Yakima Recall – SpareTime Bicycle Carrier – Part Number 8002598
SAFETY RECALL NOTICE: NHTSA Campaign (13E-008)
February 5, 2013
Dear Yakima Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Yakima Products has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists with certain Yakima SpareTime bicycle carrier.
IMPORTANT!
Certain Yakima SpareTime bicycle carriers are being recalled. The affected units can be identified by the lack of distinguish ing marking on the mounting bolts.
In the interest of ensuring absolute safety using the SpareTime bike rack, we ask that you immediately examine your product to determine if suspect bolts may be installed. In most cases, the bolts will be visible even when installed on a vehicle. If your SpareTime product has bolts without similar markings as depicted in the “Good Bolt” picture, please remove from your vehicle and discontinue use until it can be upgraded with good bolts to be provided by Yakima Customer Service.
Why is a recall being conducted?
Yakima has determined that two mounting bolts installed on SpareTime products manufactured after October of 2011 may not meet minimum strength requirements as specified in Yakima technical documentation. These bolts could break resulting in bike being ejected, creating a road hazard to other vehicles which could possibly result in a crash or injury to persons outside the vehicle.
Yakima SpareTimes without identifying characteristics on the bolt are being recalled. If your SpareTime has markings on the bolt head, it is not affected by this recall.
What are we doing about the problem?
Yakima is asking that consumers contact Yakima Customer Service. The consumer is being asked to remove the two improper mounting bolts and replace with the compliant bolts that Yakima will provide. If you cannot do this yourself, Yakima can refer you to a Yakima dealer or independent shop for which labor expense will be reimbursed.
What should you do?
If you determine or suspect that the bolts in your product are not correct as noted above, remove the product from your vehicle and Click Here for online registration, or call 1-888-925-4621 to speak with customer service.
Who should you contact if you have further questions or concerns?
Call Yakima customer service 1-888-925-4621 or email: sparetimerecall@yakima.com
We apologize for any inconvenience this safety recall may cause, but your safety is our first concern.
If you believe that your SpareTime has not been remedied without charge and within a reasonable amount of time, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C., 20590; or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to: http://www.safercar.gov
We appreciate your support of the Yakima brand and your patience during this recall. We look forward to serving you in the future.
Sincerely,
Yakima Products, Inc.