Tires: tire tread design, kuhmo tires, outback legacy

Question
I had 4 Kuhmo tires on my 98 subaru outback legacy wagon and very recently needed one replaced on the passenger front. Since, I have felt the steering isn't the same, I feel like a shutter. When I looked at the new tire I noticed the tread design was completely different from the other 3 tires I have on. The other tires have a wider channel for water whereas this new tire does not. Shouldn't the tread design be the same for all of my tires? This is an all-wheel drive vehicle. Can this cause a problem with the car?
Thank you for your help.

Answer
Janice,

This is a question you need to ask the manufacturer of your vehicle.

However, it is my understanding that some AWD's are sensitive to difference in diameter and perhaps that is what is going on.

And it is always recommended that both tires on an axle be the same.

Hope this helps.