RANGER Off-Road Utility Vehicles and Professional Series Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs)
CPSC Recall #02-555 — August 19, 2002
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 02-555 |
| Recall Date | August 19, 2002 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 7,600 |
| Manufactured In | United States |
Where It Was Sold
| Polaris dealers sold these vehicles worldwide from April 2001 through July 2002 for between $6 |
| 999 (2x4 model) to $9 |
| 949 (6x6 model) depending on the particular model. |
Product
RANGER Off-Road Utility Vehicles and Professional Series Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs)
Description
PRODUCT: RANGERs and UTVs - Polaris Industries Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 7,600 RANGER Off-Road Utility Vehicles and Professional Series Utility Task Vehicles ("UTVs"). Polaris dealers sold these vehicles worldwide from April 2001 through July 2002 for between $6,999 (2x4 model) to $9,949 (6x6 model) depending on the particular model. The RANGERs and UTVs were manufactured in the USA.PROBLEM: The problem with the RANGER vehicles and UTVs involves the swing arm, which is part of the rear suspension. During operation of the vehicle the pivot bolts of the swing arm can loosen and fall out. If this happens, the swing arm can become partially disconnected from the frame. This can result in the vehicle losing power because the drivetrain connection to the wheels is no longer maintained. If this were to occur, the loss of power and resulting swing arm disorientation could cause the operator to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in injury to the operator.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Polaris Industries Inc. has received twenty-three reports possibly related to the loose pivot bolt issue. One passenger was injured when she bumped her head on the cab frame.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using these vehicles immediately and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair. For more information, contact Polaris at (800)-POLARIS between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. ET Monday through Friday and between 8.a.m. and 12 midnight on weekends. Consumers can visit their website at www.polarisindustries.com.Owners of these vehicles were directly notified about this recall.
Hazard
The problem with the RANGER vehicles and UTVs involves the swing arm, which is part of the rear suspension. During operation of the vehicle the pivot bolts of the swing arm can loosen and fall out. If this happens, the swing arm can become partially disconnected from the frame. This can result in the vehicle losing power because the drivetrain connection to the wheels is no longer maintained. If this were to occur, the loss of power and resulting swing arm disorientation could cause the operator to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in injury to the operator.
Incidents & Injuries
Polaris Industries Inc. has received twenty-three reports possibly related to the loose pivot bolt issue. One passenger was injured when she bumped her head on the cab frame.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using these vehicles immediately and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair.
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.
Furniture tip-overs are a leading cause of pediatric injuries in the U.S., particularly dressers, bookcases, and television stands. CPSC data shows that a child dies approximately every two weeks from a furniture or TV tip-over. Unstable high chairs, baby swings, and bouncers are also frequent recall subjects due to fall risks. ASTM International standards now require that certain furniture must meet tip-over resistance standards, and CPSC has been actively pursuing mandatory requirements for dressers and chests. If you have furniture that was not recalled but feels unstable, wall-anchoring kits are widely available at hardware stores.
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.