2001 Toyota Prius: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Dec 10, 2003 · Tires · 33,987 miles · MI

While driving the vehicle at 35mph, the front passenger tire blew out. (size # p175/65r14) (dot # unknown.) the manufacturer has been contacted. Please provide further information. *ph tires were rotated when the oil was changed. Dealer stated tires failed due to lack of rotation. On one occasion, consumer thoroughly checked the tire before driving. Took vehicle to the dealer and they found a worm nail after looking for over an hour. Consumer has the tires. After the first failure, the consumer contacted went to firestone for replacement tires. Firestone stated they could another tire and get the same effect since they didn't have it in stock. Toyota stated differently and nor did they have the tire in stock. After days of threats, toyota had the same exact tire available for the consumer.

Filed Sep 23, 2003 · Steering · FL

Consumer stated while driving at any speed and with no warning the steering bolts became loose and caused the steering wheel to jump around, which made the vehicle difficult to steer. Dealer notified.*ak vehicle pulled significantly while driving. The tires were inspected at 15,536 miles, but at 18,800 miles one of the tire blew revealing the tires were bald. Later, it was discovered the alignment was out and tire needed to be replaced again. *ph

Filed Aug 29, 2003 · Steering · 21,000 miles · NJ

For the second time in less than 6 months another front tire blew out while driving. First blowout was in august 2002 with about 21,000 miles on vehicle. Second tire blowout occurred with 27,000 miles on an eighteen month old car. There was no accident, but it was very scary, and it felt unsafe. Wheels vibrated for a few months, small amount, but dealer said nothing was wrong. Finally, dealer informed consumer that something was wrong with rack and pinion steering, and it needed replacement.

Filed Aug 5, 2003 · Fuel system, Tires · 35,974 miles · WA · crash · 1 injury

Extreme tire blow out(only shreds left)hesitation resulting in loss of power in traffic/gas pedal sensor?

Filed Aug 2, 2003 · Tires · 25,600 miles · CA

6/2001 prius; mileage ~20,000; bridgestone potenza 175/65/r14rx original tires; while driving approximately 40 MPH on surface streets, rear right passenger tread separated from the tire. Dealer recommended going to tire vendor for warrantee replacement. Plan to pursue issue with toyota.

Filed Jul 11, 2003 · Tires · CA

There is a tire separation problem with the latest set of bridgestone tires that we received from the toyota dealer for our prius. The original tires were recalled due to premature wear. The rear left tire separated and my daughter luckily was able to control the vehicle on the freeway at under 55 MPH. She noticed the problem immediately when she got on the freeway or she might have lost control. For an example of the separation, see: http://www.firestone-tire-recall.com/pages/advocate/11-13.html we had the same problem with the left rear and same new condition as link above.

Filed Jul 7, 2003 · Tires · WV

While traveling about 70mph on the highway without prior warning the driver side front tread separated from the vehicle. The tire bridgestone potenxa re92 175/65r14. Dealer is aware of problem. This is the correct tire 175/65r14 xl845.

Filed Jun 27, 2002 · Tires · NC

Original equipment had worn down to the tread. While driving at 50 MPH in a 2001 toyota, prius left rear tire had a blowout. Replacement equipment tire size p175/65r14, dot# el9pjdh0102. Bridgestone and manufacturer were notifed. *ak consumer believes vehicle is too heavy for tires.

Filed May 23, 2002 · Tires · CA · 1 injury

We had a tire separate at 75mph in the rear. A couple weeks later the front right tire separated at 70mph. The car had approx. 20000 on it. When toytota raised the car they found a third front left tire had begun to seperate. I said I did not trust these bridgestone/firestone tires so they put on michelin tires. The dealer then called and said no other tire could support the weight of the prius. They had already put the michelins on. I called all the tire manufactures to find out that only the factory bridgestone/firestone tires could support the weight of the hybrid prius. I phoned toyota and firestone. Both said they would call me back within three weeks. No one had called. Toyota said it is a tire manufacturer problem, but they use their tires. I went to the dealer to be told since I took the car in they had three other prius's come in with blown tires all with about 20000 miles on them. I went to sears in san bernardino and was told that they too had two prius's with blown tires. I have lost over $2000.00 and spent three weeks with a painful knee and toyota doesn't care. I got three friends to buy toyota priuss and I now worry about their tires. Since this started toyota email me and said do not drive the car over 85 MPH for the tires can not support the car and speed. Why weren't we told this at time of purchase? No other tire is made for the car and the bridgestone/firestone tires are not up to supporting the car safely ever. I will take my chances with the michelins. Other prius owners have told me they will take their chances with other brands even if they are not rated for car. *ak

Filed Dec 4, 2001 · Tires · CA

Experienced four blowouts on orginal equipment bridgestone tires, size p17565r14. Front side and rear passenger side tires had two of the four blowouts. Third blowout occured while vehicle was being test driven at dealership. All blowouts have occurred at low speeds, except for blowout at the dealership. *ak