Thule

SAFETY RECALL NOTICE

Dear Thule Podium Fit Kit Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Thule, Inc. has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain aftermarket roofmounted load carriers, Model Fit Kits 3068 and 3069 used with models 460 and 460R Podium Foot Packs,manufactured between January 1, 2008 and February 28, 2009. The bolt(s) used to secure the foot to the vehicle was manufactured to a hardness that may cause the bolt(s) to be brittle and potentially break under stress. This may result in the bolt(s) snapping off during use with or without a load. The unsecured rack and load can then come loose while driving creating a potential hazard to the consumer and/or others on the roadway. Because this could happen without warning, it is important that you stop using the rack immediately.

Re: Model Fit Kits 3068 and 3069 that are used with models 460 and 460R Podium Foot Packs. These kits are used with the following vehicles:

Kit 3068		Kit 3069
2009	Subaru Forester	2004-2009	Mazda 3 4DR with Fixed-Point
2008-2009	Subaru Impreza	2004-2009	Mazda 3 5DR with Fixed-Point
2008-2009	Subaru Impreza WRX	2006-2009	Mazda 5 with Fixed-Point
2008-2009	Subaru Impreza STI Wagon	2003-2009	Mazda 6 4DR with Fixed-Point
2008-2009	Subaru Outback Sport	2004-2009	Mazda 6 Hatchback with Fixed-Point
		2007-2009	Mazda CX-7
		2007-2009	Mazda CX-9

In order to remedy this situation please call the Thule consumer service toll-free at 1-800-238-2388. Thule will provide you at no charge with a Recall Kit (new silver-colored bolts and instructions, part number 7520993001) or a replacement Fit Kit (replacement Fit Kits are visibly marked with an "OK" label on the outside of the carton). Please download these recall kit instructions for proper installation.

Thule has sufficient Recall Kits and replacement Fit Kits available to satisfy the requirements of this recall without delay or inconvenience. You can also visit http://www.thuleracks.com for more information. If you have incurred any cost for remedies in advance of this notification please contact the toll free number listed above for reimbursement. Reasonable supporting documentation will be requested.

This notice is being sent to you to correct the identified problem and provide the superior quality reflected in the Thule brand products we are privileged to provide. If we fail to or are unable to remedy the defect at no charge, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY: 1–800–424–9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We highly value you as a committed Thule customer and want to maintain your confidence and support of our entire line of car rack systems.

Sincerely,

Noel Roberts
Director of Quality
Thule, Inc.