Stolen spare tyre - Kluger

[John1]

I was recently informed during a trip to my local dealer for servicing that my spare tyre ( under the car) was missing, likely stolen. Apparently this is common for Klugers as the spare tyre is exposed under the car. I am having trouble finding a suitable replacement unless I claim through insurance. The total cost of replacement is over $2000 which seems way too expensive.

Has anyone else had the same problem and some would appreciate advice on where I can get a replacement tyre. I am based in Sydney.

[rovkxs]

Hello John, we've read a dozens of this issue so when we bought our kluger recently, we immediately took out the orig and replaced it with a used wheel/tyre. The stranded steel wire that held the spare wheel is thin but strong however, the end portion of that wire which locks the tyre could be easily broken if someone wants to steal it.

We've also read that at most cases, the owners will only knew it was stolen after a few days from having a service (wonder why!) so maybe a good thing to do is ensure you have it before and right after the service.

http://www.productreview.com.au/r/toyota-kluger-2007-present/273635.html

[11/16Aurion 12Kluger]

Out of curiosity I just removed my spare wheel (2012 KXR) for several reasons.. 1. to see if it was still there lol, 2. to see how the remove and replace procedure went (not easy) and 3. to inspect the mount method.

The wire attaching the spare is stainless steel braid and rather thick (see pic). Overall I would say the spare would be very difficult to remove by cutting the wire because you cannot see it nor get to it.

Unless there is a trick known by the midnight auto boys I would suspect that they are "misplaced" at service or tyre centers. (see ROVKXS comment above re this theory). Another possibility would be someone who borrows the car may also "borrow" the spare.

The final disc like cover could easily come loose and fall off especially if it is not replaced properly. When replacing check all 3 slots to make sure they are ALL engaged. It may be easy to put a self tapping screw into this to lock it but be careful not to place it where it would puncture the tyre.

Pics here...

http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/gallery/album/1224-2012-kx-r-kluger-spare-tyre/

Cheers all... :-)

Edited June 29, 2013 by KX-R & ACV40R

[John1]

_{Im curious to know if the spare could just fall out...? I do remember hearing a dull thud like noise from the rear of the car a week earlier...though at the time I didn't suspect anything, assuming it was something I had run over..}

_{Ive heard recently that it is common for Kluger spares to be missing though Im not totally convinced the midnight thieves are always responsible..!!}

_{I now need to find a spare as Im off on along trip in a week. Most Toyota service centres don't stock the tyre and needs to be ordered in, which takes a minimum of two to three weeks.}

Edited June 29, 2013 by John1

[11/16Aurion 12Kluger]

Tried a wreckers?

[John1]

Found a spare though I may need to claim the original tyre through insurance and keep it locked away..

Also inspected beneath the vehicle today to check for possible weakness in design during a second visit to the local Toyota service centre .After hoisting the car up high we were able to have a better look and I think we were able to find the cause of the problem. The turning mechanism located in the boot ( which lowers and raises the wire hoist for the spare) can also be turned from underneath the car. Looks like it can be done easily with the assistance of some pliers. Clearly poor design by Toyota and something they will need to address from a manufacturing perspective next time.

Not sure where I stand legally on this one? Is Toyota to blame from poor design and am I entitled to compensation?

Any thoughts..?

[11/16Aurion 12Kluger]

Thanks for the feedback John. I must have another look at mine now.

As far as Toyota being liable I can't see it being so. Their responsibility lies in the secure mounting of the spare wheel but not making them thief proof. Why I say this is look at the situation with the wheels on the car, they are not "secured".

It is a design flaw that could have been better thought out, no argument there. Placing liability on those grounds may be difficult though, even getting them to modify it may be impossible.

No harm in asking them I suppose.

EDIT..

Just had a look. The shaft from the winding mechanism does protrude through to under the car and it has a T piece on it. I would say it is designed that way on purpose so the spare can be removed by service personnel when it is up on a hoist.

It looks like it would be possible to fit a plate across it by mounting one end to the exhaust shield mount and there are a few options for mounting at the other end.

