There is a defect in the stock chrome gtp rims for 2004 (at least), which causes the chrome layer to peel off. The chrome layer is very thin. This causes concern, because it introduces corrosion underneath the chrome layer, which causes the tire to not seal snug at the bead, and leak air. I have to constantly (at least every month) fill the tire with air to avoid it going flat. Not only is this repetitive and usually unnecessary with other cars, it is unsafe. On the date in question (3/7/07), I got a flat tire in the middle of a busy street, and required assistance to install the spare. This incident also rendered that tire unusable since it was shredded by driving on it without sufficient air pressure - which required me to buy two new tires for a total of $383.98. Not only is the risk of a flat tire troubling, it also reduces the life of the tire, reduces fuel efficiency, and reduces bad weather performance. At the very least, I would like to be reimbursed for the purchase of the new tires, and would like four new rims without this problem. I found reference to this problem via a google search, which returned a post on the solstice forums by another gtp owner with the same problem. That owner apparently received replacement rims with a "sandblasted finish" instead of a "machined finish". that post can be found at www.solsticeforum.com/forum/showpost.php?S=D97fa7295da71be68C2F5243F33fd85A&P=355564&postcount=7. I have contacted the dealer listed, and they attribute this problem to be "normal wear" and "a result of salt and road treatments eating away at the finish", and I am supposed to "thoroughly clean the inside of the wheel after washing the car". this is unacceptable. I also have contacted the Pontiac customer service line, with the same result. This definitely does not instill confidence in buying another GM product, and I will be looking elsewhere in the future. Thank you very much! updated 07/10/2012

- Reading, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. While driving 20 mph, the contact heard a loud popping sound. After she inspected the vehicle, she noticed that the tire was flat and pieces of the rim on the ground. The dealer stated that corrosion to the rim caused the failure. As of December 13, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 29,000.

- Scranton, PA, USA

The chrome wheels ( rims ) are peeling. Went from cosmetic to driveability issue since the peeling chrome has affected the bead and/or valve stem seals. The tires leak copious amounts of air at various rates. Brought car to dealership on July 25. Rims arrived and set appointment for August 6. four rims with two different styles were sent. Rims were re-ordered and promised in two weeks. Have not arrived. GM will only supply re-conditioned rims which means customer must wait for someone else's old ones to be returned and reconditioned. Unacceptable that: 1. GM will not offer new parts. 2. there is no available stock. Already complained to dealership and Pontiac division. No other solution offered. The vehicle is under the new car 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.

- Milford, NJ, USA

I had 3 rims replaced under warranty at 38K miles, the other rim showed no problems and was not replaced. The problem was due to the chrome peeling off the inside of the wheel rim and air leaking. Now at 48K mile the 4th wheel is having the same problem and is leaking air.

- Indianapolis , IN, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. All four tires lost tire pressure/air since June 2006. The contact took the vehicle to a GM dealer on several occasions. The mechanic diagnosed the failure to be the cast aluminum wheels that corroded. The wheels were gtp competition group and were standard for this vehicle. The wheel type was P04 1710. The failure mileage was 30,000. The current mileage was 38,000. The manufacturer sent an adjuster to look at the wheels, who added a sealant on the wheels. However, this did not correct the failure. The contact has repair invoices. Updated 03/30/07.

- Tinley Park, IL, USA

From the beginning of the year my four tires have continually been loosing air. Every few days I have to fill them up. I have found out that the finish on my chrome rims is bubbling off (a condition called porocity) and breaking the seal on the tires. Because I have over 36,000 miles on my car (it's a 2004 model) I am being told that they are not covered under the warranty. I have contacted my dealer, who was adamant about helping me because of my mileage. I therefore went to another Pontiac dealer who resealed the tires but made matters worse. They started leaking at a faster rate. I have been dealing with this dealer for over two months now, who assures me that he is doing everything he can in dealing with the manufacturer of the rims. At this point in time, he will not even return my calls. I find it hard to believe that a car that is two years old and has the finish on the chrome rims bubbling off and causing a safety issue is not covered under the manufacturers warranty. These rims cost $600. Each and I do not think that a consumer should have to pay to replace a defective product that was put on their car. You cannot tell me this is not a safety issue. Every time the tires are low, my stability control light comes on and I cannot handle the car. What is my recourse?

- Wrentham, MA, USA

Damage to wheel rim (aluminum alloy) on 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix gtp

- Cranberry Township, PA, USA

On Dec 27, 2004 the consumer hit a major pot hole in the road. The vehicle's rim twisted and had to be replaced at the consumer's expense. On April 19, 2005 the tire began losing pressure. The consumer's husband checked the vehicle and noticed that the rim had cracked.

- Windsor, SC, USA