Thule annually launches load carrier solutions for over 100 new vehicles, covering a total number of over 1500 car models on a global scale. Recently we learned that a series of our fit kits are not safe enough for usage as an included bolt does not deliver the required hardness. Due to the serious safety risk for consumers Thule has initiated an immediate product recall.
The product recalls affects consumers that have bought a Thule Rapid Fixpoint XT fit kit produced during the period from 1 January 2008 until 28 February 2009.
The following Rapid Fixpoint XT Kits are affected:
3050, 3056, 3061, 3066, 3068, 3069, 3071, 3077, 3080
The following spare parts items are affected:
50960, 50961, 50962, 50996
Internal tests have shown that a bolt in this foot pack doesn’t live up to the company’s safety standards. The incorrect hardness of the bolt makes it brittle and causes it to potentially break under stress. The potential danger is that the fixation bolt snaps off during use (with or without load) which in the worst case can lead to that the rack and load come loose while driving. “So far we haven’t had any incidents yet. However in order to prevent any harm for consumers we have decided to recall the kits from all countries where we have sold the product”, says Business Area President Magnus Welander.