A job for tomorrow.

Definitely something Toyota should attend to.

Edited July 1, 2013 by KX-R & ACV40R

[Hiro]

Not sure where I stand legally on this one? Is Toyota to blame from poor design and am I entitled to compensation?

Any thoughts..?

You're kidding, right? Is Toyota responsible for someone reaching in behind your grille, popping your bonnet and stealing your battery? How about jacking the car up and stealing your alloy wheels? What about a tailgate-mounted spare wheel?

By all means claim it through your insurance company (that is what car insurance is for, afterall), but in no way is Toyota to blame, and they are more than entitled to laugh in your face if you go into a dealership and ask for financial compensation.

[John1]

Not sure where I stand legally on this one? Is Toyota to blame from poor design and am I entitled to compensation?

Any thoughts..?

You're kidding, right? Is Toyota responsible for someone reaching in behind your grille, popping your bonnet and stealing your battery? How about jacking the car up and stealing your alloy wheels? What about a tailgate-mounted spare wheel?

By all means claim it through your insurance company (that is what car insurance is for, afterall), but in no way is Toyota to blame, and they are more than entitled to laugh in your face if you go into a dealership and ask for financial compensation.

Seems like a reasonable reaction to me Hiro and obviously you haven't had your spare stolen ..yet!. Toyota have got to be kidding, firstly for poor design and then having the hide to charge over $2000 for a replacement rim and tyre..!! Seems a bit expensive wouldn't you think ..? Why isn't there a locking mechanism on the spare..?? What happens when my $2000 replacement tyre is stolen again..?? My Toyota service centre have said that numerous cars have had their spare tyres stolen recently ...so its happening on a regular basis.

Despite the current problem I actually love the Kluger and would definitely buy another. A change in design is definitely required.

[Hiro]

Not sure where I stand legally on this one? Is Toyota to blame from poor design and am I entitled to compensation?

Any thoughts..?

You're kidding, right? Is Toyota responsible for someone reaching in behind your grille, popping your bonnet and stealing your battery? How about jacking the car up and stealing your alloy wheels? What about a tailgate-mounted spare wheel?

By all means claim it through your insurance company (that is what car insurance is for, afterall), but in no way is Toyota to blame, and they are more than entitled to laugh in your face if you go into a dealership and ask for financial compensation.

Seems like a reasonable reaction to me Hiro and obviously you haven't had your spare stolen ..yet!. Toyota have got to be kidding, firstly for poor design and then having the hide to charge over $2000 for a replacement rim and tyre..!! Seems a bit expensive wouldn't you think ..? Why isn't there a locking mechanism on the spare..?? What happens when my $2000 replacement tyre is stolen again..?? My Toyota service centre have said that numerous cars have had their spare tyres stolen recently ...so its happening on a regular basis.

Despite the current problem I actually love the Kluger and would definitely buy another. A change in design is definitely required.

No, I don't have an external spare tyre so have never had it stolen (my car was broken-in to twice when my dad owned it though). I understand your annoyance at it being taken, and it sucks, but cursing Toyota for a poor design and expecting compensation are two completely different things. No car is perfect, and when you buy a car you accept certain facets about it, especially a 4WD with an externally-mounted spare tyre (regardless of where the mechanism is). No car is theft-proof, and very few external components of the car are either. Sure, it is something that Toyota could address in their next design planning meeting when they sit down to discuss the new Kluger, but it isn't a recall-worthy issue and may barely even warrant a TSB, so at the end of the day why should they bother? Obviously they are aware of the problem already, so if nothing has been done so far then there is a decent chance it will stay that way.

As for the replacement cost, OEM alloy wheels (I'm assuming it was a full-sized alloy spare at that price) are always hugely expensive compared to aftermarket wheels, regardless of the manufacturer. Factory wheels are often made to more exacting standards and tolerances than an aftermarket wheel, they are usually designed SPECIFICALLY for that car, not just a generic range, and being a 4WD wheel they have to be bigger, tougher and stronger than normal. Are they _worth_ $2k to most people? Hell no, not even close (people sell second-hand sets of stock wheels for tens to hundreds, not thousands), but that is the price to buy a brand new one from Toyota. Since you should be putting this through an insurance claim, why are you even worried about the cost? Let the insurance company sort it out, that is what you pay them $100 a month for.

