NHTSA Complaint #10355540 — 2004 GMC SIERRA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MECHANISM TO LOWER THE SPARE TIRE ON THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE CABLE WOULD LOWER BUT THE TIRE WOULD NOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY MECHANISM, THERE WAS NO WAY TO REMOVE THE SPARE TIRE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE MECHANIC HAD TO USE A TORCH AND CUT THE SPARE TIRE LOOSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE LOOKED AS IF IT WAS NEVER REMOVED FROM VEHICLE AND BELIEVED THAT RUST AND CORROSION CAUSED THE TIRE TO BECOME STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,000. UPDATED EVOQ 10/13/10