Complainant had to replace the original Bridgestone tires (245/55R19) on a 2009 Toyota Highlander ltd after 20,679 miles. Tread wear was below 3/32's. Toyota would not warrant or participate in the replacement costs. Bridgestone offered to split the cost of replacing the four tires with their dueler H/L (P245/55R19) which I accepted on April 20, 2010. My cost was $491.32. The replacement tires after 9 months and 17,011 miles have 5/32's wear. However, with that tire wear, the Highlander is unsafe to drive when there is frost/snow/rain/ice on the road. The vehicle looses traction and is uncontrollable as it slides through intersections. Again, the Toyota dealership refused to warrant or participate in the tire replacement costs. Bridgestone has offered to split the cost to replace the tires. This would amount to an additional $500 (est.) to replace tires that do not wear properly. How can payments of approximately $1,000 for eight tires that provide premature and unsafe tire wear be justified? the vehicle in its current condition, is a hazard on the road and unsafe to drive. Tire wear is premature. The Highlander should be recalled for a free four wheel tire replacement and alignment. Updated IVOQ 01/26/12

- Cedar Falls, IA, USA

Our car has 17,000. Miles and turns out the tires are bare in spots and the car hydroplaned and skidded and would not hold the road in a light snowstorm. We often skidded right into oncoming traffic. We have driven many SUVS over the years -we are 69- and never had a problem. Toyota emailed to us that the toyo A20 P245/55R19 open country tires the car came with are not meant for driving in snow. We live in vt and the car was sold to us as an all wheel drive car for driving in snow. I have looked at the internet and others have had the same problem with these tires. I feel there should be a recall on them before someone is killed. My son just purchase a new Highlander and I worry his tires are the same.

- Ludlow, VT, USA

Toyota Highlander 19" rims with toyo open country A20 tires are very unsafe. This tire/wheel combination was standard on 2008/09 limited and sport Highlanders. My 2009 Highlander would slip all over the place in winter driving. By far the worst winter vehicle I ever owned and I've owned plenty that were not all-wheel drive. Luckily the traction control system is good and saved me from several accidents. Toyota used very large 19" rims and performance tires on the vehicle. The tires were worn out after 18 months and 21,000 miles. Why Toyota thought big wheels and performance tires were important to an SUV purchaser is beyond me. Toyota also refuses to stand behind their safety defect (not to mention the tires only lasted 21,000 miles). I purchased 17" rims on my own and toyo provided credit for 2 of the 4 new open country ht tires and the SUV is now much safer - it no longer feels like I am riding on roller skates!

- Amherst, NH, USA

Turning right from city highway to city street at about 15 mph and rr tire had sidewall blowout. Had to replace tire with same brand as only Bridgestone and toyo make a tire this size for 2009 Toyota Highlander. 245/55R19.

- Monroe, WI, USA