2024 Toyota Prius Tires & Wheels Problems

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Prius Hybrid equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Ecopia EP422, Tire Size: 195/60/R17, DOT Number: Y9CDCJTX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, during the tire rotation, the mechanic discovered that one of the front tires had developed a bubble on the sidewall. The contact was advised that the tire was unsafe to use and recommended that the tire be replaced. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,400. The VIN was not available.

We took delivery of our 2024 Prius XLE (Gen 5) on 09-05-2024. It came with Toyo 19" Low Profile tires (195/50R19). On 04-17-2025 we had to replace a tire at 10,848 miles due to sidewall damage. On 05-05-2025 we had to replace a second tire at 11,749 miles due to side wall damage. Our dealer stated both side wall failures were most likely due to potholes. We did not remember hitting any major potholes. However, we live in Wisconsin were potholes of all sizes are prevalent. Both tire failures happen at night. Toyota does not provide a spare tire for the Prius. On the second tire failure, my wife had to drive a few miles to get to a safe spot to stop. On 11-25-2025 I replaced these Toyo tires with 19" Michelin tires. At that time I was told one of our wheels was damaged. I expect that happen when my wife had to drive on the flat to get to a safe location. In researching these tire problems, I found many other Gen 5 Prius owners had similar problems with the 19" Toyo tires. Interestingly, most owners reporting these tire problems lived in cold climate areas as we do. My Toyota dealer refuses to cover the wheel damage under warranty. In addition, Toyota refuses to cover the wheel replacement under warranty. These are the expenses I have encountered addressing this problem. First tire: $216.81, Second tire: $233.48, Replacement set of tires: $952.92. The cost for a new wheel is estimated at $781.93. In my opinion, the 19" Toyo tires are Unsafe At Any Speed on cold climate roads. Can you provide me with assistance in getting Toyota to cover my replacement wheel under warranty? In addition, I feel Toyota should face a RECALL for the 19" Toyo tires on the Gen 5 Prius. I have all the documentation for these charges. In addition, if you want more data on other owners that have faced this problem, I can reach out to them on social media and get them to contact you. Thanks for your assistance. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

This Car is NOT equipped with a spare tire or Jack and there is NO option available from Toyota and the manufacture refuses to address the many consumer concerns and offer a solution. This is unacceptable and a spare tire and jack should be REQUIRED safety equipment in the USA - I can't own a car without a spare tire, lug wrench, and jack. This is negligent from the manufacture and needed to report this in effort to get this offered as an Option or required by law so people can drive safe. WIth all the regulations we have and this is not required. It should be!