Table 1 shows two common wheel related problems of the 2002 Toyota Sienna.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Wheel Bolts problems | |
| Wheel problems |
After a blowout on my left front tire on my 2002 Toyota Sienna xle, I discovered that the lug nuts designed for the aluminum wheels do not fit the steel wheel of the full size spare, and Toyota does not provide the "acorn" type lug nuts for the spare. The lug nuts for the aluminum wheels do not seat properly against the steel wheel spare. I believe that not providing the proper lug nuts for the spare is a serious omission on Toyota's part and makes driving with the spare with the improper lug nuts very dangerous.
The spare tire is mounted under the vehicle with the shrader valve oriented downward for easy access. The wheel is steel and is located so the tires kick up water and road sand and, with this orientation, water is trapped, like in a bowl, and sits on the steel. The paint has long been blasted away from the sand exposure and now the wheel is rusted so badly it is extremely thin and cannot be used without risking failure of the wheel, especially on the front where loads can reach in excess of 2500 pounds in a dynamic fatigue situation. It is important to note this Sienna has been recalled once already for rust in this area, thanks to you guys, as rust was damaging the retaining system and the tire was falling off in traffic. They have seen the rusted wheels and the strength is now unpredictable. Road salt, rain, sand etc. Amounts. The system does not have any type of cover. Dealer told me it was not a problem. We have had 2 flat tires and I think with my wife & kids in the car it is a problem. It is a problem waiting to happen.