Run-flat tires go flat with our readers

Consumer Reports explored the pros and cons of run-flat tires in a June 2007 story called "Run-flat tires safety benefits outweigh problems." The article outlined some of the disadvantages and basic inconveniences of run-flat tires. Not surprisingly, this story elicited a wave of mail from our readers/subscribers who weren't shy in adding their two-cents. Much of the responses reinforced the limitations we noted in the article, including premature wear, stiff ride, high replacement costs, and limited replacement choices. We read every e-mail and letter and tried to sum up the complaints below.

Keep in mind that we're talking about only a few correspondences, so there is no scientific data from which to make conclusions. Nevertheless, here are a few common themes:

• A punctured run-flat tire may provide extended mobility, but with routine run-flat tire ranges of just 50 to 100 miles, it's far more limiting than having a conventional spare tire. One person had to spend an extra night at a town in New Mexico to get a tire from a local dealer the next morning. Another letter was more direct: "...50 miles is completely worthless..." (referring to run-flat tire capability). "I would not put my wife and kids on run-flats."
• Limited availability and accessibility were common concerns, but the high cost of replacement of a run-flat was a common comment. Additionally, a few letters noted that not only did people have to replace the flat run-flat tire, but that the wheel was damaged and had to be replaced, too. 
• Underwhelming tread wear life was noted by a few, with a few harsh words about tires lasting just 18,000 to 20,000 miles. Plus, the high replacement cost rankled many.
• Interestingly, some run-flat tire makers do not recommend repairing a run- flat tire given its uncertain condition after running flat even for a short period of time. This rubbed a few readers raw, and some noted that standard conventional tire punctures can often be repaired. 
• One reader noted that he was not informed of the limitation of run-flat tires by his new-car salesperson. He claims to have only been told about this after he had a tire problem with the new vehicle. Apparently, the dealership discourages buyers from purchasing that model car with the run-flat package. But the horse was already out of the barn.

Undoubtedly the letters will continue, and we look forward to reading them and post in our Tire Talk forum (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers). Few readers/subscribers ever write to us about the positive aspects of a product, but we'd be interested in hearing from those folks, as well. Run-flat tire technology may be sound, but readers are clearly saying there is much room for improvement. Will run-flat tires succeed in the market place, or go the way of Oldsmobile, Plymouth, and DeLorean? So far, the jury's out.

--Gene Petersen

Related blog posts:
Update: Toyota Sienna AWD run-flat tires
Toyota Sienna AWD run-flat tires wear well for us
Toyota Sienna AWD tires - patience wearing thin
Toyota extends run-flat tire warranty
Toyota Sienna run-flat tires? Spare us.
Run-flat tires go flat with our readers

Comments

[Bruce W. Cameron, Jr.]

As an engineer I'm having problems understanding why an OEM would equip their vehicles with Run Flat Tires (RFT). If any of you have ever lifted a racing tire you will find it is VERY light. Tire are un sprung weight and therefore should be as light as possible. Now if they are being sold as a way to make it safe for people (women) to get safely off of a freeway, etc. that is one thing. However, most people have cell phones to get them out of trouble. Even RFT are known to blow out, so where is the benefit. I'm considering the purchase of a BMW, but will not buy one of the vehicle is equipted with RFT if the vehicle can not be equiped with after market wheels and tires. What can you people tell me about how the suspension might be affected by after market wheels and tires? They will be lighter and may affect the vehicle ride and handling. I'am a Consumer Report Subscriber. Bruce W. Cameron, Jr.

[Felicia]

Hi,
I'm currently leasing a 2006 BMW 330I and already it's time to change my tire at 11,000 miles. I was never told about the life of the tire and the danger that it can create if kept on the vehicle for a longer period of time. I was very upset to find out, that the loud sound that I am hearing while I drive my car, is due to the tire damaged. I had to pay $850.00 dollars to replace all four tires a year to the date of purchase. I will be returning this machine for a non- RFT in the future.

