2002 Toyota Prius: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Feb 12, 2008 · Tires · CT

I got this vehicle in 2005 from my father. I have since then had to replace the tires of this car many times and I have always replaced them with the tires recommended for the car. Since this car is a hybrid, the car requires tires made to withstand the weight of the car battery and therefore they cost 100 dollars or more per tire depending on where you purchase them from. The incident date listed is my most recent tire failure.

Filed Apr 11, 2005 · Tires · CO

Excessive tire wear on bridgestone potenza re92 tires. Tires replaced on my 2002 toyota prius may 2004 at 23,555 miles. Service manager advised that original tires were unsafe and continued use could result in a blow out. Currently, the second set of tires are again worn (44,000 miles) and unsafe.

Filed May 24, 2004 · Tires · 20,000 miles · CA

In november of 2003 I had a tire blowout while on the freeway. The car handled well and I was able to get off the freeway and put on the spare. When replacing the tire I found that I had to purchase a "super heavy duty" tire because of the weight of my car. The tire was inflated to the specifications in my owner's manual (35lbs). In april I had a second blow-out and replaced the tire at my toyota dealership. At that time I was informed that toyota found that inflating the tires to 45lbs seemed to be working better. I have now replaced all four tires and inflated them to the recommended 45lbs. If toyota had notified me as an owner that the manual was not correct and that the tires should have been inflated to 45lbs I would have gotten twice as much usage out of my tires and I would not have experienced two blowouts and a whell realignment cost. There should be a recall, notice to owners and a rplacement of tires at toyota's cost.

Filed Apr 28, 2004 · Tires · 23,800 miles · CA

Several months ago I had a blow out on my left rear tire. Those things happen- so I replaced the tire, glad that there were no injuries or damage. Two weeks ago the same thing happened on the left front. Whn I went to the dealer I was advised to keep the tires inflated to 45lbs though the owner's manual (on my 2002 prius) advised inflating to only 35lbs. The dealer said that they found that 45lbs allowed better wear and avoided the blow-outs. Owners should be advised of this and given replacement tires with an adjustment for wear. I was outraged that toyota had this information and essentially sat on it. On the 2004 prius (which we also own) the tire is larger and thus the "problem" has been corrected by toyota...except that owners of 2002 prius's are driving around on tire that literally blow up.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Tires · 25,065 miles · MN

While driving at 25 MPH passenger's side rear tire blew out. Prior to the blowout dealership indicated that all tires had abnormal wear. At the time of blowout consumer was able to see the metal belt through the sidewall. *ak

Filed Aug 28, 2002 · Tires · AZ

I have had three tire blowouts, one within 24 hours after purchase of the tire.