looks to me like it was a failed welded joint. I can see what looks like the weldment (fillet weld).
I'd probably push hard to get them to cover a local repair. Any good certified welder could do an acceptable repair....
BUT
there may be some benefit to making the drive and let them do it
future liability
and as a safety to other owners, for them to be fully aware and responsible for the repair, and failure.... who knows, it might end up being a recall situation....
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