I have a 2000 Chrysler 300 M that has chrome/aluminum wheels. About 8 months ago I noticed that I was losing substantial pressure in my tires on a regular basis. Thinking this was a problem with the tires, I took the car back to the store where I purchased the tires. Upon inspection, the service technician pointed out that my rims were corroding from the inside and that this affected the bead on the tire and caused it to lose pressure. He indicated that this was a "big problem" for Chrysler cars and that the rims were "junk". I experience additional loss of pressure about every 5 weeks or so and have taken the car back to the tire dealer three times. Each time they point to the corrosion and their frustration with Chrysler not dealing the problem. After the last incident I contacted a local Chrysler dealer and spoke to one of their service technicians. When I explained the situation he said that it was a known problem and that other Chrysler vehicles had the same issue, including the PT CRUISER. He said that there was no recall and that Chrysler was not allowing them to do anything about it other than grind down the corrosion and remount the tire, at the owners' expense. This is unacceptable. Having tires lose pressure because of a defect in the design and performance of the wheel is a clear safety hazard. I hope NHTSA will look into this and require Chrysler to stand behind its product. Thank you.

- Battle Creek, MI, USA

The tire rims will not hold air because the chrome plating pealed off the stainless rims. The consumer contacted the dealer, they said the consumer would have to replace them by himself. This started on August 24, 2004. Originally, the consumer thought a nail was in the tire. Took vehicle to the dealer and the service manager said it was a common complaint. Every other day had to fill up to 15 to 20 lbs of air.

- Trevor City, MI, USA

Over the past 3 years the tires on the vehicle go flat due to a defect in the chrome plated aluminum rims that came on the vehicle. The dealer has indicated to me that there is a problem with all rims of this type due to the fact that the chrome plating when put on an aluminum rim causes a reaction that causes the rims to corrode from the inside out. When the corrosion erupts along the bead area of the tire it breaks the seal and causes the tire to go flat. I have spoken to Chrysler directly and they claim that they are not aware of any such problem. However the new vehicles that have this type no longer use chrome but have a plastic chrome piece which is glued on to the aluminum rim. If this had not been a defect why would they have changed the design.

- Saunderstown, RI, USA

Tires are constantly being deflated because of corrosion on wheels. Had the wheels cleaned but problem still exists.

- Toms River, NJ, USA

Complaint is with the alloy wheels on the 2000 Chrysler 300M sedan. The design of the alloy wheels apparently is open and is very prone to winter roadway salt which over time creates pitted areas on the wheels resulting in the loss of tire pressure. Over the past year or so, I have experienced this 4 times with pressures dropping to 10-25 lbs. The temporary fix suggested by the dealer is to have the pits ground down on the wheels (which I have had done to each wheel both at the dealer and at the tire company where I purchased the tires). The cost to replace the wheels at the dealer is $665 each!! I am very concerned about the safety of the car. The tires are 225/55 R 17 97H CH95 and it is difficult to determine if they are low on air by just looking at them. I worry about the tire air pressure dropping causing an accident on an expressway at high speeds. The dealer is aware of this condition occurring on other 330M's. what options do I have?

- Pittsford, NY, USA

Problems with the rims leaking air and the tires collapsing while driving. The consumer was told by the dealer that the rims were the problem, however they refused to replace them. The aluminum and chrome rims wore out from the winter salt on the inside of the rims and caused them to leak and eventuality the tire broke away from the rim and collapsed.

- Camillus, NY, USA

Rims corroded where the tire should have sealed against the rim. As a result, the tire flattened without warning.

- Prospect, KY, USA

Severe corrosion on bead area of chrome rim, resulting in a "slow leak" (1-2 psi daily).

- Tabernacle, NJ, USA

The tire/rim combination suffers from chronic sporadic leakage, particularly when positioned on the front. On numerous occasions the front tires have been found to be underinflated. On 4 or 5 occasions, the tires have gone completely flat, so far when the car was parked for a short period after a 20 mile run. Goodyear examined the most recent failed tire and rim and reported that the rim was excessively corroded where the tire seals to it. Furthermore, once cleaned with a grinder, Goodyear reported residual pitting that could affect the seal. Chrysler dipped the tire after Goodyear cleaned the rim and reinflated the tire and found no leak. Chrysler refused to remove the tires and inspect the rims for excessive or abnormal corrosion that might suggest a defect causing chronic leakage. Continued use of the vehicle is hazardous, yet I can't find out whether the issue is with the rims, the tires, or both. Chrysler's recommendation is that I start over at another dealer, but they refused to instruct the dealer to remove the tires and examine the rims. (their recommendation when I initially called over a year ago was to complain to Goodyear.) at this time, I have purchased a compressor and am monitoring the inflation carefully. If hyper maintenance prevents a reoccurrence, I will still need to inspect and possibly replace the rims due to pitting when the tires are replaced for wear. Goodyear has provided excellent service; Chrysler seems to be stonewalling.

- Glenwood, MD, USA