Kawasaki Model Year 2001-2005 Prairie and Brute Force All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
CPSC Recall #05-237 — August 1, 2005
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 05-237 |
| Recall Date | August 1, 2005 |
| Remedy Type | — |
| Units Affected | About 155,000 |
| Manufactured In | United States |
Where It Was Sold
| Kawasaki dealers nationwide from August 2000 through July 2005 for between $4 |
| 400 and $7 |
| 400. |
Product
Kawasaki Model Year 2001-2005 Prairie and Brute Force All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
Description
The recall includes 2001 through 2005 Prairie and Brute Force Kawasaki ATVs. The following Kawasaki ATV models are included in this recall: Prairie 300, Prairie 300 4x4, Prairie 360, Prairie 360 4x4, Prairie 400, Prairie 400 4x4, Prairie 650 4x4, Prairie 700 4x4, and Brute Force 650 4x4. The model numbers can be found on the identification label located on the frame of the ATV. "Prairie" or "Brute Force" is printed on each side of the vehicle's gas tank.Note: Kawasaki previously recalled the Prairie 700 4x4 in March 2005 because the age recommendation warning label was missing.
Hazard
A significant impact to the front wheel of the ATV while the steering is fully turned to either side can result in suspension damage, wear, and an eventual loss of steering control that could result in injury or death.
Incidents & Injuries
Kawasaki has received 42 reports of ball joint separation which could result in loss of steering control. Three injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using the recalled ATVs immediately and contact an authorized Kawasaki ATV dealer to arrange for a free repair. Registered owners of the vehicles will be notified directly by Kawasaki about the recall.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a remedy 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 (refund, replacement, or 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.