Polaris Snowmobiles with Electric Starts and Models with Electric Start Kits
CPSC Recall #06-545 — April 10, 2006
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 06-545 |
| Recall Date | April 10, 2006 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 1,380 2006 Models with factory-equipped electric start. Polaris distributed about 1,940 electric start kits that could be installed on certain 2005 or 2006 snowmobiles. |
| Manufacturer | Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn. |
| Importer | Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn. |
| Manufactured In | United States |
Where It Was Sold
| Polaris snowmobile dealers nationwide from August 2004 through March 2006 for between $10 |
| 000 and $12 |
| 600. |
Product
Polaris Snowmobiles with Electric Starts and Models with Electric Start Kits
Description
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 1,380 2006 model Polaris snowmobiles with electric starts and about 1,940 models with electric start kits. The fastener torque securing the starter motor to the engine crankcase may not have been accurately applied during the manufacture of these snowmobiles or during the installation of an accessory starter. An improperly torqued starter motor fastener bolt may become loose and fall out allowing the bolt to interfere with the lower steering drag link. This could allow the consumer to experience a loss of steering control.Name of Product: Polaris Snowmobiles with Electric Starts and Models with Electric Start KitsUnits: About 1,380 2006 Models with factory-equipped electric start. Polaris distributed about 1,940 electric start kits that could be installed on certain 2005 or 2006 snowmobiles.Manufacturer/Importer: Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.Hazard: The fastener torque securing the starter motor to the engine crankcase may not have been accurately applied during the manufacture of these snowmobiles or during the installation of an accessory starter. An improperly torqued starter motor fastener bolt may become loose and fall out allowing the bolt to interfere with the lower steering drag link. This could allow the consumer to experience a loss of steering control.Incidents/Injuries: Polaris has received 18 reports of incidents involving loss of steering ability, with one reported minor injury.Description: The recall includes Polaris Model Year 2006 700IQ Classic, 700 IQ Touring, Select Model Year 2005 900 Fusion, 900 RMK, 900 Switchback, Select Model Year 2006 700 IQ Fusion, RMK, and Select Model Year 2006 900 Fusion, RMK Switchback Snowmobiles with Accessory Electric Start Kits.The model and serial number (VIN) identification decal is located on the right-side of the tunnel underneath the seat.The table below lists all models possibly affected by the recall.Model(s) AffectedModel Numbers2005 900 Fusion (With Accessory Electric Start Kit)S05MP8DS (A)(B)(C)2005 900 Switchback (With Accessory Electric Start Kit)S05PS8DS2005 900 RMK (With Accessory Electric Start Kit)S05PL8DS (A)(B)(C)(D)S05PL8DEBS05PM8DS (A)(B) S05PN8DSS05PN8DE2006 700 Classic (Electric Start Standard)S06PD7HS2006 700 Touring (Electric Start Standard)S06PT7HSS06PT7HE2006 700 Fusion (With Snow Check Select Option or Accessory Electric Start Kit)S06MP7HS (A)(B) S06ME7HS2006 700 RMK (With Snow Check Select Option or Accessory Electric Start Kit)S06PK7HS (A)(B) S06PL7HS (A)(B) S06PM7HS (A)2006 900 Fusion (With Snow Check Select Option or Accessory Electric Start Kit)S06MP8DS (A)(B) S06ME8DS2006 900 Switchback (With Snow Check Select Option or Accessory Electric Start Kit)S06PS8DS (A)2006 900 RMK (With Snow Check Select Option or Accessory Electric Start Kit)S06PL8DS (A)(B) S06PM8DS (A) S06PN8DS (A) S06PR8DSNote: Not all Model Year 2005 and 2006 snowmobiles are affectedManufactured In: United StatesSold by: Polaris snowmobile dealers nationwide from August 2004 through March 2006 for between $10,000 and $12,600.What to Do: Consumers with recalled snowmobiles are being sent direct notice from Polaris. Consumers should stop using these vehicles immediately and contact a local Polaris snowmobile dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair.Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can call Polaris toll-free at (800) 765-2747 between 8 a.m. and 12 midnight ET everyday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.polarisindustries.com.
Hazard
The fastener torque securing the starter motor to the engine crankcase may not have been accurately applied during the manufacture of these snowmobiles or during the installation of an accessory starter. An improperly torqued starter motor fastener bolt may become loose and fall out allowing the bolt to interfere with the lower steering drag link. This could allow the consumer to experience a loss of steering control.
Incidents & Injuries
Polaris has received 18 reports of incidents involving loss of steering ability, with one reported minor injury.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers with recalled snowmobiles are being sent direct notice from Polaris. Consumers should stop using these vehicles immediately and contact a local Polaris snowmobile dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.
Furniture tip-overs are a leading cause of pediatric injuries in the U.S., particularly dressers, bookcases, and television stands. CPSC data shows that a child dies approximately every two weeks from a furniture or TV tip-over. Unstable high chairs, baby swings, and bouncers are also frequent recall subjects due to fall risks. ASTM International standards now require that certain furniture must meet tip-over resistance standards, and CPSC has been actively pursuing mandatory requirements for dressers and chests. If you have furniture that was not recalled but feels unstable, wall-anchoring kits are widely available at hardware stores.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.