I own a 2013 Grand Cherokee. When traveling approx.55-60 mph on the highway, the kayak attached to a Thule roof rack that was clamped to the factory- installed flush roof rail flew off the vehicle and hit the car behind me. That driver slammed on the brakes and cars behind swerved left and right to avoid an accident. The factory installed flush roof rail had pulled right out of the roof. Kayak only weighed about 70 lbs (rail is rated for 150 lbs).The Thule Rack was a specific fit for this vehicle.The rack and straps were still attached to the kayak once retrieved from the high speed lane. The rail was the only failure.
This was immediately reported to Chrysler/ Jeep. Went to local dealer and had them take pictures and inspect vehicle. Chrysler/Jeep comes back saying they take no responsibility, that this is not a warrantable defect- failure was caused by wind pressure??? I have owned many vehicles from station wagons to SUV's that have never had issues hauling kayaks on the roof. You cannot go for a drive without seeing kayaks or canoes attached to all sorts of vehicles driving on the highway. Wind pressure? Really? This accident could have caused serious injury or death if the kayak had gone through the windshield. It almost caused a chain of collisions. There is another posting I have seen describing an identical accident.
I have reported this incident to NHTSA, and will continue with my attempts to have Jeep acknowledge this serious issue.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I own a 2013 Grand Cherokee. When traveling approx.55-60 mph on the highway, the kayak attached to a Thule roof rack that was clamped to the factory- installed flush roof rail flew off the vehicle and hit the car behind me. That driver slammed on the brakes and cars behind swerved left and right to avoid an accident. The factory installed flush roof rail had pulled right out of the roof. Kayak only weighed about 70 lbs (rail is rated for 150 lbs).The Thule Rack was a specific fit for this vehicle.The rack and straps were still attached to the kayak once retrieved from the high speed lane. The rail was the only failure.
This was immediately reported to Chrysler/ Jeep. Went to local dealer and had them take pictures and inspect vehicle. Chrysler/Jeep comes back saying they take no responsibility, that this is not a warrantable defect- failure was caused by wind pressure??? I have owned many vehicles from station wagons to SUV's that have never had issues hauling kayaks on the roof. You cannot go for a drive without seeing kayaks or canoes attached to all sorts of vehicles driving on the highway. Wind pressure? Really? This accident could have caused serious injury or death if the kayak had gone through the windshield. It almost caused a chain of collisions. There is another posting I have seen describing an identical accident.
I have reported this incident to NHTSA, and will continue with my attempts to have Jeep acknowledge this serious issue.
- Karen B., Lincoln, RI, US