NHTSA Complaint #11631621 — 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ A 220

The tow hook and strap used when necessary to tow a car and that is stowed under the car or behind the rear bumper and accessed through a small door on the bumper spontaneously deployed while I was driving. It flew up against the side of the car, causing minor damage, damaged and partially dislodged the rear bumper, and the hook embedded in the right rear tire, causing it to go flat. I am waiting to learn whether there is additional damage to the underside of the car such as to a brake line. The parts are available for inspection. This is not a problem to be reproduced! I have photos showing the car and the hook in my tire. The only warning light appeared after the tire started losing pressure, but the thump sound as the hook and strap hit my car, and as the tire rotated and drove over the hook alerted me first. The weather was clear, there was no immediate traffic, no obstacles in the road. No sign of a bullet or something to cause it to deploy.