NHTSA Complaint #10231580 — 1994 DODGE INTREPID

I HAVE A 94 DODGE INTREPID THAT HAD A FLAT TIRE IN A DRIVING RAIN. IN SHORT THE LUG NUTS HAVE A TIN COVER ON THEM THAT TWISTED OFF WHILE TRYING TO REMOVE THEM. THE LUG WRENCH ALSO ROUNDED OFF AND IS NO LONGER SERVICEABLE. THE REAL PROBLEM WAS THAT DUE TO GALVANIC REACTION THE ALUMINUM WHEEL WAS CORRODED ONTO THE STEEL HUB/DISC BRAKE. AFTER MYSELF AND THE HIGHWAY PATROLMAN THAT WAS ASSISTING ME WERE UNABLE TO REMOVE THE TIRE AND ALUMINUM WHEEL THE ONLY RECOURSE WAS TO CLIMB UNDER THE VEHICLE WHILE ON A JACK AND BEAT IT OFF WITH A DEAD BLOW HAMMER. IT SAYS RIGHT IN THERE OWNER MANUAL "NEVER TO GET UNDER A VEHICLE WHILE ON A JACK." I WAS VERY UNHAPPY WITH THE WHOLE SITUATION. UPON REPORTING THIS INCIDENT TO CHRYSLER CORP. THERE ONLY RESPONSE WAS THAT I SHOULD HAVE HAD IT TOWED INTO A SERVICING DEALER. I ASK YOU THEN, WHY IS THERE A JACK PROVIDED WITH THE VEHICLE? WHY DOESN'T THE LUG WRENCH PROVIDED WORK? WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO PUT ONES LIFE IN DANGER HAVING TO GET UNDER THE VEHICLE UPON A JACK TO REMOVE THE TIRE? AND FINALLY, WHY DOESN'T CHRYSLER CORP CARE ABOUT MY SAFETY? INCIDENT RESPONDED TO BY KANSAS HIGHWAY PATROL, BADGE #407 I'M A DEPUTY WITH THE BARTON CO. SO. BADGE #904. *TR