Five problems related to tire sidewall have been reported for the 2002 Toyota Prius. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Toyota Prius based on all problems reported for the 2002 Prius.
Model: Toyota Prius 2002 purchase from : putnam Toyota, certified unit, June 2004 failure type : tire burst on side wall of the tire, twice in 5 months. Failure root cause : drive over parking curb, at less than 2 mph. Failure logic : why the tire burst in such a manner, especially Toyota claim, this is a special design overload pressure tire. Part replace/service: both tires were replace at capitol Toyota dealership. Cost per incident: tire =$79. 00, labor = $60. 81, tire only available at Toyota dealership. Concern: what would happen if I drive 60 mph on freeway, and hit a bumper uneven path on the highway, would it burst as well !.
The tires were defective. After taking the vehicle to dealer for service it was discovered that chunks ere missing from the inside of the tires. Manufacturer offered reimbursement.
2002 Toyota Prius have had five tires replaced on this car and only have 28,000 miles on it. The tires wear uneven, and the sidewalls break down to cause flat. The tread comes off in chunks. Steel wires showing. Every tire has had a different thing happen to it. I have 3 tires replaced by the dealership in one day. The 1st tire went flat from the sidewall braking down and being weak. The one I had replaced on 8-28-03 was wearing unevenly and just had the car in for maint. These tires are unsafe to drive on and I would hope for a recall.
Problems with tire equipment on 2002 Toyota Prius. Consumer replaced the tires seven times to date. Problems with the tread and sidewall. Manufacturer was made aware of the defect.
Front driver's side tire had to be replaced 3 times because of cracks in the sidewall. Consumer felt that the tire dealership didn't want to claim liability, so they were blaming the cracks on road hazards.