I am experiencing the valve stem/tire issues in my 2003 Hyundai Sonata that are currently being investigated. I have had 2 flat tires since July and both times I was told that it was the valve stem. I was told that this is a Hyundai issue and that when you hit a bump the hubcap spins and eventually "snaps" off the valve stem. I have called 2 different Hyundai dealerships and they both denied that it was a Hyundai issue. They both claimed that I probably have the wrong size tire on the car. I felt like my issue was dismissed both times. The tires on the car are the exact size as referenced in my owners manual. I was told that replacing the tires to a "specific brand" would solve the problem. So yesterday, I bought 2 new tires after I could no longer keep air in the front tires for more than 6 hours. When they removed the hubcaps, they said that the tires deflated on their own, through the valve stems. I came online to research this issue and see if anyone else has had the issue and saw an article about the investigation that has just begun and thought it best to lodge a complaint. I have receipts for all of the repairs and new tires if this is needed.

- Manchester, NH, USA

Hubcaps on 2003 Sonata slide around pinching valve stems. This was first noticed when I replaced tires from Michelin to bf goodrich. Tires are proper size.this problem of the hubcaps shifting happens daily as I have to remove hubcaps and straighten. Have now removed hubcaps permanently for safety reasons. Have had one blow-out due to stem being twisted. Number of failures below are estimated but the hubcaps until recently were out of position daily. Date of blow-out below is estimated someone around the middle of August.

- Orlando, FL, USA

On 03/26/05, I purchased bf goodrich touring T/a pro series (size P205/65R15) for my 2003 Sonata at sam's club. In a month and a half, I had 4 flat tires and 10 valves replaced because the hub caps spin and slice the valves. I lost 7.5 hours of work and received a back injury while trying to change one of the tires. I've spoken to Hyundai and bf goodrich - both of which suggested getting the H rated tires instead of the S rated. I did that, but it didn't work. I also paid $75 for a diagnostician to tell me that I had the wrong bead on the tires but whom couldn't suggest a solution. My owners manual simply states, always replace your tires with those of the recommended size lists the tire size specifications as P 205/65R15. There is no recommended replacement brand named and no mention about having the correct size beading. I took my car to another dealer and learned that the bf goodrich tires have a bead protectant which cause the hub caps to rest directly against my tires thus causing them to spin. There should be a gap between the hubcap and tire. I switched to a Goodyear tire and have not had problems since. The problem with slicing valve stems only occurs on the 15 inches tires with hubcaps (as opposed to the 16 inches tires on aluminum wheels.)

- South Charleston, WV, USA