Summary of Key Issues
Recently, owners of multiple models produced by SAIC Volkswagen (such as the 2022-2024 Passat, Tiguan L, and Lavida) have filed collective complaints: their vehicles, which have been in use for about two years and have not accumulated high mileage, are experiencing widespread cracking of the tires manufactured by Hankook. In the past two months, there have been over 1,400 complaints. When the owners sought assistance from both SAIC Volkswagen and Hankook, they were passed back and forth between the two companies. SAIC Volkswagen claimed that the tires are considered consumable parts and are only covered under warranty for six months, while Hankook could not be reached by phone. Experts have analyzed that the new rubber formula used by Hankook has not undergone long-term market testing, indicating a fundamental quality defect.
At the same time, SAIC Volkswagen's sales have declined by 30% this year, and the company has previously faced issues with its transmissions. The company's reputation for being "stable and reliable" is in stark contrast to these recent problems.
I. Widespread Tire Cracking: Over a Thousand Complaints in Two Months, Affecting Popular Models
This issue with the tires is not an isolated incident but a widespread problem:
- Surge in complaints: According to Chezhiwang (a car quality monitoring website), there have been over 1,400 complaints about tire cracking in SAIC Volkswagen vehicles in the past two months, and on the Black Cat Complaint platform, there are more than 300 related complaints, all indicating severe cracks or even tire blowouts.
- Wide range of affected models: The issue affects popular models such as the Passat, Tiguan L, Lavida, and Tiguan, all produced between 2022 and 2024.
- Consistent owner experiences: Most owners have only driven their vehicles for 2-3 years, with mileage ranging from 17,000 to 23,000 kilometers. The tires on all vehicles have developed deep cracks in the shoulder and tread areas, posing a risk of blowouts even under normal driving conditions.
II. Difficulties for Owners to Seek Compensation: Shifting Blame and Short Warranty Periods
Owners trying to resolve the issue have encountered numerous obstacles:
- Warranty limitations: SAIC Volkswagen's customer service indicates that tires are considered consumable parts and are only covered for six months or 10,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. Since most vehicles have exceeded this period, the company refuses to compensate.
- Mutual shirking of responsibility: When owners contact the 4S dealerships, they are referred back to the manufacturer; when they contact the manufacturer, they are told to go to the dealership for inspection; when they try to reach Hankook directly, the company cannot be reached by phone. Only a few owners have been fortunate enough to have their tires replaced due to a recognized batch defect, but most have had to accept their fate.
- Manufacturer's denial of responsibility: Some owners, who have used their vehicles normally, have been told by the manufacturer that the cracking is due to "natural aging," completely ignoring the abnormal nature of the widespread cracks.
III. Expert Analysis: Hankook's New Formula Fails to Meet Standards, Indicating a Quality Problem
Zhang Xiang, a guest professor at Huanghe University of Science and Technology, believes the problem lies with Hankook's new rubber formula:
- Lack of long-term testing: To innovate (possibly to reduce costs or improve performance), Hankook used a new rubber formula but only conducted small-scale internal tests without real-world market validation.
- Defects exposed after mass production: Once these tires were installed on vehicles and subjected to various conditions, the cracking issues became apparent, indicating a quality defect in the tires themselves rather than improper use by the owners.
IV. SAIC Volkswagen Faces Further Challenges: Sales Decline by 30%, Reputational Damage
This tire issue is not the first time SAIC Volkswagen has faced quality problems, and it has had a negative impact on its sales:
- Sharp decline in sales: In the first half of this year, SAIC Volkswagen sold a total of 338,900 vehicles, a 31.2% decrease compared to the same period last year, achieving only 40% of its annual target of 5 million vehicles (with half of the year already passed). Sales in June alone fell by 35%, and production also decreased by 30%.
- Previous transmission issues: Owners of the 2017-2024 Passat and Tiguan L models have reported occasional gear shifts and inconsistent power, posing safety risks during high-speed driving.
- Erosion of reputation: The company's general manager once claimed that "stability and reliability" were core values of its joint-venture brand, but the tire cracking and transmission failures have shaken consumers' trust in these claims.
Conclusion
This tire issue is not only a quality problem with Hankook tires but also exposes shortcomings in SAIC Volkswagen's supplier management and after-sales service. For owners affected by this issue, it is recommended to keep evidence (photos, complaint records) and seek collective action with other affected buyers. For the manufacturer, avoiding responsibility is not a solution; it must take proactive steps such as recalling the affected vehicles and resolving the problem to restore its reputation. After all, consumers buy joint-venture cars for their reliability. If even basic components like tires fail, who would trust the brand?