Are You Affected By This Massive Continental Tire Recall?

Continental Tire has initiated a recall for a specific batch of passenger car tires primarily sold as original equipment for Audi A4 and A5 models.

Approximately 10% of the affected tires were also sold in the U.S. replacement market. The issue stems from the tire design, which allows for higher flexing in the tread shoulder, leading to heat build-up that can cause belt edge separations. This defect poses a serious safety risk, as continued use of these tires could result in partial or full tread/belt loss, increasing the likelihood of a crash, injury, or even death.

The warning signs for affected tires include localized tread wear in the shoulders, excessive vibrations, and noise. While no incidents of tread/belt detachment have been reported, CTA has identified 39 tires with suspected belt edge separations and six with confirmed separations.

The recall follows an escalation in returns with similar findings. Starting from May 2021 through December 2023, Continental received four complaints. The number of complaints grew in 2024, prompting a detailed investigation, which ultimately led to the recall decision on August 13, 2024.

Continental will notify all customers, distributors, and dealers about the recall and provide instructions for identifying and replacing the affected tires. The company will cover the cost of tire replacements, including any customers who have already replaced these tires due to the described issues. The new tire design, which addresses the flexing and heat build-up problem, is scheduled to go into production in the 34th week of 2024.

For those affected, CTA advises removing the tires from service immediately and following the return and disposal instructions provided by the company. This recall aims to ensure the safety of all drivers using these tires and prevent any potential accidents or injuries.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

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