The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received 12 reports that tire pressure warning systems have failed on 2004 and 2005 Toyota Siennas that were equipped with run-flat tires.
"All complaints reported that the (tire pressure system) warning light did not illuminate on the driver information panel when the tire pressure was low or the tire was flat," say NHTSA officials.
"In some instances, the consumer reported that... (the) light did not illuminate when the tire pressure in one tire was at 15 to 20 psi and the other tires were at or near the recommended tire pressure.
"In one incident, the complainant reported that by the time he pulled to the side of the road, one tire was smoking and had burst into flames."
NHTSA did not reveal what brand of tire was on the vehicles in question.
The agency has launched a preliminary investigation "to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged defect."
