DUNLOP MAXX GT Tyres - splitting

[Magnet]

...’Are you volunteering...’ Afraid not James.

This forum has received sufficient complaints to warrant PMs to all posters in the hope that someone will co ordinate a structured complaint and publicity programme. 

As I’ve said all along, I would advocate one typical defective tyre is retained as evidence. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[AK88]

Hi All,

Just a quick update, I was in the process of shopping around for tyres as driving with the Dunlops was not an option even with significant tread - I had another inspection done by my local National Tyres and Autocare centre (checked and the reviews were good) and the service was great, car lifted on the ramp and the technician was not surprised at what he saw. the price for the continentals was competitive too.

However as I am trying to get a clear answer from Audi or Dunlop and cant figure the logistics of sending my defective tyres back to Dunlop I got the new set replaced with Audi this afternoon as this is where I purchased the aforementioned Dunlops from in the first place (my reason being to maintain the history and "journey" of these tyres from the official supplier to me)  and requested the tyres were sent back for examination. as discussed by other members there is a process the dealers are aware of and they completed an "Application Form For Tyre Examination".

The interesting part on this form to me was the tyres seem to be going back to the dealerships supplier in the first instance - I have been told this can take upto 12 weeks to get any response.

My biggest frustration of the process today was the fact I believe the parts team are aware of this issue and process to log complaints and get tyres sent back to source for inspection, however the Service Team (mechanics and front of house Service Managers) are ignoring the issue and have a solution to just sell tyres (like for like in the first instance) - my customer service feedback for the dealership had this information and was pretty critical and gave low scores so hope to receive a response.

The tyre pressure issue as a theory for the cracking is a dead end for me as there is absolutely no uneven wear on the tyres to indicate the pressures being either too high or low to cause this defect, plus there are so many instances now we cant all have been running incorrect pressure. The situation has got me thinking  - you can get 3 points per tyre for inadequate tread depth however the risk associated with the cracks (which are not easy to identify in what would be basic tyre checks) could be a sudden blow out to which could be catastrophic, seems a lot of us could have received an instant 12 points + fine which we would as it stands have no defence to.

I've not had any feedback from Watchdog but will be submitting the issue to The Motor Ombudsman (not sure if anyone has already done this)  -  I think as they specialise in vehicular matters they may react quicker - my only concern is I have no physical tyres in my possession only the video clips from AudiCam.

I'm not hopeful for any recompense but a suitable official investigation to get the Dunlops off the market in the first instance would be a huge step forward, it may be a long process however these situations require significant perseverance.

 

[Magnet]

Hello Anish,

As I said in an earlier post, you are one of the rare persons affected by this to have thought through the logic of the situation and got a clear action plan in place. Keeping evidence - at least one tyre - is essential - plus multiple photos of the ones which are being returned. 

The ones being returned should be clearly identified as originating from yourself.  You can use your own identifying symbols. 

Only points I would make:- 

Yes, points on licence would be a major issue, but only of importance if you are alive! Dead, along with others as a result of faulty tyres, and it really doesn’t matter. 

Motor Ombudsman? Straight from the mind of a cynical old sod with up to date experience of dealing with the Energy Ombudsman:- these services are sometimes ( generally, always?) run by funding from the associated major players in the associated manufacturing organisation. So Energy would be supported by the biggest energy suppliers? Motor, by the major suppliers to the motor trade? Do I need to say more. 

This really does need a co ordinated attack. How you tap into an unbiased appraisal, when you consider the majority of motoring ‘publicity’ is funded by advertising by major players, so getting through this must be like getting through barbed wire! 

No offence meant, but I guess even this forum has to be supported by advertising - so who will be prepared to pull their sleeves back and fight this - with anticipation of getting financially knocked about a bit? 

Could you please keep us informed Anish, since you clearly have your finger on the pulse.

Many thanks and kind regards,

Gareth. 

 

[aj84]

Hi all,

In my case, I now have 4 x continentals on my car as of a couple of weeks ago.

Mine are also on their way now to Dunlop.  I did not keep one behind but do have ample evidence of the issues.  Audi also had supplied the tyres via a local supplier and have health reports on the tyres at the time of Servicing, MOT and the most recent servicing when the problem was identified.  In my case as mentioned earlier, it was fine some 7 months ago and with only .5mm tread worn since the last check, all 4 have apparently got the cuts/splits.

