"Viper Jr" youth ATVs
CPSC Recall #03-526 — February 4, 2003
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 03-526 |
| Recall Date | February 4, 2003 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 1,400 |
Where It Was Sold
| Dealerships nationwide sold these ATVs from August 2002 through January 2003 for $1 |
| 500. |
Product
"Viper Jr" youth ATVs
Description
PRODUCT: ATVs - Eton America LLC's of Spartanburg, S.C., is voluntarily recalling about 1,400 four-wheel drive all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The recalled 2003 model ATVs are red, yellow and black. They have the brand name "Viper Jr" written on both sides of the front chassis. These are small ATVs intended for children between ages 6 and 12. Dealerships nationwide sold these ATVs from August 2002 through January 2003 for $1,500.PROBLEM: The ATV contains a remote shutoff switch that shuts the ATV off. For the remote shutoff switch to work, the receiver switch on the ATV must be in the on position. It was possible for the ATV to be started with the receiver switch in the off position. The ATV could not be shutoff with the remote switch should the rider start to act in an unsafe manner. This could cause serious bodily harm.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using these ATVs immediately and contact their local dealer to schedule an appointment for their ATV to be repaired. For more information, contact Eton at (864) 278-9585 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Owners of these ATVs have been notified.
Hazard
The ATV contains a remote shutoff switch that shuts the ATV off. For the remote shutoff switch to work, the receiver switch on the ATV must be in the on position. It was possible for the ATV to be started with the receiver switch in the off position. The ATV could not be shutoff with the remote switch should the rider start to act in an unsafe manner. This could cause serious bodily harm.
Incidents & Injuries
None reported
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using these ATVs immediately and contact their local dealer to schedule an appointment for their ATV to be repaired. Owners of these ATVs have been notified.
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.