My front passenger-side tire sidewall blew out on November 24, 2006 when a nail penetrated the tread area. At the time of the incident, I changed to the pony spare. This was accomplished with great difficulty due to a woefully inadequate jack supplied by Toyota with my 2005 Prius. The jack bent while trying to lift the automobile. Lifting the car was attempted three times by slightly repositioning the base of the jack. It was finally necessary to brace the jack with pieces of wood in order to lift the automobile high enough to remove the damaged tire. The pony spare had to be deflated to get it into place in order to apply the lug nuts due to the inability of the jack to lift the car for adequate clearance. Luckily I had an electric air pump on board to re-inflate the pony spare. The entire operation took 1 hour 45 minutes. Several points should be made. I am not an idiot. I have changed flats previously. The jack was new as supplied with the Prius purchased in late 2004; it had never been used. The tire change occurred on an almost completely flat surface. The base of the jack was resting on cement. The weather was good; no ice, snow, wind or rain. My lighting was good. I lifted the Prius where indicated. I had blocked the rear tires with bricks prior to attempting to lift the car. The car was not loaded with additional weight. I am very disappointed about the quality of the jack that was supplied with the Prius. As a consumer, one would not think of inspecting such basic safety equipment prior to deciding on an automobile. The automobile could have easily slipped from the jack during the tire changing operation. Severe injury could occur to the individual(s) or the vehicle itself. My father recently bought a Prius at my suggestion prior to this incident. I now fear for his safety knowing how inadequate the jack is that is supplied with this vehicle.

- Columbus, OH, USA