Wheels and Tires

[Daveson]

I have a 2010 Dodge Journey SXT FWD. It has a vibration at speeds of 90 to 120 Kms which is felt in the steering wheel. The odd thing is that it is only evident when the outside temperature reaches 70 Deg F and upwards. Now we have cold weather the vibration is not evident except when I was in Florida a short while ago. Early in the morning when it was cool, no vibration, as the temperature of the day warmed up the vibration returned. The dealership have given me all kinds of scenarios from flat spots on the tires, uneven balancing, to the latest response where they say they do not know what is causing it and they do not know what to do with it anymore. They have left me hanging. Dodge Customer Services are no help on this problem telling me that it may be the tires and that I will have to deal with Khumo Tires on this issue at my expense. These tires only have 8700 Kms on them. What happened to bumper to bumper warrantee when the vehicle is only 7 months old?

[FleshWound]

Can the dealer reproduce the problem? If so, ask if they'd be willing to TRY OUT 4 new wheels/tires to determine if that (the wheels/tires) are the culprits. If that cures the problem, have them waranty the lot. Presuming you still have wartanty available

[Daveson]

Can the dealer reproduce the problem? If so, ask if they'd be willing to TRY OUT 4 new wheels/tires to determine if that (the wheels/tires) are the culprits. If that cures the problem, have them waranty the lot. Presuming you still have wartanty available

The dealer has tried 4 new tires and rims (Not exactly the same size) and there was no vibration. They had done balancing and even a road force balance, which as I understand it is a fairly extensive procedure requiring specialized equipment. I have tried to have then initiate warrantee procedures on the tires but the Service Manager keeps telling me that it is my responsibility to do that. I have even documented this situation with correspondence with the owner of the dealership which has to date been ignored. Contact with Khumo has revealed that they will not take warrantee information from me, it has to be done through the dealership. I have also contacted Chrysler Canada Customer Center and was told that Chrysler do not warrantee the tires, which I can appreciate, but they insist that I have to deal with Khumo on my own. I seem to be in limbo on this issue.

[RodOracheski]

If you're getting the runaround from both the dealership and the tire manufacturer, you go to the dealer and tell them that if they won't help you your next stop is going to be the local TV station/newspaper, and then the Better Business Bureau to file a complaint.

[FleshWound]

The Road Force balancing is pretty involved, matches the high spot of the wheel to the low spot of the tire.

Might be that the wheels are, or have become, mishapped or the the steel belts have shifted in the tires.

Obviously someone (dealer or tire manufacturer) is giving you the run-around.

The dealers are not employed by Chrysler, so I figure they would only warranty their work. But they can tell you if a new Journey with Khumo Tires have a warranty card.

If indeed it is the tires, I think the tire manufacturer would be on the hook for warranty claims.

That being said, I also think your dealer should assist you in making the tire warranty claim against Khumo. Ask the service adviser to assist in starting the claim.

Hope this story has a happy ending

good luck with your plight

Cheers

[Daveson]

The Road Force balancing is pretty involved, matches the high spot of the wheel to the low spot of the tire.

Might be that the wheels are, or have become, mishapped or the the steel belts have shifted in the tires.

Obviously someone (dealer or tire manufacturer) is giving you the run-around.

The dealers are not employed by Chrysler, so I figure they would only warranty their work. But they can tell you if a new Journey with Khumo Tires have a warranty card.

If indeed it is the tires, I think the tire manufacturer would be on the hook for warranty claims.

That being said, I also think your dealer should assist you in making the tire warranty claim against Khumo. Ask the service adviser to assist in starting the claim.

Hope this story has a happy ending

good luck with your plight

Cheers

[Daveson]

The Road Force balancing is pretty involved, matches the high spot of the wheel to the low spot of the tire.

Might be that the wheels are, or have become, mishapped or the the steel belts have shifted in the tires.

Obviously someone (dealer or tire manufacturer) is giving you the run-around.

The dealers are not employed by Chrysler, so I figure they would only warranty their work. But they can tell you if a new Journey with Khumo Tires have a warranty card.

If indeed it is the tires, I think the tire manufacturer would be on the hook for warranty claims.

That being said, I also think your dealer should assist you in making the tire warranty claim against Khumo. Ask the service adviser to assist in starting the claim.

Hope this story has a happy ending

good luck with your plight

Cheers

Thanks for the reply. I have spoken to the Service Manager again and he is adamant that I will have to deal with the tire manufacturer (Khumo). Khumo states that they cannot start warrantee procedures unless they get documentation from the dealership. Their policy is as follows:

Khumo has a clear directive for the warrantee procedures on their tires as follows:

Owner's Obligation

In order to be eligible for KUMHO's limited warranty service, the owner must:

(A) Present the tire to the KUMHO dealer from which the original purchase was made;

(B) Present proof of purchase to satisfaction of the dealer;

© Complete and sign a KUMHO warranty claim form, which is available at any authorized dealer;

(D) Pay the amounts due on a new tire, less the amount of credit, including taxes, mounting and balancing charges or the cost of other services ordered.

I have provided the owner of the dealership with documentation outlining in detail my dealings with the service manager and the work done to date. To date he has chosen to ignore my concerns. This letter to him was hand delivered so I know he has received it. I find this all to be very frustrating as it is the first Dodge product I have owned. The Journey itself is good but the after purchase service/care leaves me wondering .