Spare Tire problems of the 2000 Nissan Xterra

The contact owns a 2000 Nissan Xterra equipped with bf goodrich radial long trail t/a tires. Size p265/70/r15. The contact stated that the vehicle began to violently shake while driving 50 mph. The vehicle was then stopped and the contact noticed that the tread on the rear driver's tire tore away from the tire. A spare tire was installed as a replacement. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered to replace the failed tire. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.

The spare tire (which is mounted beneath the rear of the vehicle) fell off due to rust in the mechanism which suspends it. The mechanism which holds the spare tire is clearly defective (a relatively thin metal bar attached to a metal chain), and it is clear that normal wear and rust caused it to break under the weight of the spare tire (which is a full size, full weight tire). Fortunately, the tire fell off while the vehicle was not in motion. Had it fallen off while in motion, the tire could have caused significant damage to nearby vehicles (including my own) and their occupants. The fallen tire could have caused my vehicle or nearby vehicles to flip over, particularly at higher speeds. Nissan has been informed (by phone) of this defective part. They have refused to take action. All Nissan Xterra owners should be aware-- your spare tire may be hanging by a thread. This is a serious hazard which should be investigated.