Tire Valve Problems of Chevrolet Equinox

2008 Chevrolet Equinox. Consumer writes in regards to corroded tire valve cap.

See all problems of the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

On thanksgiving morning in preparation for a three hour drive I began to put air in the right rear tire of my chevy Equinox because the pressure sensor was showing it a few pounds lower than the other tires. When I removed the fill hose, the aluminum (cast I think) valve stem end broke off with the valve mechanism itself and the tire rapidly deflated. No unusual force was applied to the valve with the portable air pump I have used numerous times on this and other car tires. There was no accident because the valve failed while the car was in my driveway (something else to be thankful for that day!). I just read where a similar vehicle (Ford escape I believe) experienced a valve stem failure that apparently contributed to a roll over and fatality. Although a rubber valve stem cracked in the Ford case, the rapid deflation would be the same in my case had I been driving - and the potential drastic results could have been the same. I had the valve replaced for $156. 00. Although I preferred to replace it with a rubber one, I was told the state of rhode island inspection would fail since the absence of the remote sensor would cause a dash-board warning light. The technician said the valve cracked due to corrosion - in a four year old car!.

See all problems of the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

Air pressure sensor on rear driver tire indicated 28 pounds. When the mechanic turned the cap to remove it from the valve stem, the stem broke off (due to corrosion). Dealer says the wrong caps were on it it - it should have been metal caps. I bought this vehicle from this dealership but they say they have no responsibility. After getting the sensor and valve stem replaced ($86), I brought the tire back and put it back on. Checked remaining valve stems and another one broke off on the front passenger side. Another $85 and I will eventually have to replace the other two. Dealer is the only one who has checked my air pressure (during oil changes and multi-point inspections) and never mentioned I had the wrong caps on the valve stems. I have contacted general motors with my safety concern. Had I been driving when the valve stem blew out, I could've easily been injured or killed. Gm maintains there is no recall on this issue and will not pursue the issue. I not only feel this should be a recall, but I feel they owe my money back to me. This is the first gm product I've had (Jeep/Chrysler products in the past). I'm disappointed in the excuses the dealership gave me (wrong valve caps, moisture got underneath and caused corrosion) and with gm's response, since it doesn't have a recall on it, we really don't care if you could have been killed. I have already begun telling Equinox and torrent drivers to check their valve stems! shame on you gm.

See all problems of the 2007 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Equinox. In September 2010, the contact discovered that the front driver side tire was flat. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the valve stem had broken off. The rear driver side valve stem had also broken off. The mechanic stated that it was normal for the valve stems to break. The failure mileage was 38,000 and the current mileage was 54,000.