Dunlop to date have been very helpful in terms of advising and communicating but until they get the tyres, their hands are tied and unfortunately Audi have taken a few weeks to get them sent off.  As Anish has mentioned, it will not be a quick turnaround either as they go from Dunlop UK to Dunlop Germany (I think?) before the inspection is complete and the slow process of returning the monies.

Will update as and when I get more information but I won't rollover with this one especially as this is the second time I have been hit with a Dunlop tyre issue way earlier than they should have.  Mine still had 4-5mm across all 4 remaining so not an expense I was ever expecting this year and maybe not even with this car before I change next year.

[Silvershadow55]

Hi, 

just to add my 2pence worth in. 

Audi were reluctant to send the tyre to Dunlop, as they said last time it took months for a reply and then dunlop said it wasn't defective.

Not taking no for an answer, i emailed dunlop, who replied very promptly saying to get audi to send it to them and they will inspect it.

The dealership complied and the tyre has been sent - no idea on how long this will be. 

I have now put two Continentals on the front -

 

[Darek]

Hi,I got the same problem with my car.Bought front ones beginning March and just splitted after 5 months old (exactly the same like pictures above).I changed whole set and I worry to driving now.What I have to do guys?

[Magnet]

Hello Dariusz, 

I’m not sure if you are saying that you have now changed all tyres on the car to a different make ?? 

What to do? 

Worth reading all the posts and deciding what you want to do.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Alan G]

I have experienced this problem a number of times on my A7. Fortunately I purchased wheel and tyre insurance when I bought the car so the replacements were covered. I was advised to change to Continental by one Audi body shop, which I will do the next time I need to replace tyres. I have been trouble free for a while now. Touch wood!

Alan G

[Magnet]

Hello Alan,

Sorry to hear you have been added to the list of folks affected by this serious issue. 

It is reassuring for the wallet that you have wheel and tyre insurance, but possibly being alarmist, insurance will be of little use should one of these tyres decide to do what they appear to do in service, and when life might depend on it. 

Changing to Continentals next time, sounds a wise decision, but being prepared to live with the potential problem meanwhile??? Different. Maybe less painful on the wallet, but......

Keep touching wood!

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

 

[Nic]

Hello all,

My partner has just telephoned me to tell me yet again of another DUNLOP MAXX GT tyre failure as you are all describing on her A7. That is now tyre number 6 all with inner side tyre wall splits. it seems they are lasting 3-6 months with no more than about 2000 miles with average driving and correct psi. 

[Magnet]

Hello Nick,

Sorry to hear of your partner’s 6th skirmish with these tyres.

I guess she will now be fitting alternative brand of tyres, since there must be a limit to one person’s luck - bad if you consider having repeated issues, but good that no one has yet come to harm. 

Kind regards,

Gareth.

[Wombat]

We bought a used Audi A3 1.4 TFSI convertible a few months ago. Mainly used for short local trips and the occasional motorway run.

The other day we had a flat - nothing dramatic, tyre just went soft which I then replaced with space-saver. They are Dunlop SportMaxx RT.

When I inspected the tyre, I noticed what appeared to be a split down the centre of the tread. Ironically, this emanates from the Dunlop logo which is also moulded into the tread pattern. Will try and attach photo in due course.

I haven't checked date code yet, but will do later. I noticed minor cracking on the shoulder of at least one other tyre, so decided to bite the bullet and get a complete new set of boots for safety. Going to try some Michelin Crossclimate+ (had previous version on another small car and they worked a treat all year round).

Tom

Edited January 15, 2020 by Wombat
Forgot to state tyre model!

[Wombat]

1 hour ago, Wombat said:

We bought a used Audi A3 1.4 TFSI convertible a few months ago. Mainly used for short local trips and the occasional motorway run.

The other day we had a flat - nothing dramatic, tyre just went soft which I then replaced with space-saver. They are Dunlop SportMaxx RT.

When I inspected the tyre, I noticed what appeared to be a split down the centre of the tread. Ironically, this emanates from the Dunlop logo which is also moulded into the tread pattern. Will try and attach photo in due course.

I haven't checked date code yet, but will do later. I noticed minor cracking on the shoulder of at least one other tyre, so decided to bite the bullet and get a complete new set of boots for safety. Going to try some Michelin Crossclimate+ (had previous version on another small car and they worked a treat all year round).

Tom

Date code is 1716, so week 17 of 2016?

[Magnet]

Hello Tom, 

Many thanks for sharing your unfortunate experience with Dunlop tyres.

