Laguna Hills, CA – May 16, 2019 – Erwin Hymer Group USA, doing business as American Fastbacks, is recalling 2018 Badlands Edition Jeep Wranglers equipped with roof top tents. The tent cover may break or crack, which could result in it coming loose from the vehicle while it is moving. As many as 94 vehicles may be affected.
The Defect
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this recall action, the affected 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles have a roof top tent installed in which the top cover may break or crack under extreme weather conditions. As a result, the cover could detach from the vehicle. If this were to happen while the vehicle is moving, it could create a road hazard, increasing the chance of a crash.
Timeline of Events
American Fastbacks first learned of the problem in November 2018, when dealerships in the Midwest reported that covers on the Wrangler roof top tents were cracking due to extreme cold weather. The company, believing it was a quality control defect, started looking for a new supplier.
Additional complaints were received in February 2019, followed by a dealer report April 17 that the roof top cracking was not a cosmetic issue, but rather one that posed a significant safety concern.
American Fastbacks had already instituted an earlier recall of the affected vehicles for another issue. After discussion of the new problem with the NHTSA, the company decided to announce a separate recall for the roof top tent defect.
The Solution
The recall will begin in May 2019. A solution to the roof-cover defect is still under development.
Owners may contact American Fastbacks customer service at 1-844-533-7997 extension 301. Owners should be aware that vehicles in this recall are also included in recall 19V-190. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V-320.
