10 Mar 2006
Washington, DC - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary evaluation of Toyota Sienna sports-utility vehicles, model years 2004 and 2005, because of 12 complaints alleging tyre pressure monitoring system failure on those vehicles.
The 2004 and 2005 Sienna vehicles used indirect pressure monitoring systems, relying on ABS sensors, rather than pressure sensors, according to NHTSA documents.
In all cases, according to the NHTSA defect investigation Web site, motorists claimed the TPMS warning lights on their Siennas failed to illuminate when at least one tyre on the vehicle was either flat or dangerously low. In one case, the driver alleged that one of his tyres burst into flames without the warning light coming on.
Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. and Goodyear are the defendants in of class action lawsuits in California and New York alleging that Dunlop-brand run-flat tyres on Toyota Siennas from model year 2004 and beyond are defective.
From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)
NHTSA document mentioning Sienna (search on "Sienna")
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