Yamaha Bruin 250, Bruin 350 4WD and 2WD, Big Bear 400, Kodiak 400, Kodiak 450, and Wolverine 450 ...

CPSC Recall #06-506 — November 1, 2005

Recall #06-506 Date: November 1, 2005

Product

Yamaha Bruin 250, Bruin 350 4WD and 2WD, Big Bear 400, Kodiak 400, Kodiak 450, and Wolverine 450 ATVs

Description

Yamaha has announced a voluntary recall of certain 2005 and 2006 Yamaha Bruin 250, Bruin 350 4WD and 2WD, Big Bear 400, Kodiak 400, and Kodiak 450 ATVs, and certain 2006 Wolverine 450 ATVs. Below is a list of make, model and vehicle identification numbers (VIN) involved in the recall.Make/ModelVehicle Identification Number ("VIN")2005 Bruin 250 2WD2006 Bruin 250 2WD2005 Bruin 350 Auto 2WD2006 Bruin 350 Auto 2WD2005 Bruin 350 Auto 4WD2006 Bruin 350 Auto 4WD2005 Bruin 350 Auto 4WD Hunter2006 Bruin 350 Auto 4WD Hunter2005 Big Bear 400 4WD2006 Big Bear 400 4WD2005 Kodiak 400 4WD2006 Kodiak 400 4WD2005 Kodiak 400 4WD/Hunter2006 Kodiak 400 4WD/Hunter2005 Kodiak 450 4WD2005 Kodiak 450 4WD2005 Kodiak 450 4WD/Hunter2005 Kodiak 450 4WD/Hunter2005 Kodiak 450 4WD SE2006 Wolverine 450 4WD YFM250BTYFM250BVYFM350BATYFM350BAVYFM350FATYFM350FAVYFM350FAHTYFM350FAHVYFM400FTYFM400FVYFM400FATYFM400FAVYFM400FAHTYFM400FAHVYFM450FATYFM450FAVYFM450FAHTYFM450FAHVYFM450FASETYFM450FXV AG01Y-0116001 ~ 0120900AG01Y-0120901 ~ 0123400AH10Y-0012901 ~ 0016600AH10Y-0016601 ~ 0020100AH09Y-0019301 ~ 0023500AH09Y-0023501 ~ 0029400AH13Y-0002601 ~ 0003600AH13Y-0003601 ~ 0006100AH06Y-0055101 ~ 0057600AH06Y-0057601 ~ 0059281AJ15Y-0000101 ~ 0009600AJ15Y-0009601 ~ 0011700AJ17Y-0000101 ~ 0002100AJ17Y-0002101 ~ 0003200AJ14Y-0000101 ~ 0014900AJ14Y-0014901 ~ 0018800AJ16Y-0000101 ~ 0005300AJ16Y-0005301 ~ 0008300AJ18Y-0000101 ~ 0002700AJ21Y-0000101 ~ 0001400 

Hazard

The protective boots covering the steering system's tie-rod ends (universal joints) on the recalled ATVs could be pinched during installation or adjustment, cutting a hole in the rubber. If this occurs, grease could escape, and contaminants such as sand or mud could get into the assembly through the hole, causing accelerated wear. This could result in abnormal steering free play. If the ATV continues to be operated without repair, the ball and socket portion of the tie-rod end could wear to the point that they separate, resulting in loss of steering control, which could cause a vehicle crash with injury or death.

Incidents / Injuries

Yamaha has received no reports of incidents or injuries.

Remedy

Free repair. Registered owners of the affected units were notified directly by mail sent on October 14, 2005. Consumers should stop using their ATV immediately and contact an authorized Yamaha dealer to schedule an appointment for repair. 

Units Affected

About 70,000

Sold At

Yamaha dealers sold these ATVs nationwide from 2004 to October 2005. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the affected ATVs ranged from about $3,500 to $7,000.

Manufacturer

Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A., of Cypress, Calif.

Manufactured In

United States