NHTSA Complaint #11650870 — 2021 JEEP GLADIATOR

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Fishbone Offroad bed rack (an aftermarket accessory on my Jeep Gladiator) failed structurally, developing cracks at all four outside corners of the beam with rust at the welds. The rack is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The rack’s failure posed a collapse risk while supporting a 200-lb roof-top tent and a 50–60-lb 270° awning. A collapse during driving or camping could have caused the load to fall, potentially leading to a crash, injury, or damage to the vehicle or others on the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, as the rack was removed from use after the failure was discovered to prevent a collapse. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The manufacturer, Fishbone Offroad, was sent photos of the damage but has not physically inspected the rack. They offered to inspect it if I paid for shipping, which I declined. No police, insurance representatives, or others have inspected it. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or messages, as this is an aftermarket accessory. The cracks were hidden under the load of the roof-top tent and only became visible after its removal in early 2025. Rust at the welds was the only prior symptom, noticed a few months earlier.