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Can anyone tell me what run flat replacements we will get in place of these defective Dunlop Sport 4000 DSST's?  If it's a "new version" of the same poorly designed 4000 DSST, is that supposed to make us happy?  A couple of issues about this program:  1) Toyota will not replace my current Dunlops because the tread hasn't worn enough to be considered premature.  So, I either have to get me/my family into a dangerous situation or keep on worrying until they reach the right replacement depth; 2) How about giving the owners the option of getting 5 non run-flat tires AND the spare tire kit (which I was just told is about $700 installed!).

Last point, can anyone involved in the class action suit tell me whether or not something similar has been filed in Canada?  I would love to speak to someone involved with the www.rftprogram.com settlement but I cannot access your toll free number from Canada.  We too have class-action options that I would love to pursue.  Even though we also received the Supplemental letter from Toyota, I'm fairly certain they're doing it to forestall something similar from occurring in Canada (ie. covering their butts).

If I were in the USA, I would definitely put in an objection at www.rftprogram.com before the October 16, 2006 cut-off date.  Replacing 4 run flats with the same defective technology doesn't sound like a win-win solution to me.  I would like to see the settlement modified to include an Option B.  Namely, five (5) of your best quality all-season tires (not run flats) PLUS the spare tire kit at no cost to any Sienna AWD owner.

Anyone think I'm asking too much?  

I wonder if it is a tire problem or a car problem.  I would like to know because i have a 2005 sienna AWD. Are sienna owners still having tire problems even after replacing the runflats with regular tires?  My sienna has 12k on it and one tire is already severly worn  on the inside.  

Jag (previous post) my dealer replaced the dunlops with the same tire.

Jin, is the 12K on the original runflat tire or a replacement regular? Personally I think it's the tires because bmw owners are having the same probs with their rft's from a different manufacturer, bridgestone I think.  

joe,
the tires are original runflat.  I'm hoping they replace all four before 15k miles and then get another replacment just before the 30k miles is up.  I will still get a spare and put it in my trunk when I go out of town. I got the car with runflat tires knowing that my wife will keep  on driving reguardless the type of tires it has on it. I think to get 30k miles on a set of tires on an AWD is good. I'm hopefull they will build a better tire
jin  

I purchased a 2004 AWD Sienna van.  I replaced the run flat tires one year later with convention tires.  I had 18000 miles on the run flats. Now I need to replace the conventional tires @ 20000 miles.  I talked briefly with the lawyers stating that I felt that it wasn't just the run flat tires.  I had my car realigned at my cost initially because Toyota suggested it.  There has got to be something with the van in order for the conventional tires to also wear out. They felt that it was just the tire. I disagree.

I was able to place them on the same wheel.  Do you know if you don't opt out of the class action lawsuit if we have any further recoarse down the road if them determine it not to be the run flat tires?  

won't believe what happened today.  I went to my toyota dealer this morning for an oil change and asked that they inspect the tires. at 12k miles you can see cupping and uneven wear.  they said the tires are still good.  the service manager told me that toyota will only replace the tires if its worn only on the center tread.  He advised to me that I get an alignment and rotation.  I agreed to do it. He reminded me that the car needs a rotation every 5kmiles and an alignment once a year.  I was only late on one rotation by 3K miles.  While in the waiting room , I placed a call to toyota corp asking for clarification.  I gave them all my information. Moments later the service manger came out and told me that I would be getting a free replacement.  I then went down to a tire shop and they told me that they replace atleast two cars a week with rft for this dealership.  this dealer does not have the equipment.  I was reminded by the tireshop manager that these runflats are a problem.  He assisted me in getting a full size spare for my van.  

I want to be part of the class action suit but it says I need a copy of the repair order which includes why they were replaced  but I have already replaced my tires  and when you get them replaced they dont put on the work order why they are being replaced , just what you are haveing done and what the charges are  also i replaced them at 37477 miles  is that to late ? Help!!!!!  

What's confusing to me about the "benefits" of the settlement is I see nothing there that Toyota has not already provided. In other words, I've already gotten full replacement of my RFTs under the extended warranty Toyota sent out several months ago. What's the additional benefit of remaining part of this class action? I'm hoping someone can cite one, otherwise I think the smart move here is to exclude oneself from the class so that you can sue / participate in future suits related to this issue. For example, I believe the resale value of the van has been diminished by this flaw. Where is the compensation for that?

Thoughts?

/Scot  

I just found this forum when I did a search for the dunlop tires.
We had the Bridgestones on our 2005 Sienna awd. We noticed a noise near the wheels(sounded like a bearing to me) at about 20,000 miles and took it to the dealer and were told it was the tires and that they would be replaced under warranty but they were not in stock. They said they would call us when they came in.  I checked out the noise while she drove next to me in my pickup and sure enough it was the tires. They sounded like a rubber boot squeeking.  They are worn off on the inside. It sure looks like an alignment problem to me.  Anyway they said they were good for a little while yet. Well after two months of checking back with them we finaaly asked about alternative brands of run flats and two days later we now have the Dunlop tires on our van.  When my wife told me they were Dunlop tires I was happy.  Dunlop is a good name brand. Now I read here that dunlop are no better.  Plus we asked about the warranty on these tires and were told its still on the original 36,000 mile warranty, so we have about 12,000 miles warranty left(we put another 4000 on the van waiting).  We discussed putting regular tires on the van as we have AAA but what would they do except tow it to a tire store. You are still stranded if it's in the middle of the night. Hope fully there will be some improvements in the design in the year and a half I expect to get out of my BRAND NEW tires. They were supposed to check the alignment when they did the tires but there is nothing on the reciept about it.  I will be watching closely and if it wears the same way I will be talking to them aobut alignment.
Just wanted to share my experience.
Bernie  

