NHTSA Complaint #10082686 — 2000 CHRYSLER 300M

COMPLAINT IS WITH THE ALLOY WHEELS ON THE 2000 CHRYSLER 300M SEDAN. THE DESIGN OF THE ALLOY WHEELS APPARENTLY IS OPEN AND IS VERY PRONE TO WINTER ROADWAY SALT WHICH OVER TIME CREATES PITTED AREAS ON THE WHEELS RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE. OVER THE PAST YEAR OR SO, I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS 4 TIMES WITH PRESSURES DROPPING TO 10-25 LBS. THE TEMPORARY FIX SUGGESTED BY THE DEALER IS TO HAVE THE PITS GROUND DOWN ON THE WHEELS (WHICH I HAVE HAD DONE TO EACH WHEEL BOTH AT THE DEALER AND AT THE TIRE COMPANY WHERE I PURCHASED THE TIRES). THE COST TO REPLACE THE WHEELS AT THE DEALER IS $665 EACH!! I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR. THE TIRES ARE 225/55 R 17 97H CH95 AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE LOW ON AIR BY JUST LOOKING AT THEM. I WORRY ABOUT THE TIRE AIR PRESSURE DROPPING CAUSING AN ACCIDENT ON AN EXPRESSWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THIS CONDITION OCCURRING ON OTHER 330M'S. WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE? *AK