Kawasaki 2005-2006 model year Mule 600 Utility Vehicles
CPSC Recall #06-525 — January 10, 2006
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 06-525 |
| Recall Date | January 10, 2006 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 15,200 |
| Manufactured In | United States |
Where It Was Sold
| Kawasaki Utility dealers nationwide from November 2004 through December 2005 for between $5 |
| 900 and $7 |
| 100. |
Product
Kawasaki 2005-2006 model year Mule 600 Utility Vehicles
Description
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 15,200 Kawasaki 2005-2006 model year Mule 600 Utility Vehicles. The steering knuckle can twist or break from wheel forces transmitted to the steering system during operation. This can cause a loss of steering control and possible collapse of the front suspension, posing a risk of incident or injury to the operator or passenger. Name of Product: Kawasaki 2005-2006 model year Mule 600 Utility VehiclesUnits: About 15,200Distributor: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif.Hazard: The steering knuckle can twist or break from wheel forces transmitted to the steering system during operation. This can cause a loss of steering control and possible collapse of the front suspension, posing a risk of incident or injury to the operator or passenger.Incidents/Injuries: Kawasaki has received 24 reports of the knuckle cracking or breaking. No injuries have been reported.Description: The recall involves Kawasaki 2005-2006 model year KAF400 Mule 600 Utility Vehicles. These models are off-road utility vehicles available in red, green, or camouflage livery. They have "Kawasaki" on the side of the cargo bed and "Mule" on the side of the front cowling.Sold by: Kawasaki Utility dealers nationwide from November 2004 through December 2005 for between $5,900 and $7,100.Manufactured In: United StatesWhat to Do: Consumers with recalled utility vehicles were sent direct notice from Kawasaki. Consumers should stop using these vehicles immediately and contact a local Kawasaki Utility dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair.Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can call Kawasaki Customer Service toll-free at (866) 802-9381 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.kawasaki.com.
Hazard
The steering knuckle can twist or break from wheel forces transmitted to the steering system during operation. This can cause a loss of steering control and possible collapse of the front suspension, posing a risk of incident or injury to the operator or passenger.
Incidents & Injuries
Kawasaki has received 24 reports of the knuckle cracking or breaking. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers with recalled utility vehicles were sent direct notice from Kawasaki. Consumers should stop using these vehicles immediately and contact a local Kawasaki Utility 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.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
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.