[earnie]

I took our 2006 BMW 325i (sport package) to local dealer (Paducah, KY) with 17,000 miles and again at 18,000 complaining about the RFT problem. In the process of denial, we had a family emergency and now mileage is 20,204. According to BMW North American, we must pay full cost because the mileage is over 20,000 (under 20,000 miles 1/2 price) even though the dealer was informed. BMW has a bulletin (360606) about the problem but has failed to notify affected owners. We have another BMW (Z3) and will getting rid of both soon. Also understand there is a class action lawsuit being formulated which we will gladly be part of.

[David]

I have a Mini with Goodyear RFT's. From day one, they leaked like sieves. Pumping them up was a weekly chore, and after about a year it became a bi-weekly chore. While there is still plently of tread left after 30K miles, the sidewalls are gone, and they squeak like a rat with it's tail stuck in a trap. I don't have any choice but to replace the RFT's since the mini doesn't carry a spare, but I'll look for another manufacturer.

[Paul Mueller]

I am very interested in knowing anyone's experience with replacing run-flat tires on a BMW (6 series in particular) with non-run-flat. Does this affect the warranty? Does it require new wheels?
Thanks for any insight

[angela coleman]

Unfortunately, my BMW dealership in Fairfax Virginia did not offer me much in the way of options. Last nite, I got my third flat tire in two years--with a run flat tire. It is so frustrating because I recently learned that sometimes they need to be replaced after only 10-12,000 miles. That's absolutely ridiculous. I'd rather take my chances with a regular tire. At least I wouldn't have to run to the dealership after every flat tire, nor would I have to replace the whole tire. Atop that, BMW wants to make them standard for all vehicles. Over the last five years,I've only driven a BMW--but I refuse to spend my weekends running to and from the dealership just to buy a substandard tire that only they can replace with another substandard tire. I will likely look for another luxury car to buy. It appears BMW is content with offering their long-time customers a bad product. I've been shocked by the number of complaints about the run-flat tire. Wish I'd done my homework prior to purchasing this first generation of run-flat tires. You'd think BMW would listen to loyal customers. I'll just have to go a luxury car dealership that will. Maybe their strategy is to recoup the cost of their free maintenance program by forcing all their customers ton constantly replace their run-flat tires at alarming rates. Great for their bottom line.

[Craig Sungail]

I’ve always been skeptical of reviews I find online, but in this case I should have heeded advice more closely.

Before I begin, be aware that I have been a faithful Toyota owner, until now, having purchased the following new: an 85 Cressida, 99 Avalon and an 06 Sienna. I write this now so that those that may be considering an AWD Sienna with with Run Flat tires are completely aware of the risks! Also see articles online from “Edmunds.com” and “Consumer Reports” (http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2007/03/toyota_sienna_a.html) -- I wish I had read these before I purchased the Sienna.

If you do not want to read all the details of this entry, the bottom line is the Toyota dealer and Toyota USA refused to stand behind their run flat tires, despite having replaced them before on Siennas (see other chat rooms easily found with an internet search like http://www.carsurvey.org/viewmorecomments_review_67001_3.html or talk to friends). Per the chat rooms I’ve read and my own experience, these tires clearly begin to, or actually fail between 15,000 and 30,000 miles. Toyota has displayed, to me at least, a significant ignorance of a potential safety risk, a refusal to stand behind the quality/engineering of its product, and an unwillingness to maintain customer satisfaction.

Probably around 15,000 miles and less than 10 months after purchasing our 06 Sienna with Run Flat tires we noticed an increasingly rough ride. These tires never provided a smooth ride, even as we originally drove off the lot, but something definitely changed over these first 10 months. Note that most miles were highway, there was routine maintenance per the owner’s manual, performed at the dealer, and I check tire pressure about once per month (No noticeable changes in tire pressure for over a year of driving).

At 17,448 miles we first reported shaking in the steering wheel and rough ride, during a routine maintenance visit to the Toyota dealer. The Toyota service advisor told us that there was a letter from Toyota to dealers indicating that: should run flat tires reach the tread wear indicators under 3 years or 36,000 miles that Toyota would pay for replacement with a new set of run flat tires. I was advised the current tires were not a safety concern and should continue to drive.

I asked the service advisor if I could have ‘normal’ (i.e., non- run flat) tires as a replacement, should it be required, as I did not wish to run into the same problems after another 17,500 miles. He advised that Toyota would only replace the tires with run flats, even after I explained it would be less expensive for Toyota to replace the tires with ‘normal’ tires.

