NHTSA Complaint #11476215 — 1998 DODGE DAKOTA

52019555 For Dodge Dakota Pickup Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger. Defective Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger The Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger contains soft rubber part which disintegrates easily with the elements (rain, cold, dirt, wind, etc.). This allows friction between the metal carrier mechanism and the steel wire that holds the tire. The friction eventually “cuts” the wire which holds the 50 lbs+ spare tire setting it free and dropping from under the truck and onto the road while traveling (moving). Issue The "DEFECTIVE" Replacement part (Spare Tire Hoist Wheel Carrier Winch Hanger continues to be sold in the market with NO Modification. The part should be recalled and corrected to prevent an accident. Car models impacted: Dodge Dakota, Ram, Durango, etc. Experience I was traveling about 40 MPH when the spare tire fell off from under the truck due to this defective part. I saw the tire (via rear view mirror) bounce off about 10 feet in the air and roll down the road at a fast rate of speed until it hit a curve and then a tree. With luck there was no one behind me or pedestrians around. This could have caused a fatal injury if the tire had hit a car behind me as it could have hit the windshield due to the high bounce rate and speed. It would have knocked down and injured a cyclist or motorcycle. It could have even hit and injured a pedestrian!. Thank God none of this happen. Request Please consider recalling this part and modifying it to meet safety standard to prevent potentially fatal injuries. The part is being sold on ebay, Amazon and other retailers. See samples below. Please contact me with any questions. 1.https://tinyurl.com/AMZ-Carrier 2.https://tinyurl.com/Mopat-winch 3.https://tinyurl.com/ebay-hoist