If you own a Küat Transfer v2 bike rack, stop using it immediately or have it fixed.
That’s the message from Küat, which announced a recall of more than 80,000 Transfer v2 bike racks last week after customers complained of a potential defect. In a statement on its website, the outdoor retailer said the pivot cam on the rack can disengage, allowing the bike carrier to unexpectedly drop.
“This malfunction could cause a bicycle to fall off the product while a subject vehicle is in motion, as well as injury or property damage to the product, the bicycle, and to the subject vehicle and other vehicles on the road, including potentially a vehicle crash,” Küat said in the statement. “The defect may occur without warning.”
The recall was also officially announced through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the June 6 report, Küat said the production of Transfer v2 racks ceased on May 24 after realizing the safety issue. Between February and May of this year, the brand received seven customer complaints about the same issue with the racks.
In at least one instance, a customer’s bike was dragged behind the vehicle after the rack disengaged from the hitch.
Küat Transfer v2 Bike Rack Recall: What You Can Do
To determine if the recall affects your bike rack, you’ll first need to check the serial number. If your rack does have a faulty pivot cam, then Küat will send a repair kit to customers free of charge.
To get one, visit the brand’s website or call the Küat Customer Service Team at (877) 822‐5828. The repair kit includes a new pivot handle assembly, detailed instructions, and all necessary hardware, Küat said.
Customers who want to keep using the rack while waiting for a permanent solution can also use a short-term solution. Just use a Velcro strap to secure the bike’s foot pedal to the rack’s frame.
Again, the link above provides specific instructions for the quick fix for the Küat bike rack recall.
