Tire problem
 

Have any of you seen this problem with the Michelin Piolot sports? I took my girlfriend's 08 Boxster S out to run some errands today and noticed her front drivers side tire is in "trouble"...... She said she hasnt hit any curbs and no signs of rash on the wheels. Looks as if the tire is splitting at the seems. A few inches away the tire is also bubbling. Any ideas what could have caused this? Thanks for your help.

It's hard to tell from the pictures but it looks like a defect. It happens.

+1 on the defect. IF there is no damage to the rim then I would take it to a dealer and nicely demand replacement.

yes looks defective and I would demand a replacement. That being said, I wouldn't drive on that tire as is... Not only is it unsafe, but if it blows while you're driving it'll give cause to the dealer to decline replacing...

:)

Thanks for your opinions. Hopefully the dealer agrees that it is a defect as the car only has about 5,000 miles on it. I will keep you posted.

That's definitely a belt or bead separation. To do that by hitting something would dent the rim and that's not in the picture. I agree, don't drive on that tire, remove it and take it in.

The tire worsend over night.... another gash apeared about 6 inches from the original. I had Porsche Roadside Assistance tow it in and of course they deny is being a defect and say it must be from a pothole. $360.00 for a new Michelin!