The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan equipped with uniroyal tires, size: 225/65R16 (na). While driving, the tire sensor warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and, upon inspecting the vehicle, discovered that the rear passenger tire was flat. The contact replaced the flat tire with the spare. The vehicle was taken to ourisman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (12430 auto dr, clarksville, md 21029 (301) 596-9990) where the rear passenger tire was replaced. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a pressure monitor system and a tire pressure sensor failure in the rear. Also, the nut valve stint was corroded. The contact stated that the sensor was replaced five times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The dot number was unknown. The tire and vehicle failure mileage was 81,725.

- Ellicott City, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving 65 mph, the tire warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the warning indicator blinked for approximately 15 seconds and the front driver side tire blew out. The contact lost control of the vehicle, but was able to maneuver to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was called, but could not repair the tire at that time. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a new tire and tire valve were placed on the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the TPMS wheel valve sensor failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000. Update 01/13/16 MA consumer stated TPMS tire valves are the cause of the tire blowout, valves corroded very easily due to road salt and harsh weather conditions. Update 05/21/18

- Cranberry, NJ, USA

2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. Consumer writes in regards to a defect with the tire pressure monitoring and regulating system. The consumer stated there was a likely potential for the sensors/valve to break/corrode due to composition and corrosion of metal materials. The problem could cause rapid decompression of air, and it could cause a potentially deadly accident. The consumer would like to see something done, about this defect.

- Rockaway, NJ, USA

Tire pressure sensor light came on. While filling tire with air, the stem of tire snapped in half, letting all the air out of the tire. Had to have a new sensor installed ($130+). four months later, low pressure light came on, took it in for service to find that another stem was cracked. Had that replaced for another $130. While having tires rotated, they found another stem leaking. Dealer replaced it for free and told me that because the stems are aluminum and the stems are treaded on the outside and inside, they do not hold up to road salts and weather. Dodge did correct this problem in the 2011 model vehicle but has not recalled the 2009 tire stems/sensors. Still have the car and all four sensors have had to be replaced. Horrible engineering and Dodge should have to pay to replace them all. Not going to happen because they do not think anyone will be killed by their poor design. Not much of a chance of being sued for their poor engineering.

- Hartford, WI, USA

While checking the tire pressure in a customer's tire the TPMS sensor/valve stem broke causing all of the air to escape from the tire. The tire was repaired for $45.

- Pleasanton, CA, USA

2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. Consumer writes in regards to defective tire pressure monitor sensors. The consumer stated the technician noted that the tire valve stem made of aluminum, corroded and caused the retaining nuts to split. The consumer had to replace all four tire pressure monitor system sensors.

- Apple Valley, MN, USA

Tpm was on. Stopped to check tire pressure. When went to unscrew cap on rear passenger tire, air started shooting out and tire went flat in seconds. Valve stem assembly had corroded and broke off in cap. If I were driving, my four children and I could be dead. This would have been a very serious accident. Something has to be done. Dodge is using faulty valve stems, endangering people's lives.

- Kingsville, OH, USA

Low tire pressure came on. Check tire for air pressure and the valve stem broke and flew off 20 feet. Thank goodness I was not driving as this would of caused a crash indeed especially as I was going to be traveling on the expressway at 75 mph. Something needs to be done about this problem before someone gets maimed or killed.

- Tecumseh, MI, USA

A corroded valve stem let go just after the low tire light came on. This was the first time this has happened. We managed to pull over to the berm and called aaa. The man came out and put the spare tire on and we able to get home. I checked out the other valve stems and they are corroded also.

- Wickliffe, OH, USA

Valve system failure: While traveling 2000 miles from home, the low tire pressure dashboard warning light came on. We checked all tire pressure and filled one low tire, but light came back on. We took it to mechanic who noted that the valve stem was corroded and cracked, and could have come dislodged at any moment, causing a blowout. Replaced TPMS sensor at a cost of $153.

- Pine Island, NY, USA

2009 Dodge Grand Caravan valve stem failure. In Nov we went out for thanksgiving supper come out and found front left tire flat, valve stem was broken off and could not find cap or valve. Van had about 38,000 on it. This Sunday pulled back into drive and in matter of seconds rear right went flat. Found same problem. Went over to check left rear and found crack in stem within 1/32" below cap, I called for new stems dealer is out of stock so the van must sit. I will have to put rubber stems in and deal with the light so I can use the van. Now what would happen if my wife or myself with kids and grandkids are on a trip busy roads, lots of traffic and this would happen. When these blow tires are flat in seconds. Its makes me afraid to drive noing this could happen. $74.25 each per stem not including labor. This is not fair or should not be aload on vehicles. Thanks for your time. The van now has 40,449.

- Brodhead, WI, USA

Driver's front tire pressure sensor nut corroded and broke off causing an immediate flat tire. The almost new tire (less than 25,000km) was also destroyed in the process of bring the vehicle to a safe stop. Had to purchase a new sensor as well as a new tire. $361.35 later out of my pocket for a defect that I am told is not restricted to Dodge vehicles but with all tire pressure sensors in general. The defect having to do with the metal components being used. If the components were rubber as regular valve stems are or even rubber coated such failures would be greatly reduced. Would like for Dodge to pay my bill but unlikely..... mileage and speed are Canadian and in km and km/H.

