2021 Volkswagen Atlas Tires & Wheels Problems

Driving north on [XXX] on [XXX] the right rear tire on my 2021 Atlas completely failed and ripped apart through the sidewall and on the treads. The tire model was Continental CrossContact LX Sport 245/60 R18 105T M+S Radial Tubeless. I have already replaced the tire at Costco in Inglewood, CA. This was a scary incident and endangered my family and others traveling on the highway. I contacted Continental and they said that tires matching this in 2021 were on a recall, but not this one from 2020. I find that suspicious because it's very close and matches description of failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Tire: Continental CrossContact LX Sport 255/50 R20 105T Incident Description: While traveling about 65mph, in the center lane of I-40, under clear weather conditions, the vehicle, a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium, experienced a sudden and catastrophic failure of the left rear tire. No object or pothole was hit in the road. The failure was characterized by a loud noise, an immediate deceleration of the vehicle, and significant vibrations. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. Actions Taken: The vehicle was safely maneuvered from the center lane to the right shoulder of the highway without further incident. Upon exiting the vehicle, a visual inspection revealed that the left rear tire had exploded, causing extensive damage to the vehicle’s left side. The damage included significant harm to the wheel well, rear suspension, and other structural and mechanical components. Additionally, remnants of the tire were found in the middle of the highway that were unable to be retrieved safely. Subsequent Measures: The vehicle was towed from the scene on a flatbed truck to a repair center and damage was repaired. Tire was submitted to Continental for review under a property damage claim. Continental declined culpability, citing potential previous damage to the tire sidewall that may not have been visible. Tire had no visible damage prior to the blow-out.

Vehicle’s electronic emergency brake system engaged while driving at low speed, below 15mph. Loud scraping sound repetitively heard from driver side tire.

Rattling or metal grinding sound coming from the right rear tire/wheel. I’ve had it checked out by two different dealerships and neither of them found a problem. The metal rattling noise occurs mostly while I’m doing in town driving (30-40 mph) but recently started doing it on the freeway as well. I don’t feel safe driving this car at all.

Continental cross contact LX Sport 255x50x20 has a large bulge/bubble approx 21/2” from the letter T on Contact on the sidewall. This tire has had issues since new with losing air pressure. The drivers side rear has had same issue with losing pressure. It has a bulge in same spot on tire sidewall.

THE VEHICLE COLLECTS SNOW/ICE WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING CAUSING IT TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE. RCM FROM VW CALLED TOLD ME TO KEEP DRIVING WHEN IT IS VIOLENTLY SHAKING BECAUSE THE SNOW WILL MELT WHILE YOUR DRIVING IN -10 DEGREE WEATHER. I HAVE HAD VEHICLES THAT COLLECT SNOW WHEN IT IS PARKED OR GO THROUGH A 15 INCH TALL DRIFT BUT NEVER THIS BAD AND NEVER WHILE DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED. I HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER MULTIPLE TIMES ON A 35 MILE DRIVE ON PAVED ROADS TO CLEAN SNOW OUT AND RISK GETTING HIT BY OTHER VEHICLES. WHICH HAS ACTUALLY ALMOST HAPPENED TWICE. OTHERWISE IT STARTS TO SHAKE SO BAD I FEAR I WILL LOOSE CONTROL AND ROLL THE VEHICLE. HAS HAPPENED EVERY TIME WE GET A SNOW STORM. I HAVE HAD OR DRIVEN OVER 20 VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE COLLECT SNOW WHILE I WAS DRIVING 55-65 MPH.