Michelin Starial Tire Quality Problem as Sidewall Tear and Slippage Led to Crashes
On April 9, 2024, I purchased four brand-new Michelin Starial sub-brand tires from a dealer located in Şahinbey Mavikent Industrial Zone, Gaziantep, and had them installed on my car. After driving just a few kilometers, I immediately noticed that the braking distance was dangerously long. I even called my cousin and said, “These tires are going to cause an accident one day.” On wet roads, the braking performance became even worse.
I’ve been driving for many years in different cities and countries, but I’ve never experienced such poor braking performance. Unfortunately, I was proven right — I’ve had three serious accidents within five months, all linked to tire slippage. Less than a month after purchasing the tires, I also noticed a sidewall tear that caused air leakage when the car was stopped. The dealer refused the warranty claim, saying it “hit a rock,” and I had no choice but to buy another tire.
In total, I spent ₺17,500 (initially ₺16,000, plus an additional ₺1,500 later). I was not given any invoice or warranty document, only a verbal assurance that the tires were under warranty.
I work in the automotive electronics wholesale sector, and I’ve always recommended Michelin tires to my customers, emphasizing quality and safety. However, due to financial constraints, I opted for the more affordable Starial line, which turned out to be a mistake.
I have always been satisfied with Michelin’s main product lines, and my business vehicles still use them. But I believe that the Starial sub-brand damages Michelin’s reputation, as the quality and performance are far below expectations. My purpose in writing this complaint is not to criticize Michelin, but to warn other drivers to be cautious when considering Starial tires.
I now plan to purchase Michelin CrossClimate 3 tires, which I found to be highly rated for safety and performance. I am requesting support from Michelin, both in terms of a fair price and a reliable dealer recommendation, and I hope that my grievance will be addressed appropriately.