- Hamilton , 00, USA

2009 Grand Caravan. Was washing the wheels, around the valve stem area, when the valve snapped off at the base of the valve cap, releasing all the air in the tire within 10 seconds. Had this been a part failure during a high speed drive in heavy traffic, it would have been catastrophic. There should be a safety alert regarding this defect and an immediate recall. I refused to pay a $150 tire repair, so I opted out with removing the existing pressure monitoring system, and had a good old rubber valve stem put in, and the tire rebalanced. If a recall is not implemented soon, I plan on having all the valve stems replaced, and with all the other problems I've had with this vehicle, I would never again by a Dodge.

- Barrie, TN, USA

2 TPMS valve stems on my 2009 Dodge Caravan broke off in the mechanics hand while unscrewing the valve stem cap as he was checking tire pressure. This occurred at the Dodge dealer where I purchased the vehicle. This is 3 out of 4 valve stems on this van that have broken. First was on 10/20/10, other two today (3/8/11). Metalic stems not made to stand up to normal road conditions. Parts and labor is $152 each tire, just for the valve stems!

- Gorham, ME, USA

Bought vehicle on 12-14-2010(used from a car dealer) vehicle was suppose to have been inspected(72 point check) this van had 34,916 miles on it. Dealer did recalls and warranty work. We complained about the tire "light" going on & off. Was advised that nothing was wrong with the monitor, that the tires just needed a little air for the higher altitude. They over filled tires. Tire light came on again. This time we were advise, by a tire dealer, that the valves(monitors) were cracked & leaking air. Also the engine light came on and stayed on until we got to the dealer, he said to turn off the motor and restart the engine. This time it went off. After reading the complaints about engine lights, we are scared that the dealers are again lying to us. We do not want to end up with the vehicle just stopping on us on the highway, infront of an 18 wheeler! this engine light problem has occurred to others and their transmission just quit. We believe that these dealers, are in denial. Why did the dealer tell my husband just to turn off the vehicle without using a code to find out what the problem is? we have had the vehicle in 2 times about the 'low tire" light & each time they just blew it off as needing air! it was an independent tire person who actually examined the tire to find the cracked valve-he did not have any thing to gain, as the valve stem was returned again to the dealer. When we looked back at the repair tickets (2) we noticed that our reporting of the tire light being on was not even on either of the repair tickets! btw: Our 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 truck has the irregular & accelerated idle as well as the "out of no where" acceleration, which we found many complaints on the internet. We copied dozens of these complaints off the internet, as well as their solutions/fixes and gave the stack of paperwork to the dealer.(we had been back to the dealers dozens of times previously) as the problem kept coming back. The internet repairs it worked. We hope these can be 2.

- St. Johns, AZ, USA

I bought my 2009 van in Oct. In Dec. I had to have both valve stems replaced because they were leaking air, I have since then read online about others having problems with this issue with the tire sensors. Yesterday I went to take the cap off my front tire which had not been changed to regular valve stems and the whole stem came off in my hand and boom flat tire. Thank god I was not driving when it went and had my children or someone else's child with me. I cannot believe that a design flaw like that would be not be recalled by now. Just trying to take the cap off and boom it's in my hand. Still cannot believe it.

- Atkins, IA, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact observed that the front driver side tire pressure sensor gauge was defective causing an excessive amount of air pressure loss in the tire. The dealer was notified of the failure and they informed the contact that the part needed for repairs was on backorder for a period of two to three months. The contact had expressed concern of the safety risk involved in the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 14,800.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

2009 Dodge Grand Caravan - TPMS- tire presure monitoring sensor - valve stem.

- Ronkonkoma, NY, USA

The events leading up to the failure = while vehicle in motion engine lost complete power and died on street---the failure how often it occurs = one time--- its consequences = towed to dealer for repairs---additional problems with the vehicle = 1-while Dodge Caravan was in motion'on the street'Dodge Caravan engine power was totally lost'Dodge Caravan came to a stop while holding the brake pedal down very hard! 2-transmission shift lever stuck in park with engine running - I could not move gearshift lever to drive- I had to turn off ignition and start engine again. 3-intermittent electrical operation of left and right sliding doors to open or close. 4-intermittent transmission jumps and a clunk noise at approximately 21 miles per hour speed. *(on 04-06-2010 vehicle bought in for same problem). 5-security system head and taillights do-not flash when car is armed or unarmed. 6-intermittent low tire pressure light symbol intermittently goes on/off or stays on. 7-engine idles high. 8-very low gas mileage. Approximately 12 miles city and 14 miles highway per 18 gallon tank = approximately 240 miles per tank-----vehicle id [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Tujunga, CA, USA

April 12th I had the oil change in my 2009 Dodge Caravan at valvoline. As I was driving home my low light indicator came on. I checked the air pressure and they were all fine. I am in sales and do a great deal of travel in this Caravan in the minneapolis area. I could feel the van pulling harder and harder to the right. When I pull in to the parking lot, the right front tire was low. The air valve blow out and complete deflated the tire. If I would have been driving, who knows what could have happened. I got the tire changed and brought the car to Goodyear. I was telling me co worker about this and she has had the same thing happen to her 2009.

- Champlin, MN, USA