Tire Valve problems of the 2010 Dodge Caravan

2010 Dodge Caravan. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle tire deflated suddenly while driving and without warning. The mechanic was unable to find any punctures, gashes or other reasons why the tire would have deflated suddenly. He concluded that the nut on the valve stem had corroded, cracked off and the seal between the stem and the tire became un-seated causing the massive loss in air pressure. Upon further inspection, it appeared that the other tires had cracked or were missing nuts on their valve stems and were in danged of the same catastrophic failure.

I was checking the tire pressure and the valve stem broke off in my hand and all the air ran out in 10 seconds. I removed the flat tire and took it to a local dealer and they charged me 100. 00. Apparently this is a common problem for these valve stems with the internal pressure sensors and I'm worried about the other wheels doing similar possibly while driving.

1st time: tire light illuminated. When checking the air pressure, the valve stem broke off mid way up the stem exposing the valve itself. When all was said and done it cost approximately $150. 00 to replace and program. 2nd time: checking air pressure before leaving for a long trip. I could visually see a tire was low on pressure (tire squatting), later removing the cap on the valve stem I could see a distinct what I call wear ring near where the cap, when installed, would end on the stem. As this is the area the previous stem broke, I sprayed the stem with soapy water and confirmed a slow leak from this wear ring. Had this stem replaced with a standard safe valve stem. This is a very unsafe component and should be recalled! the first occurrence took the tire about 20 seconds to go completely flat. If this were to happen at highway speeds while loaded down with a family going on vacation, this could end up with a lot of serious injuries if not fatalities. I'm having all stems replaced with the traditional style until the manufacturer recalls and provides an environmentally tested replacement. I can't believe this type of safety testing is not all ready required.

Valve stem broke off two time [2] on separate occasions, caused tires to lose air quickly, and resulted in tire failure and a loss-of-control, car crashed into curb, no damage to car or person.

This car is a 2010 Dodge Caravan. I have had 2 valve stems fail explosively. It occurs around where the valve core is screwed down. It appears the threaded valve stem just cracks off about the level of the bottom of the valve stem . Both times I was sitting still when it happened. . Read more...