Ski-Doo® snowmobiles

CPSC Recall #03-543 — June 23, 2003

Recall Summary

Recall Number03-543
Recall DateJune 23, 2003
Remedy TypeReplace
Units Affected548

Where It Was Sold

Bombardier dealers sold these snowmobiles in the United States from December 2002 through January 2003 for between $8399 USD and $9849 USD.

Product

Ski-Doo® snowmobiles

Description

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bombardier Motor Corporation of America of Grant, Fla. is voluntarily recalling 548 Ski-Doo snowmobiles, model year 2003, Legend and Grand Touring SDI and V-1000 models. The Start/RER switch for the SDI models and the Start switch for the V-1000 models may be defective, creating potential problems.PRODUCT: Snowmobiles - Bombardier Motor Corporation of America of Grant, Fla. is voluntarily recalling 548 Ski-Doo® snowmobiles, model year 2003, Legend™ and Grand Touring™ SDI and V-1000 models. The recalled snowmobiles are 2-tone blue or all black. The name of the engine is written on the hood: Rotax 4-TEC V-1000 or Rotax 2-TEC 800 SDI. Bombardier dealers sold these snowmobiles in the United States from December 2002 through January 2003 for between $8399 USD and $9849 USD.PROBLEM: The Start/RER switch for the SDI models and the Start switch for the V-1000 models may be defective, creating two potential problems:Condition A: If the operator leaves the engine cut out switch in the "ON" position and the tether cut out switch cap on the switch post, the vehicle may start by itself (SDI models and V-1000 models).Condition B: While vehicle is idling, the engine may stop and then restart in the reverse stationary mode (SDI models only).Both of these conditions may be hazardous to the driver as well as to persons nearby.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should contact their Bombardier dealer to schedule an appointment. The dealer will replace the Start/RER switch (SDI models) or Start switch (V-1000 models). For more information, contact Bombardier's Consumer Assistance Centre at (888) 638 -5397 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.Bombardier Motor Corporation of America has notified consumers directly about this recall.

Hazard

The Start/RER switch for the SDI models and the Start switch for the V-1000 models may be defective.

Incidents & Injuries

None reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should contact their Bombardier dealer to schedule an appointment. The dealer will replace the Start/RER switch (SDI models) or Start switch (V-1000 models).

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace 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 (Replace) 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.