The spare tire is mounted under the vehicle with the shredder valve oriented downward for easy access. The wheel is steel and is located so the tires kick up water and road sand and, with this orientation, water is trapped, like in a bowl, and sits on the steel. The paint has long been blasted away from the sand exposure and now the wheel is rusted so badly it is extremely thin and cannot be used without risking failure of the wheel, especially on the front where loads can reach in excess of 2500 pounds in a dynamic fatigue situation. It is important to note this Sienna has been recalled once already for rust in this area, thanks to you guys, as rust was damaging the retaining system and the tire was falling off in traffic. They have seen the rusted wheels and the strength is now unpredictable. Road salt, rain, sand etc. Amounts. The system does not have any type of cover. Dealer told me it was not a problem. We have had 2 flat tires and I think with my wife & kids in the car it is a problem. It is a problem waiting to happen.

- Boxborough, MA, USA

Corrosion on the spare tire carrier and cable. Causes: 1) binding of cable preventing lowering of spare tire 2) slipping of carrier and cable; possibly causing sudden drop; 3) weakening of carrier and cable, and 4) sticking of carrier and cable causing jamming preventing spare tire from being lowered or lowered in a jerking and unsafe manner. 2002 Toyota Sienna fwd, with spare tire carrier.

- Deer Park, IL, USA