As you will probably have gathered, serious tyre issues have been reported back over 5 pages of posts, yet remarkably no one has reported on the outcome of seeking legal advice, or any success, or otherwise, of getting the motoring press to sit up and take some independent action. 

It could be said that you were ‘lucky’ in the way this issue came to light in your case - at least everyone, and all bits of metal are in one piece.

‘Set of new tyres for safety’ - most certainly a wise decision. 

Many thanks again Tom.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

 

[Wombat]

Thanks Gareth. Whilst at the tyre shop I took photos of the other two SportMaxx RT tyres on the car, both of which had either 2016 or 2017 dates. The fourth tyre was a generic budget one.

A tread photo of each other tyre (still inflated) are attached. As you can see, they are all cracking after 2.5 to 3.5 years of use. Not sure what kind of mileage or temperatures, but the tyre fitter thought it was not good. Anyway, they're all heading for the disposal/recycling now.

Cheers

Tom

[Femi]

How old where these tyres?

[Magnet]

Hello Femi,

Are you talking about the tyres mentioned n the last post? If so, the poster mentions that they were manufactured in 2016 or 2017. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Audi_Addict]

Hi All,

Hope this might help someone.

I have recently discovered cracks on the insides of the 275 30 21's I have on my A7. MOT done mid December '19 and nothing noted. Either missed or have developed since. DOT info on tyre say manufactured Wk10 2018. Bought brand new late August 2018 (so 17/18mths) with approx 10/11k miles on them.. Still plenty of tread left before tyre wear bar and no uneven wear.

E-mailed the supplier I bought them from and got the following response..

 

Thanks for the email. We can send the tyres away for a warranty inspection. I will enclose the warranty form for your to complete I will need one per tyre. Once the tyres are returned to us they will be sent back to Dunlop for examination. If the tyre is found to be faulty an age / wear related refund will issued to us which we will then pass onto you. If it is deem to be not a faulty tyre you can challenge the opinion and/or request the tyres back.

I have ordered a set of Michelins to be put on as I have seen what they could possibly develop into and I don't want them near my car any more.

As soon as I have the new ones fitted I will be sending them off, so will update on this thread when I have more info.

[Magnet]

Hello Matt,

Many thanks for sharing your unfortunate experiences with these tyres, and if there is a positive side to this, it’s no injury has occurred, but....

Of course, you have joined a long list of others with similar experiences, but few have reported back on the outcome. 

The response from the tyre retailer seems a standard response, - if the manufacturer says they are faulty we will refund you, etc. 

To me, you didn’t buy the tyres from the manufacturer, you bought it from the retailer, so if they are obviously defective -as they are obviously seen to be, then it is reasonable to expect the retailer to reimburse you, and not await a decision from the manufacturer. 

One course of action would be to take advice on whether you can take the retailer to the small claims court and obtain damages and associated costs via. this route. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Bob Smith]

I have had this on my Audi A7 21" tires, changed the front tyres 3 time (6 tires) and only completed 27000 miles.

This is a disgrace, surely Dunlop must do something about this, its really dangerous

[Magnet]

Hello?

Many thanks for the post.

It seems you are just another victim of this potentially life threatening saga. 

If I read you post correctly - and apologies if not - you have been affected by this on three occasions. 

Wondered what course of action and investigation/reporting you have carried out to date? 

I had a boss who used to say ‘They will have to do something about this’. Never did find out who ‘They’ were, leave alone what if anything ‘they’ did about the issue, but.....

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Nic]

Dunlop tyre number 7 split tonight. Continental ordered for tomorrow. This is the second post on here, last tyre went in November 2019. Clearly the quality issues continue. For info of others the Continental fitted last time seems to be holding up well.

[Audi_Addict]

Jesus. That's horrific. What size and how many miles on them would you say. 

[Audi_Addict]

1 hour ago, Nic said:

Dunlop tyre number 7 split tonight. Continental ordered for tomorrow. This is the second post on here, last tyre went in November 2019. Clearly the quality issues continue. For info of others the Continental fitted last time seems to be holding up well.

Ironically the 2nd picture has the lettering 'safety warning' right below the split 🙄

[Nic]

1 hour ago, Audi_Addict said:

Jesus. That's horrific. What size and how many miles on them would you say. 
 

it’s my partners car and she thinks that tyre went on circa May 2019 and has done again circa 5000 miles of mainly town driving with a few long motorway runs. The worst thing is on those motorway journeys we’ve had the children in the vehicle.

They are 21” genuine Audi wheels.