2003 Toyota Prius Tires Problems

“We purchased a 2003 Prius. The cars original equipment included bridgestone extra load tires p175/65r14. In less than 25,000 miles we had to replace the tires with a second set. After about 10,000 wear on both sets the noise from the tires has been so loud it was uncomfortable to ride in the car. While this is not a safety issue it is very aggravating when you consider the cost of the vehicle.”

“I have a 2003 Toyota Prius. I had my first flat tire at approximately 18,000 miles. Second flat tire came 20,000 miles. When I took the car to the tire store I was told that Prius have major problems with tires. They indicated that both back tires were completely worn and needed to be replaced. I spoke to the service manager for Toyota dealership and she admitted that there was an issue but that it had been rectified. She replaced my last existing tire at approximately 25,000 miles. …”

“At 5,000 miles the front tires on my '03 Prius were worn to cord exposed. When I first approached the dealer, 4/03, with concerns at 1,500 miles and obvious wear, I was told that they had not seen this problem before. They aligned the front end and said that should fix the problem. When I brought it to the dealer,6/13/03,they told me that the problem is common, a design defect. The tires are too small for the weight of the vehicle's front end. I left the car with them and was called at the end of the day. …”

“I had a blow out on the front right tire on my 2003 Prius. The tire had a large split across the entire inside of the tire - the side you couldn't' see - as well as the spot in the outside of the tire that had blown out. The tire was completely destroyed and had very unusual wear patterns on it. The rest of the tires did not show unusual wear. I took it back to bridgestone since it was under warranty and they said it was a problem with the Prius. I took it to the Toyota dealer who said the tire warranty was through bridgestone. …”

“2003 Toyota Prius was proceeding west on I-40 near knoxville, tn when the tread separated from the left rear tire and wrapped itself around the axle causing the driver to lose control. The car veered to the left then to the right, hit a guardrail and then hit a semi head-on. The vehicle was totaled, the driver survived with a concussion and a head wound.”