Yakima Whispbar Rack Fitting Kits Recalled for Poor Vehicle Fit
Yakima is recalling Whispbar rack fitting kits for specific vehicles because they do not fit the roofline properly, creating a crash risk.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect where the rack may separate from the vehicle, explicitly increasing the risk of a crash, which aligns with the rubric criteria for structural vehicle defects and significant injury reports.
Plain-English summary
Yakima Products, Inc. is recalling certain Whispbar rack systems. The recall involves fitting kits with part numbers K558, K393, K421, K491, K422, K543, K480, and K508. These kits are designed for Infiniti G-sedans (2007-2013), Audi Q7, A3/A4/A6 Wagons, Kia Sportage, Toyota Matrix (2009-2013), and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles.
The fitting kits do not properly fit the roofline or raised rail of the affected vehicles. This defect may cause the rack to separate from the vehicle while driving, which creates a hazard to other vehicles on the road and increases the risk of a crash.
Yakima will notify owners and instruct them to return the parts to a Yakima dealer for a replacement Yakima rack system or a refund. The recall began on June 7, 2013. Owners may contact Yakima customer service at 1-888-925-4621 or [email protected]. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov.
The recalled product
- Product
- EQUIPMENT recall
- Manufacturer
- Yakima Products, Inc.
- Category
- Vehicle — Roof Rack
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 1,369
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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- Severe
- Severe
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