All, I have been watching the RFT traffic for some time.  I recently recived the notice from Toyota but, luckily or unluckily, I have 38K miles on my 2004 Sienna.  I have paid attention to the air pressure/rotation and it appears I have been lucky. I have noticed some excessive wear on the inside shoulders but have not reach the tread bars.  I have been frustrated with the tire for the past 2.5 years --they ride rough, produce excessive road noise and do not give me confidence that my family is safe.  Due to recommendations of others, I plan to replace with normal tires and install a spare in the rear.  We have been pleased with the overall quality of the van, however the extra effort required by the tires has detracted from our enjoyment.  

I have a 2004 awd sienna. the car is 2 1/2 yrs old with 31k miles. I am on my 4th set on run flats. I have had flats, worn tires and one tire actually lasted less than 2 months with the tires pulling away from the rim. I have only paid for 2 tires but got reimbursed. so, in all i have not paid a dime to have my run flats replaced. however, what no one is pointing out is that after your 36, 000 mile warranty is up you are on your own. Alexandria Toyota in VA (the service dept)has been very good to us. No problem in getting the tires, even gave me a loaner car every time i needed the tires replaced. I am grateful for that however i think they just felt sorry for us.
I will never buy another toyota as long as i live. The dealer basically told me that they are continuing to put the Run flats on the new 2007 awd siennas as well. they also said they will continue to sell them as usual and that if you are a consumer who does not do their research you are SOL. My warranty is almost up and I am considering buying  an acura mdx. also I am trying to figure out how my $40,ooo van is now only worth $22,000 according to KBB. The car depreciated very fast. You can't trust toyota.
I am getting mixed reviews in the forums whether or not the non run flats are safe. I am saddened about giving up my young, roomy vehicle. Any advice is appreciated.  

My condolence to you.  I had a 2005 Sienna LE AWD.  Same bad luck with expensive Dunlop runflat junk product.  The trade-in value is inversely proportional  to the mileage you put on the vehicle - not the year you bought it.  I thought about getting rid of it but could not bear the potential loss of money.  I decided to change my tires to Mitchellin regular tires after I took out the first set of runflats.  The ride has been very enjoyable ever since.

A spare tire  is an inexpensive soluion to address the problem and serve as an insurance even though it takes up precious cargo space in the back and serves as an eye sore.  After all, how often during the life of a vehicle do you have to repair a flat?  I carry it on a long trip.  For local run, I left it in the garage.  17" alloy rim will cost you $500 at Toyota part service.  You can get the same exact new alloy wheel for $160 plus $20 shipping at ebay.The company name is coloradowheel.com.  You will receive it in two days after placing order.  Just type keyword search "toyota sienna 17" rim ".  The Mitchellin regular spare tire will cost you $135 at Costco and it will last 60,000 miles.  So far I put 25,000 miles on it and there is no sign of problem on wear and tear.  Just remember to rotate them every 5K.

Hope this helps.  It's the best bang for the buck if you run the vehicle to the ground and buy a new one after, rather than suffering the bleeding of trading it in.  

I am new here. Could anyone tell me what to do with the class action? I just have my four tires replaced for FREE today (though still four flawed RFTs). I have a 2005 AWD and it runs 12K now. Nexttime, i will go for Michellin regular tires, just to save myself from all the headaches and worries.

Another question: if i get all four regular tires, will the low-tire pressure warning function still work?  

bills:
As Paul Harvey used to say... "and now the rest of the story!"  After being faced with a bill of over $1000 from the dealer to replace four run flat tires for my Sienna (that they said was my only option), I contacted Toyota customer service to register my complaint and check the story.  Toyota got back to me and said that a conventional tire would work fine (that I did not need the run flats) and gave me the name of a customer relations person at the dealership to work with.  I contacted him and they admitted that they were wrong and that conventional tires would work fine.  The dealer called back to say they could put four Michelins on for nearly the same price as a single run flat tire!  That is what I have done.  I'd rather put my faith in my AAA membership and a can of emergency tire repair spray than these special order run flat tires - after all, if I was on a trip and had a flat, I'd be unlikely to find a shop that could replace them anyway! <br /><br />By the way, it is possible to buy a spare tire, wheel and an aftermarket holder although it will rob some of your storage space.

I have an 04 Sienna with the RFTs and 16K miles.  I have been complaining about a road/tire noise for some time.  The car is not driven too much and sits for months or more in the garage waiting for another highway trip.   Toyota Dealer says the tires have many miles left and and the cupping and noise is because I did not rotate the tires every 300 miles.  2 tire dealers say that the tires are showing uneven ware and cupping and should be repaced.   After reading a number of posts I have come to the conclusion that its the tires.  I am going to do what "bills" did on his post on 10/27/05.   Get regular good tires and rely on my AAA card and a can of flat repair.  We have 4 Toyotas and a Lexus in house, we will get our satisfaction at car buying time and calk it up to experience.  

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