Tire Pressure Monitoring System problems of the 2005 Toyota 4Runner

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the subframe was rusted. The tpms warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who repaired the tpms, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted and recommended that the vehicle no longer be driven. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 200,948.

I am constantly having to take my car into my tire dealer, because they are losing tire pressure, and the tpms tire sensor indicator is showing the tires are low. I am concerned tht this is a seriuos dangerous situation. I feel Toyota should replace theses defective sensors at no charge.

Tire stem valve caps are unable to be removed due to a defect in manufacturing (all 4 tires plus the spare). I am unable to add or remove air from the tires causing a safety hazard. The manufacturer acknowledges the problem but refuses to repair or replace at no charge. The only option offered by the manufacturer is they have offered to break the part off and charge us to replace it (>$500 repair). No accident has yet been caused.

The tpms sensors on my 2005 Toyota 4runner failed when the metal valve stem caps provided with the car corroded to the valve stem threads. The vehicle had roughly 60k miles on it when this began to occur. I inquired about this at the dealer and was told that the issue was caused by road salt and the metal caps on metal valve stem threads (dissimilar metals). I was also told that Toyota recognized the cause of the issue as the metal caps and replaced them with plastic caps on newer 4runners. The dealer was unwilling to replace the tpms sensors on my vehicle however without having to pay for the parts and labor (~ $500 job). The Toyota customer service hotline told me the same story on two occasions. After searching on a Toyota 4runner forum, I discovered this to be a common problem on many 4runners. My tpms sensors were replaced with regular valve stems by a local tire shop, which is what is currently on my vehicle. To date, I haven't had an issue with the tires as I regular monitor the pressure manually. I am concerned with the issue and Toyota's unwillingness to reconcile the safety concern.

My 05 Toyota 4runner has pressure monitors and the valve cores continue to leak air, making the vehicle unsafe to drive, since the tires are continuously losing air and going flat. Have to constantly be stopping and putting more air in them. Tire shop says the stems have to be replaced through Toyota, since they are part of the tire pressure monitoring safety system. Toyota just puts air in them and send me on my way. This has been happening since 07. Even with extended warranty, they will not replace the stems. I just do not drive the Toyota much anymore, since I do not think it is safe. I have other vehicles to drive. But would like to have a safe vehicle again. I have spoken to Toyota hq and they refer me back to the dealer. . I do not live close to the dealer, several hours drive to get there.