[ultgar]

I picked up a Pacifica Limited with the 20" wheel option back on Sept 28th. Because of the lack of a spare tire and living in the Northeast (we have plenty of potholes during the rough winter months), I opted for a Vehicle Tire & Wheel Policy through IAS when finalizing the paperwork at the dealership.

I noticed the pressure in the right rear wheel dropping 1-2 lbs per day and found a nail dead center in the middle of the tire. I called IAS on Oct 19th to get the repair pre-authorized and was told that my dealer, Chrysler Dodge of Paramus (NJ), had still not submitted the policy to them.

To get the repair covered under the policy, I had to bring the Pacifica back to my dealership. I expected them to remove the wheel, remove the nail, do an inside patch and rebalance the wheel/tire assembly. Upon inspection, I noticed the original wheel weights still in place. Apparently the policy at Chrysler Dodge of Paramus is to use tire plugs for repairs

I live 1/4 mile from a new STS Tire Center and their national policy is NO TIRE PLUGS. If the dealership had submitted my paid policy to IAS, I would have gone to the local STS for a "proper repair".

Does Chrysler have any repair standards that they pass onto their dealerships? I'll keep an eye on the pressures and probably bring the car down STS and pay for the proper fix out of my own pocket.

I like the Pacifica overall and its a big improvement from my 4 Siennas. However, between the problems with the Chrysler dealerships at the sales end and now in the service department, its doubtful I'll be a repeat customer.

SD

 

[ultgar]

Here are 2 photos of the dealer recommended fix.......I sure hope this doesn't fail with my family in the car going 70mph on the highway. If Chrysler signs off on it, I'm ok with it.

 

[irpilot]

I'm pretty surprised they plugged it as well. The norm is patching.

 

[Nails1]

The tires came with a manufacturer's warranty. Somewhere in the warranty language will be wording that addresses repairs and what kind of repairs will void the tire warranty and what kinds won't. Check what the manufacturer says about plugs. It the dealer's method of repair voids your tire warranty, I wouldn't accept it. Sorry to hear about your poor dealer experience. I've been there myself. Remember, you can get warranty service from any Chrysler dealer if you have other options in your area.

 

[ultgar]

The tires came with a manufacturer's warranty. Somewhere in the warranty language will be wording that addresses repairs and what kind of repairs will void the tire warranty and what kinds won't. Check what the manufacturer says about plugs. It the dealer's method of repair voids your tire warranty, I wouldn't accept it.

Nails1.....Thanks for the insight. Guys on this site have been very helpful.

I called Falken Tire and they said the plug repair would void the tire warranty. They recommend the RMA standard 2-step plug and patch repair. Here is the section from their website on repair and replacement.

"Falken recommends replacing your tires when the tread wears down to the wear bars (2/32”), which are located across the tread in several locations around the tire. If only two tires are being replaced, the two new tires should always be installed on the rear of the vehicle to aid in preventing your vehicle from hydroplaning, even if your car is front wheel drive. It’s always recommended to have your new tires balanced during installation, and alignment checked if the previous tires show irregular wear. Tires that have been in use for 5 years or more should continue to be inspected by a qualified tire specialist, at least annually. It is recommended that any tires 10 years old or older from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal worn out limit at 2/32”. In the event that you get a flat tire while driving, it is best to find a nearby, safe place to stop and install your spare tire or call a tow truck. The less distance that you drive on your low or flat tire, the better chances your tire has of being repairable. Once you are able to get to your local servicing tire dealer, have them dismount the tire from the rim and thoroughly inspect the inside of the tire. If the interior of the tire, inside and/or outside sidewall are compromised from driving on the flat or underinflated tire for too long, the tire should be replaced. If the tire is deemed repairable after inspection, it should be repaired with a plug and patch or plug/patch combination to correctly repair the tire. Never use a rope type plug, as this does not correctly seal the tire, and may lead to tire failure."

 

[Minion0904]

We've had a very poor sales experience with the Dodge Chrysler of Paramus dealership as well. I would definitely not recommend their sales department.

 

[Tsuter]

Wow, that's crap. That looks like the craptastic plug kits you get at the auto parts store, definitely not a proper repair. The good news is that if you get the plug and patch performed, they may be able to save the tire. Can you go to another dealer with the warranty? Good luck.

 

[dolee7]

flat tire

Had one done on my 2013 town and country and the dealer put a plug in it and a patch inside worked good.

 

[Dewey]

For what its worth, I've done several plug repairs (mostly on motorcycle tires) and have never had one come out. Sticky string with rubber cement should be fine for several years. Just stay away from the mushroom plugs...those are very temporary.

While it would have been nice for them to repair to the standard of the tire warranty, I don't think it's a safety concern.

 

[ultgar]

Just got a call from a rep at Chrysler HQ on this issue and they said they are fine with tire plugs. This is contrary to the tire manufacturer, the RMA, and some other dealers I've spoken with. I guess Chrysler has lower standards when it comes to this type of repair.

 

[Nails1]

Facts:
1. The tire is your property.
2. The repair they made was not per the tire manufacturer's specifications.
3. The repair they made voids the tire warranty and results in you experiencing a financial loss.
4. The dealer who made the repair has exposed themselves to a legal liability in the event the tire fails.
Ultimately, it is your decision how to handle this. That said, it is totally reasonable for you the not accept the repair. Good luck!

 

[ultgar]

Facts:
1. The tire is your property.
2. The repair they made was not per the tire manufacturer's specifications.
3. The repair they made voids the tire warranty and results in you experiencing a financial loss.
4. The dealer who made the repair has exposed themselves to a legal liability in the event the tire fails.
Ultimately, it is your decision how to handle this. That said, it is totally reasonable for you the not accept the repair. Good luck!

The Pacifica is a lease so technically its Chrysler Capital's property. At this point, the repair has been documented with the manufacturer if there's ever any major problem.

I really don't trust the dealer that did the work to make it right. I may end up with a paint chipped wheel that's no longer in balance. I am disappointed by Chrysler's low standards and its unlikely I'd ever buy another one of their vehicles.