NHTSA Complaint #11319674 — 2014 CHRYSLER 200

WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY, EXPERIENCED A FLAT TIRE AND WANTED TO CHANGE THE TIRE TO A SPARE, BUT FOUND THAT NO AMOUNT OF TORQUE WOULD LOOSEN THE LUG NUTS. AFTER TRYING TWO DIFFERENT LUG WRENCHES, I ENDED UP HAVING TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER I HAD A WARRANTY WITH FOR THE TIRE. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT ALL OF THE LUGNUTS ON THE TIRE WERE DEFECTIVE (AND LATER ADDED THAT ALL OF THE OTHER LUGNUTS ON THE CAR WERE AS WELL). THEIR DEFECT IS THAT THEY HAVE A NON FERROUS (TIN?) COATING ON THEM THAT SHEARS OFF WHEN TORQUE IS APPLIED. THE LUGNUTS ATTACHING THE TIRE / WHEEL HAD TO BE HAMMERED OFF TO BE REMOVED. I HAVE SINCE HAD ALL OF THESE LUGNUTS REPLACED (EXCEPT FOR ONE) AT MY OWN EXPENSE. I BELIEVE IT I HAD BEEN STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN I ENCOUNTERED THE FLAT AND THE DEFECTIVE LUGNUTS, IT WOULD HAVE PUT ME AT PERSONAL RISK WHILE TRYING DESPERATELY TO REMOVE THEM - NOT TO MENTION THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TRYING TO DO SO. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT "NO ONE WAS AT FAULT" FOR THE DEFECTIVE LUGNUTS. I TOOK EXCEPTION TO THIS, BEING OF THE OPINION THAT THE MANUFACTURER OF THESE LUGNUTS WAS VERY MUCH RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT.