NHTSA Complaint #768359 — 1998 BUICK LESABRE

THE SAFETY INVOLVED HERE IS THE INABILITY TO CHANGE A TIRE IF IT FAILS ON THE ROAD. THE PLASTIC KEY AND INSERT ARE INADEQUATE FOR THE JOB. THE PLASTIC ON THE KEY GIVES AND THE LOCKING DEVICE ON THE HUB CAP BECOMES SO TIGHT THAT THE PLASTIC KEY WILL NOT REMOVE IT BEFORE FAILING. EACH TIME I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED OR CHANGED, THE MECHANICS REQUIRED AIR TOOLS AND 1 INCH SOCKET. ONE OCCASION OF A FLAT TIRE ON A TEXAS HIGHWAY PLACED MY WIFE AND I WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO CHANGE TO THE SPARE. HAD NOT A VERY HUSKY HIGHWAY PATROLMENT COME TO OUR RESCUE, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED. IN THIS INCIDENT WE WERE ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY ONTO A PRIVATE FARM ENTRANCE. MR