"Predator 500" all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
CPSC Recall #04-580 — September 13, 2004
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 04-580 |
| Recall Date | September 13, 2004 |
| Remedy Type | Inspect, Repair |
| Units Affected | 18,500 |
| Manufacturer | Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn. |
| Manufactured In | United States |
Where It Was Sold
| Polaris dealers sold these ATVs nationwide from November 2002 through February 2004 between approximately $6 |
| 000 and $6 |
| 500. |
Product
"Predator 500" all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
Description
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn. is voluntarily recalling Predator 500 all-terrain vehicles. The front brake lines can crack and leak brake fluid, possibly resulting in loss of braking capability. This could result in severe injury or death.Name of Product: "Predator 500" all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)Units: 18,500Manufacturer: Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.Hazard: The front brake lines can crack and leak brake fluid, possibly resulting in loss of braking capability. This could result in severe injury or death.Incidents/Injuries: Polaris has received reports of cracked and leaking front brake lines on at least 127 units, with no reported injuries.Description: The recall includes "Predator 500" ATVs from model years 2003 and 2004 with these model numbers: A03GJ50AA, A03GJ50AB, A03GJ50AS, A03GJ50CA, A04GJ50AA, A04GJ50AB, A04GJ50AC, and A04GJ50AD. The model number is on the lower left frame tube ahead of the engine. "Predator" is prominently displayed on the right and left side of the front cab covering the fuel tank. The ATVs have red, blue, gray or black front and rear cabs.Sold at: Polaris dealers sold these ATVs nationwide from November 2002 through February 2004 between approximately $6,000 and $6,500.Manufactured In: U.S.A.Remedy: Consumers should contact their Polaris dealer to schedule an appointment for free inspection and repair.Consumer Contact: For more information, call Polaris toll-free at (800) POLARIS (765-2747) between 8 a.m. and 12 midnight (ET) seven days a week, or log on to their website at www.polarisindustries.com. Polaris notified consumers directly about this recall.
Hazard
The front brake lines can crack and leak brake fluid, possibly resulting in loss of braking capability. This could result in severe injury or death.
Incidents & Injuries
Polaris has received reports of cracked and leaking front brake lines on at least 127 units, with no reported injuries.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should contact their Polaris dealer to schedule an appointment for free inspection and repair.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect, 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 (Inspect, 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.