While servicing this customer's vehicle we put an a tire inflator on the vehicle's valve stem. The valve stem broke and was very brittle. The tire lost all air pressure and needed to be repaired at a tire shop for $138.

- Pleasanton, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Patriot. While driving approximately 35 mph, the tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle wheels and noticed that the rear passenger side valve stem was fractured. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop for diagnostic testing where the technicians stated that the valve stem would have to be replaced with a rubber one. The contact stated a valve stem previously fractured but he could not recall which one was replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000. Updated 02/09/12 the consumer stated the problem was the cheap valve stems that were made out of cheap metal. Updated 02/13/12

- Caldwell, NJ, USA

Driving on interstate highway, low tire pressure warning flashed on dashboard, car pulled to the right, stooped car, looked for cause of flat, the valve stem was corroded, 1/4 of stem came off air leaked out flattened tire. It cost over one hundred dollars to repair, this is a major safety issue.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

The TPMS on my 2009 Jeep Patriot indicated low tire pressure. When I took the cap off one tire to check the pressure, about 1/8 inch of the end of the valve stem was inside the cap. I could not check the tire pressure or add air. This is a safety issue. If the valve stem breaks while driving, it could result in quick loss of tire pressure. The Jeep dealer will replace the vavle stem/tire pressure monitor unit for $115. I will save the old part.

- Syracuse, NY, USA