The bubble is hard to spot - its not all the way on the sidewall.
Bubble is closer to the tread.
It is a passenger car, hybrid.
Should the tire be replaced?
Anytime a bubble forms on a tire means the internal structure of the tire is defective or damaged, and the tire should be replaced.
Tester
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+1 - Any bubble is bad, no matter how small.
Your bad luck. After three years though, you should replace it not the dealer. How do they know you didn’t hit a curb or something. The question is if all four should be replaced.
Thanks @Tester
What brands/model are good for a Prius - so that it docent affect the mpg?
I see Arizonian, Hankook, Kumho, Falken ….and models?
I couldn’t tell you what brand to buy.
I install Cooper tires for my application.
Question? That tire didn’t recently have a flat repair?
Tester
We’re on our 2nd set of Michelin Defender’s from Costco for our 2010 Prius. Could be quieter but the mileage hadn’t been affected. Depending in where you bought them frim you should get these prorated.
Only purchased tires from discount tire or Costco in the last 30yrs.
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I’ve had both my Goodyears and generals out in the snow this week and I’m happy with both.
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How many miles do you drive per year?
Hold on, guys!
It is common for folks to confuse indentations with bulges. Here’s Tire Rack’s webpage on the subject:
What Are Sidewall Indentations, Undulations & Protrusions? | Tire Rack
So we need a photo to make sure.
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I clicked on the link and looked at the pictures
I have a hard time believing anyone with decent eyesight would describe what’s in those pictures as “bubbles “ . . . 
but who knows
I agree, though . . . a picture would clear up any confusion, imo
A picture is worth a thousand words… Then it can be properly recommended, if it is a “bubble” (an internal tear, normally caused by an impact such as a pothole) and requires replacement, or what CapriRacer mentioned as being part of the tires construction…
Look for a tire with low rolling resistance for your hybrid, you can also check for the tires weight, a heavier tire can/will use more gas with everything else being equal, a Bridgestone DriveGuard is an excellent tire, but on a Prius it will hurt the fuel mileage due to the added weight of being a run flat tire… but mainly low rolling resistance is what you need to look for…
I guess I was just reacting to the idea that after three years, the dealer was still responsible.
@CapriRacer - Big thank you.
First off all the vocab “bubble” was what the America Tire told me in Nor Cal (nowadays all of them are non english speaking employees) - em they refused service and even forgot to put the vent cap on! I could not see the bubble when he pointed it to me.
Later I pulled the mgr, he is not so technical, he is not someone who did the hands on job and became the mgr, in my impression - he pointed to curvy area on the two of the tires and then asked me to find it on the 3rd tire - does this mean he is also not convinced or he is lazy?
I went to Wheel works and the mgr didn’t see it. Went to Costco and the guy patiently worked with me - I had to roll the car front and back and eventually pointed it on one tire with the help of a torch - he kind of used a different word to describe it as an indentation and dismissed the claim!
Last night watched some Youtube - bubble seems inappropriate but its uneven or bit curvy. It might take a lot of effort to catch it on camera - when the sun comes back I will try (raining).
@Tester It never had a flat, and I apologize for using the word “bubble” @db4690 estimated 2026 mileage is 15k. Last year it was 7k. @bing it was purchased at Sams Club by a relative and I have the receipt - I do not have Sams membership and they are quite far - you can not talk to anyone over there without entering membership # on the phone!
19.47 lbs BF Goodrich and 17 lbs for Good year
Lastly, this bubble is new to me despite having owned cars for more than 30yrs! Apparently Good Year had this curvy issue some 20 yrs ago.
Sam’s is Walmart. You have a Goodyear tire so I’d just swing by an actual Goodyears dealer and ask them to look at it, but capri is the resident expert.
If you are having trouble seeing it, then it’s likely just a bit of inconsistency in the tire building process. Nothing to worry about.
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“Holier than thou” here, with some bulges that might cause concern:
There’s at least three examples in that composite that probably should be taken out of service.
@db4690 Here is the photo. Between the 5 & 9 print on the tire, you can see the curvy part. Is this a defect? Should I go to the Good Year dealership?
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I zoomed in
Your tire’s fine, imo
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That is a minor inconsistency in the ply cords. Nothing to worry about.
BTW that is an indentation. That part is actually stronger than the rest of the tire.
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