Aww, its no more a conspiracy theory than any other customer service algorythm.

Most makers of things have to deal with returns, and they issue guidelines to try to control their losses.

As we all seem to agree that the tires in question (mostly) last long enough to be OK with the consumers, the algorythm works, and the sellers prevent (excess) returns for the defect....as if they took ALL of them back, they might go under in a short time, etc....and only a small number really needed to be taken back anyway.



If you buy something, and you bring it back because it seems to have a flaw, say the new car makes a particular noise when braking...nine times out of ten, you will be told something to the effect of "That's normal, they all do that, don't worry about it".

This is how most business stay in business...because the odds are in their favor.

Now, if the flaw is hazardous/has a higher known failure rate, they don't do it, as they are then exposed to tort liability issues they'd rather also avoid...so - they only do this when the flaw is not likely (Enough) to lead to failure.

And I'm not only talking about tires...its a general business practice.

Didn't know this was news to some.