Sept. 2007 21,265 miles: During the next routine maintenance visit we reported that shaking has been becoming worse and now sometimes will make a rough sounding noise. Told that tires still had acceptable safe tread and to continue to drive them. Reassured, by several people at dealership, that indeed the run flat tires on the Sienna were a known problem to Toyota and that Toyota would pay for the replacements should they reach the tread wear indicator prior to 3 years or 36,000 miles and that several dealership customers had already had this done.

Dec. 2007 approx. 26,500 miles: Holiday trip of about 1200 miles. Tires had been running much rougher since Sept. Road trip was extremely rough (almost as bad as driving a washboard road).

Early January 2008 approx. 28,370 miles: While driving from an event the rear right wheel seemed to be running as though flat. Stopped, looked at tire and in the darkness it was difficult to tell if it was flat. Drove, per Owner’s Manual recommendation for a flat the 7 miles or so to home.

Next day 28,377 miles: Tried to put air in the right rear tire as the tire gauge showed it being a bit low. Other tires measured within 1 or 2 psi of recommended pressure, per owner’s manual. The right rear tire would not take air from a gas station pump. Drove to Toyota Dealer trying remaining below 20 mph.

At 28,394 miles there was a loud explosive noise from the left front tire, many lights on the dashboard lit up and a load piercing alarm sounded for a few seconds. There was a very noticeable uncontrollable feel to the ride immediately as the explosion occurred and continued the remaining few miles to the dealer. The flat tire symbol remained lit on the dash. Proceeded below 10 mph to minimize the cadence of a flapping noise, arriving just as they were opening the service dept.

Explained everything outlined above to the service advisor and indicated that I was under the impression that Toyota would be paying for replacement of the tires with new run flat tires. I explained my disappointment that Toyota forced the situation to failure (i.e., blow out of one tire). He was shaking his head in agreement, acknowledged the blow out and gave no indication that Toyota would not be paying for replacement tires.

Mid-day a voice mail from service advisor indicated that Toyota District Representative had not approved replacement of tires. Responded with a VM that this was unacceptable because: 1) This situation was now a safety issue and if not for the hour of the morning and the severely reduced driving speed, things potentially could have been much worse; 2) I had been told by numerous dealership employees on two separate occasions that Toyota was well aware of the problems with the Sienna’s run flat tires and that a letter had been sent by Toyota to dealers prescribing the complete replacement policy below 3 years and 36,000 miles; and 3) I do not expect that tires will wear so poorly in under 30,000 miles and certainly not fail. I also asked that the service manager become involved if that was necessary to resolve the situation.

Afternoon another VM indicated that the Toyota District Representative still would not replace the tires. Again I indicated this was an unacceptable response and that I expected better from the dealership and Toyota after buying/owning 3 new Toyotas in the last 20 years and using the Toyota dealer to service my current two Toyotas on a manufacturer recommended schedule and accepting their advice on the tires. I was advised that the dealership’s service manager would become involved.

Early evening the dealer’s service manager left a VM acknowledging he understood my concerns and that he wanted to talk.

Next day I left a VM for the service manager reiterating the safety concern, the information from dealership employees and expectations for new tire life, asking for compensation. I explained that I would accept a credit against future service or other dollar equivalent compensation to the replacement run flats if for some reason Toyota did not wish to replace these for a liability precedent concern.

Mid-afternoon informed by service advisor that I had 3 options: 1) Buy new normal tires at a slight discount from the dealer; 2) Service manager had arranged an agreement with Dunlop for a credit of $95.70 per three tires (they would not cover the blown out tire) against either a Goodyear or Dunlop normal tire; or 3) pay $234 per tire for 4 new run flat tires. I would still have to pay balancing and alignment charges. As this was the second day of not having this vehicle and depending on the kindness of other for transportation, I agreed to the discount from Dunlop.

The next week, I called Toyota USA and retold the saga above to a representative there and received almost the same story as from the dealer – it was almost as though they were reading from the exact same script.

Finally, I looked into legal action but that really is not cost effective.

So to help protect others from a potentially serious safety issue as well as a consumer issue I am posting this story in several places.