[11/16Aurion 12Kluger]

Hi Hiro.

There was no need for this rant.

A solution to the problem has been found and the people concerned have been notified by PM.

[Hiro]

Hi Hiro.

There was no need for this rant.

A solution to the problem has been found and the people concerned have been notified by PM.

With the number of threads/posts popping up lately about people getting litigious over relatively minor issues (often when there isn't any solid reason for legal recourse and compensation), I felt the rant was necessary. It is more a comment on society in general at the moment rather than individual people, but it still frustrates the hell out of me (and a lot of other people too).

[Townsville KXS]

Hi

I have 4 genuine 19" Kluger wheels in immaculate cond, no scratches with about 50% tread. You can have them for a $1000 delivered if you like. I just put on 20" Chrome wheels so don't need them.

Thanks Ray

[11/16Aurion 12Kluger]

Hi Hiro.

There was no need for this rant.

A solution to the problem has been found and the people concerned have been notified by PM.

With the number of threads/posts popping up lately about people getting litigious over relatively minor issues (often when there isn't any solid reason for legal recourse and compensation), I felt the rant was necessary. It is more a comment on society in general at the moment rather than individual people, but it still frustrates the hell out of me (and a lot of other people too).

Know where ya coming from Hiro :-) Take it from an old guy, that's life and life sucks!! That's why we have alcohol bro :-)

Cheers and happy Toyota-ing :-)

[11/16Aurion 12Kluger]

Hi

I have 4 genuine 19" Kluger wheels in immaculate cond, no scratches with about 50% tread. You can have them for a $1000 delivered if you like. I just put on 20" Chrome wheels so don't need them.

Thanks Ray

Hot deal Ray @ $250 ea. Have you put them on Gumtree, should sell easy.

Cheers.

[John1]

Hi

I have 4 genuine 19" Kluger wheels in immaculate cond, no scratches with about 50% tread. You can have them for a $1000 delivered if you like. I just put on 20" Chrome wheels so don't need them.

Thanks Ray

Good deal but I need a 17"

[Paulmel]

Having only recently purchased our Kluger I am wondering whether there is an easy fix to this such as chaining it on. I haven't crawled under the Kluger yet but this issue has my complete attention.

[11/16Aurion 12Kluger]

PM coming to you Paul.

[DDC73]

Can i Be PM as well with what solution has been done? , i did have some ideas as well but curious to see what others have done :)

[11/16Aurion 12Kluger]

Will do. :-)

[TaGB]

Hi. I would really appreciate a PM on a solution for this too please. Have just picked up my new Kluger, and this worries me. Thanks in advance.

[11/16Aurion 12Kluger]

No probs Tammy, done. :-)

[TaGB]

No probs Tammy, done. :-)

Thanks mate, much appreciated.

[Alvinder]

My Tyre was stolen as well.

Last Month i found out my tyre was stolen. Got the claim from NRMA and got the tyre fitted last week on friday.

Guess what Today i looked under the car and the spare tyre was not there. Is there any way to find if the spare tyre was removed or did it fall off.

Also if you can PM me the solution as well then it will be great. Will be talking to NRMA as well again.

Please advise really disappointed.

The car was serviced on Tuesday by Toyota itself to change the back break pads. But didn't check if the tyre was still there or not.

Edited July 4, 2013 by Alvinder

[11/16Aurion 12Kluger]

Hi Alvinder...

You certainly have had bad luck or more so plagued by stinking thieves.
This is really bad. Toyota could make up some anti theft device and sell it as an accessory. People would rather buy that than a new rim & tyre. Even claiming on insurance gets expensive.

I will PM you in a few minutes.

Cheers...