NHTSA complaint: 1996 DODGE RAM 3500 — EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK
SPARE TIRE IS SUPPORTED BY A STEEL CABLE CONNECTED TO A HAND WINCH. UPON RAISING SPARE TIRE, IT WILL NOT LIFT UP DIRECTLY TO THE STOWED POSITION, BUT WILL HANG AGAINST TAIL PIPE. OPERATOR LAYED UNDER VEHICLE TO ALIGN THE TIRE AND CLEAR TAIL PIPE. CABLE BECAME SLACK AND CABLE RETAINER PLATE BECAME DETACHED, ALLOWING THE SPARE WHEEL TO FALL FREE, STRIKING THE OPERATOE IN THE FACE. HITTING WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO CAUSE THE EYE GLASSES TO CUT THE SKIN BELOW LEFT EYE, REQUIRING STICHES AT LOCAL EMERGENCY ROOM. *AK
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — Office of Defects Investigation