[Shanel Hudson]

I too leased a 2006 BMW 330i. While negotiating my lease, I asked many questions about the run-flat tires as I did not have to have an issue replacing tires, as one of my friends did with their Mercedes. I was assured replacing the tires was not a problem. Boy, do I feel like a sucker. I had to replace one tire in November 2007. What a hassle. I live in the San Francisco Bay area and it took my many hours just to find someone with a tire that would match. The cost to me, was $403, for one tire. Now, I am faced with replacing another tire. I don't even know which one yet. The light and bell just went off of my car yesterday. I will never purchase a car with run flat tires again. What a hassle and expense. I've been driving for 30 years and have never had a flat tire until now.

[bbb]

bought a 2006 bmw 330 and had to of my tires bubble on there side walls. replacements cost $301 for one front tire and $375 for the back. thinking about switching to a stadard tire and tossing these bank breaking,quick wearing,run flats back to were ever the hell they came from. any advice?

[DMB]

How far back, how old a used BMW, would I have to buy to NOT HAVE run flat tires. Put differently, when did BMW start using run flats. I'm looking to buy a slightly used 3 series, but looking to avoid the run flat problems.
THANKS.

[william irving]

I had a new bmw 530i with run flat tyres but after endless punctures and terrible ride changed to normal ie non runflat tyres. Many tyre dealers said it cant be done- i was told the wheels were different -the cars suspension would not work properly etc etc
The car was transformed - the ride and handling was much improved and 30000 k later still going strong

[Frank Bumpus]

I am a long time BMW owner. My 2007 328xi wagon came equiped with run-flat tires. It's this simple, I will never buy another BMW if they continue with run-flat tires. Is BMW listing? Also, I am very disappointed in CR's rating of this tire. I'll take my chances changing a tire on a rainy night.

[HiSOY]

I have a 2006 BMW 325i with the standard all-weather run-flats. Tires developed so much noise from uneven wear by 12,000 miles they had to be replaced. BMW picked up two of them and I bought the other two at $480. They claim 30,000 mile life. If this happens again, I will buy a wheel and five regular 205/55R-16's and just throw the spare in the trunk. No more BMW's for me if they stay with the run-flats.

[Claude Labrecque]

BMW 328XI 2007, OEM Bridgestone Run flat tire were changed after 6 000 miles, free of charge, by BMW dealer, due to extreme road noise caused by uneven wear on outside edge of front tire. At 10 800 miles same problem occurred on the newly installed Pireli Euforia. BMW dealer said that they will again change these run flat free of charge again. The car was aligned by BMW twice and each time found to be within tolerence. My fear is how many times will they change my tires free of charge? will they do it forever for 3 years of my lease? I think the next time I will go back to regular tires with a spare winter tire in the trunk. Here in Montreal I had installed regular winter tires on steel wheels and after 9 000 miles, the were in perfect shape.

[LGC]

A 2007 Sienna AWD is my sixth Toyota and, until now, I was a promoter of Toyota cars. As a previous mechanic, I do most work on my cars and appreciated their reliability. This minivan was purchased for my wife and children with the intent that it would get them safely where they needed to go without any worry. The run-flat tires show major abnormal wear at 15,000. In northern New Jersey the only suppliers that have these tires are the dealers at a cost of $225 each. These tires render this vehicle not reliable and not safe.

[Anil Pillai]

I have a 530i with run-flats. Looks like I need to change two tires since these runflats have worn off. The cost $750 for two tires (245,40R,18, 93W, 280 thread count). Regular tires cost $700 for all four with a higher higher thread count (245, 40R, 18, 400 thread count). After asking around a lot of dealers and tire stores, I have decided to go with non-run flats on all four wheels since the tire store guy said it will not be balanced to go with run-flats on the front and non-runflats on the rear.

My recommendation is the same as the ones above. Replace run-flats with non run-flats. They have a much lower cost of ownership. Get a AAA membership.

Will this affect the certified warranty?
Will replacing the run-flats with non-runflats affect the electronics of the car and give false indications ?What has been the experience?

