads. This tire/wheel combination is unsafe and should be recalled by the manufacturer and replaced with a more robust wheel/tire combination. Consumers should not be expected to bear the cost of the manufacturer’s poor design and marketing decision.