ATV Recalls and Alerts

All-terrain vehicles are the subject of various recalls, so consumers should be aware of these and other alerts related to safety and equipment. Although three-wheeled ATV’s were discontinued in 1987 due to their instability, fast, heavy vehicles with four wheels can be dangerous if handled improperly. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) proposed a recall on all three-wheelers still owned, and a ban on new or used sales of such vehicles.

The APP recommendations have also recommended prohibiting anyone under 16 years old from riding two- or four-wheeled off-road vehicles, in any state. A high number of accidents involve children and adults who lack experience and training, but it’s also important to consider machines that may have design flaws.

How to Learn about Recalls and Alerts

Up-to-date recalls on many kinds of products are issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These can be viewed on the CPSC’s Recall List. It covers the name and model of products involved in the recall and identifies the hazard. Further details can be viewed by scrolling down, including a full list of models. To help consumers identify whether their vehicle is included, the notices include where it is sold, who imports it and lists the importers, distributors, and country of manufacture. The number of units affected is listed as well.

Some of the most recent recalls in the industry include manufacturers such as:

Kawasaki: In June 2017, a total of 6,600 off-road and all-terrain vehicles, including Mule utility vehicles, the Brute Force 750 all-terrain models, and the Teryx and Teryx 4 off-highway models, were recalled because of a fuel system defect. These 2017 models might have a hairline crack in a fuel level sensor plate. If present, it could cause the fuel pump and tank to separate, causing a fuel leak and a risk of fire.

Polaris: In March 2017, Polaris identified fire and explosion risks in Sportsman 850 and Sportsman 1000 ATVs (2015 and 2016 model years), prompting it to recall over 19,000 vehicles. In these models, a head shield on the right side could potentially melt. The company reported at least 47 instances of fires, and 793 instances of side panels getting burned or exploding; many had melted or become warped as well. Four burn injuries had been reported as well. In addition, the 2015 Sportsman 1000 models were at risk for exhaust leaks due to defective exhaust springs.

Textron: In January 2017, 1,100 off-road vehicles were recalled, including models of the Bad Bay XTO and Bone Collector XTO, following reports of one death. Safety restraints were lacking, so riders and passengers faced a higher risk of injury or death if the vehicle were to crash. Vehicles sold nationwide from November 2010 to June 2013 were included in the recall.

In addition, CPSC Recall Alerts may be listed on brand websites. Yamaha Motor Sports lists them according to the type of product. A recall of its 2012 Big Bear 400 ATVs was issued in July 2013. Suzuki ATVs from 2016 and 2017 were recently recalled because of a defective battery, which could stall the engine and cause a crash. Oftentimes, the Commission recommends customers stop using their vehicle right away, and seek repairs at no cost by scheduling an appointment with the dealer.