[David Reed]

I have been casually shopping for a replacement for my 1990 Ford Aerostar extended cab van, which supports two of my favorite hobbies: downhill skiing and woodworking. The vehicle must seat four people comfortably and carry four pairs of skis, boots, poles, clothing, and sometimes luggage--and it must have All-Wheel-Drive. It must also be configurable to carry a full sheet of plywood with all the doors closed. The Aerostar meets these requirements admirably, but at 142,000 miles it is past its prime. The Toyota Sienna AWD would be an ideal replacement, but the RFT issue stops me cold. I expect 55,000-60,000 miles from my tires, and I have achieved this twice on my Aerostar, twice on my 97 Audi A6 Quattro, and twice on my wife's 99 Lexus RX-300, and three times on my 1986 Audi 5000S. I cannot purchase a Sienna AWD until Toyota offers a solution to this problem--maybe aftermarket tires from day one. Spare tires are overrated anyway. Recently, while replacing the shocks on my Aerostar I discovered that the jack that was provided as original equipment would not lift the vehicle--that's right, no flat tires for 17 years (premium Michelin tires only). If I had actually experienced a flat tire the cell phone would have been my main piece of emergency equipment. Bottom line: Toyota is slipping off its pedestal in my view because of this issue. They may lose me as a customer.

[Angela V. Coleman]

I just replaced my fifth run flat tire on my 2006 BMW 3 series in seven months. When I purchased the car in 2006--my second BMW--the salesperson did come close to mentioning how susceptible these tires are to punctures; nor did they mention the short life span of the tires or the fact that I'd spend $300 each time the tire had to be changed. I often touted the virtues of owning the BMW when I discussed cars with friends. But no more. BMW's continued promotion of this shoddy product has all but ensured I will never purchase another one.

[Tara S]

wish I would have read this before I bought my 2006 325i. It was a lease return with 11k miles, I have had it 3 weeks.. today flat tire light came on.. Dealer said "put some air in it and see what happens" coming from the same place that said.. ohh these RFT tires last 50k miles and no problem replacing them with reg. tires.. looks like I will be doing research this time on replacements...

[Ray Masten]

I have a BMW 530i with Good Year RFT. They have 44,500 miles and still have about 15k left. Due to the poor control and uncomfortable ride I am going to replace with standard Yokahomas, if I can. Americas tires in My city said I will need new wheels. Is this true? The 60k is great but on groved roads they wander too much and steering feels like a Pinto.

[L. Fraser]

I own a 2004 Sienna AWD that came with factory installed RFT, which were completely replaced in 2006 when the van had 5,000 miles. The dealership did not say anything about the class-action lawsuit nor the fact that the tires potentially would need to be replaced annually at a cost of $1200. Now the car, with only 15,000 miles and even with regular tire rotations and alignments, etc., needs a 3rd set of tires. I thought I loved this van - even with its less than stellar gas mileage, but I must consider selling it for a car with regular tires.

[Kevin McCusker]

BMW 530 xi, 2006. Much as I love this car, I hate the run flat tires. Massachusetts roads and delicate tires do not go together. I'm on my way to but some Michelins with Road Hazard warranty. Like so many others, no more BMW for me if Run Flat is the only choice.

[Selina]

I have a 2006 BMW 325I with RFT. Can I replace them with regular tires and is there room for a spare?

[Joe]

I got a 335i with 17" run flat, and my rim is bent already, and bmw is refusing to replace it, I did recall i ran into bump or anything as my car is only 3000miles old. I'm suspecting it is the hard side wall of the runflat causing the problem.

[Steve]

I have a 2006 325i with RFTs. I have about 38,000 miles on the car and 2 of the tires still look good. 2 need replacing. I am considering regular snow tires this winter since the car is not AWD and needs to be babied in the snow. My previous 1995 325i absolutely ran better with snows.

I am seriously considering non RFTs for my next all seasons, due to the cost of the run flats (twice regular tires), and limited mileage, although I seem to have done better than most - had the dealer aligned and rotated the tires with I bought the car used with 15,000m, I probably would have 4 good tires now instead of 2. I do find myself babying the car out of fear of wearing out the tires too soon. Also, the fact that they don't recommend fixing a flat on a run flat. Town Fair Tire said they would put 4 non RFTs on and let me drive to see if I liked the handling.

You could put a spare in the trunk, but not in the storage well in the trunk. You could put a small Sears air compressor ($20) there and a flat fix can.