NHTSA Complaint #11700493 — 2016 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

**Nature of Safety Defect Within 13,000 miles of normal mixed highway and light off-road use on a Toyota Highland, one tire developed a sidewall bubble and all four tires exhibited extreme and uneven tread wear—far below the advertised 50,000-mile treadwear warranty. The remaining tread depth on all four tires is already under 2/32" in multiple locations, with severe cupping and feathering that makes the vehicle vibrate violently above 50 mph and causes unpredictable handling, especially in wet & snowconditions. These conditions render the tires objectively dangerous and unfit for continued highway or street use. Manufacturer Response Pirelli warranty claim #2194927 was summarily denied as “impact damage” with no physical inspection. Pirelli has refused any prorated adjustment, replacement, or refund, and has kept possession of the failed tire. On November 17, 2025, Pirelli Consumer Affairs closed the case stating: “Pirelli considers this claim to be closed and will not take any further action regarding the claim or the subject tires.” Request to NHTSA I am asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to open a formal defect investigation into the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus line for: Premature and excessive tread wear (tires effectively worn out in under 13,000 miles vs. 50,000-mile rating) Widespread reports of sidewall bubbles and sudden structural failures Potential violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards relating to tire strength, endurance, and treadwear labeling (49 CFR Part 571.139 and Part 575) These tires present a clear safety hazard—severe uneven wear and structural defects can lead to loss of vehicle control, hydroplaning, or catastrophic blowouts. Hundreds of owners have posted identical failures online in the past 18–24 months. Please investigate this tire model for possible safety recall or enforcement action. I am happy to provide the tires, in