Concerns regarding the failure of run flat tire equipment on the 2004 Toyota Sienna. The tires became noisy between 15000 16000 miles and the noise became worse as time went on. The tires were rotated per the manufactures specs. The vehicle was one month out of warranty when the dealer determined a problem existed with the tires. The tires had to be replaced and the consumer elected to have regular, non run flat tires, installed on the vehicle.

- Rogers City, MI, USA

Lower sidewall of dunlop sp 4000 dsst run flat tire (installed as original equipment on 2004 Toyota Sienna xle AWD minivan) was punctured by a nail. The vehicle was difficult to drive/handle under these conditions and was barely able to be driven to a tire repair facility despite the fact that vehicle owner's manual says the vehicle can be driven up to 100 miles at speeds below 50 miles per hour. Based on this presumption, Toyota does not equip the vehicle with a spare tire. Toyota also recommends contacting the dealership for assistance. There are several problems associated with this philosophy: (I) not having a spare tire in the case of a puncture such as this has the potential to strand the driver and passengers in a potentially dangerous situation; (II) driving the vehicle under these conditions can cause further damage to the vehicle and risk the safety of the occupants; and (III) some Toyota dealerships (such as ours) are not equipped to repair and/or replace these tires. With respect to the tires there are other problems as well: (I) the tires experience rapid tread wear (see numerous complaints listed at www.tirerack.com) requiring constant replacement; (II) without constant monitoring of the tire wear, driving the vehicle becomes unsafe; (III) the tires are generally in short supply and in cases such as ours, where the tire could not be repaired, vehicle owners have to wait at least a week to obtain replacements; (iv) because of the excessive tread wear, when damage such as ours occurs, it becomes necessary to replace at least two tires; and (V) the tires are outrageously expensive, averaging between $200-$300 per tire.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

All four dunlop sp sport 4000T dsst run-flat tires on my 2004 Toyota Sienna xle AWD are completely worn after 20,000 miles and need to be replaced immediately according to the Toyota and dunlop dealers. These tires were the original equipment on the minivan. Dunlop informed me that these tires had no mileage rating. I have seen a number of consumer complaints regarding this tire (see comments on www.tirerack.com). I have spoken with Toyota North America and was told they do not warranty tires and this is not their problem. I believe it is a serious design flaw to put this particular tire on a minivan in the first place. I have been told by dunlop and a tire dealer that this is a high performance, short life tire. This minivan does not come equipped with a spare tire and there is no place for a spare tire in it, which is likely why Toyota chose to equip it with a run-flat tire. Consumers have very limited alternatives for replacing this tire and they are extremely expensive. Accordingly, in my view, Toyota should have (I) selected a more durable tire for this vehicle (II) clearly disclosed the tires expected useful life to consumers or (III) included a spare tire and well in the vehicle. I view this situation as potentially very dangerous because drivers may not be checking these tires for wear at 15,000 miles and could easily have tire failure while driving.

- Wallingford, CT, USA

Toyota Sienna AWD came with run-flat tires as original equipment and no spare. Had a flat and auto dealer claimed tire could not be repaired, tire could not be replaced for three days, replacement cost $280. Stranded for three days far from home. I object to not prior disclosures from auto dealer or manufacturer concerning limited availability & repairable, or cost of run-flat tires.

- Arlington, VA, USA

Vehicle wasn't equipped with a spare tire because the factory tires were made to be driven 100 miles when flat. (nar)

- Nashville, TN, USA