I can't say anything of much help. The only time I had issues with a Yakima rack, they replaced it pretty immediately, though that was well pre-pandemic. I had a Highroller that the retention release mechanism went bad, and apparently, it was a common issue, and one of the reasons they discontinued it in favor of the Highroad. As soon as I described the issue the tech asked me to check a couple of things and immediately took my info for a replacement. They didn't even verify proof of purchase or anything.

But I since made the move to Thule, since it seemed like Yakima was trying to design clever retention systems that ended up being too fragile for their own good (plus they didn't have a crossbar fit kit for a new car).