Run flat tire issues -sienna

[brn2rnjk1]

I have a 2005 Sienna with run flat tires. The car only has 9000 miles on it in its first year. It does normal suburban driving. I had a one year safety checkup and was told that both front tires are worn. I assume there is no warranty for tires, but this seemed unusual. Has anyone had an experience with this and any thoughts.

Thanks in advance,
Jim

[Frank@toronto]

From what I'm reading on the internet, your situation is quite typical. Those run flat tires do not last long (~20 000 miles).

However, there also have been reported problems with the factory alignment on the 2004 Sienna's. If so, have some "tire guy" evaluate the wear patterns of your tires and see if the alignment is suspect. If the alignment is bad, have your Toyota dealer, under warranty, fix the problem, then get a new set of regular tires.

[billfrombloom]

I'm planning to buy a 2005 AWD Sienna. Do I have to buy it with run flat tires? I haven't heard much good about them. would/could a dealer replace them with standard tires and wheels?

[Cwing]

Originally Posted by billfrombloom

I'm planning to buy a 2005 AWD Sienna. Do I have to buy it with run flat tires? I haven't heard much good about them. would/could a dealer replace them with standard tires and wheels?

Bill,
To the best of my knowledge, Run-Flats are mandatory because with the AWD set-up, ( rear drive shaft ) there isn't anywhere to mount the spare tire. I would stay away from Run-Flats. I just replaced my 4 tires after 18,000 miles.

[dah]

I too had to face the problem of replacing the run-flat tires on my 2004 Sienna. I got 22,000 miles before something had to be done. I decided against another set of run-flats and went with a set of Goodyears having a 700 tread wear rating. Now how to get a spare and where would I put it? Toyota would sell me a compact spare kit that would fit in the well behind the double rear seat for outrageous price of $700+ dollars. Paying Toyota that amount of money for their mistake did not appeal to me. I did have an extra, but slightly bent full size wheel as a result of hitting a huge pot-hold at night. But the well behind the seat is supposed to only hold a compact spare. I also didn’t like the idea of having to deal with a full-size wheel and tire floating around van. However, I was pleasantly surprised that one of my old run-flat tires mounted on this bent but very usable wheel would fit very tightly into the well when not inflated. I then inflated the tire while in the well, let it deflate and repeated the process each time packing rags around the outside of the tire. This process slightly expanded the well and allowed my full size run-flat tire to become my spare. Therefore I now have a full-size spare for the cost ($200) of a used wheel. I have lost the ability of that seat to fold down into the floor. But it seemed like a reasonable compromise.

Don Hazle
Port Matilda, Pa

[dah]

There does appear to be a serious case of buck passing on this tire issue. If you call Bridgestone they will tell you that Toyota is the one pushing the run-flat tires and poor wear is a known issue. If you call Toyota they say that it is up to Bridgestone to replace bad tires. If reported before 12,000 miles it seems that Toyota will give you another set. But then what do you do at 24,000. They will not help a second time. When I picked up my new Toyota the dealer made sure to point out that the tires was the one thing that was not covered under their warranty. To be sure I was not told that I would be very lucky to get 20,000 miles out of my run-flats. Also, if the wear does not get you, the pulling or the noise from the run-flats will. Had I known all this, it might have made me decide not to purchase a Sienna. In my previous post I noted that I have now replaced the run-flats and now have a spare behind seat. With the new Goodyears having a tread wear rating of 700, I should be good for another 60,000 miles. But I still feel that I should have at least got some token help from Toyota. I plan to complain again.

Don Hazle
Port Matilda Pa.

[rwd_3tc]

awd siennas have run flat tires cause it doesnt have a spare tire duh!

[msm20032003]

I dont have the Run Flat tires on my Sienna but they put Dunlops on it and they were considered worn at 18,000 miles. I put on Michelin Harmony's,

[Redbull]

I had the runflats on an 05 and they wore out at 15,000 miles,replaced them with regular tires.Called toyota, they said send in receipt for the new tires. They called back and said the check is in the mail.Three weeks later received check for full amount,tires balancing and installation.

[baldmountain]

To those who put on non-run flat tires. How did you get around the low tire sensor? I was told by my mechanic that you HAD to use these tires because of the sensor and if the light was on you wouldn't pass inspection. (Massachusetts state safety inspection.)