Arctic Cat ATVs with the following model names: 250, 300, 300 Massey Ferguson, 375, 400, 400i, 50...

CPSC Recall #02-232 — August 19, 2002

Recall Summary

Recall Number02-232
Recall DateAugust 19, 2002
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 45,000

Where It Was Sold

Arctic Cat dealerships nationwide sold these ATVs from June 2001 through June 12
2002 for between $4
000 and $6
500.

Product

Arctic Cat ATVs with the following model names: 250, 300, 300 Massey Ferguson, 375, 400, 400i, 500, TBX 500 and 500i

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 45,000 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The ball joints on the front suspension of these ATVs can fail, resulting in a loss of control. This can cause the ATV to overturn, posing a risk of serious injury or death to riders.Arctic Cat has received 73 reports of broken front suspensions, 10 of which resulted in injuries to riders, including a shoulder rotator cuff injury, and bumps and bruises.The recalled 2002 model ATVs are either red or green. They have the brand name "Arctic Cat" written on both sides of the vehicle. The recall includes the following ATV model names: 250, 300, 300 Massey Ferguson, 375, 400, 400i, 500, TBX 500 and 500i. Consumers should have their ATV's model name and 13-digit model number available when they call or visit the firm's website to determine if an ATV is included in the recall. The model name is located on the front of the ATVs, just below the speedometer. The model number is included in the registration materials received at the time of purchase.Arctic Cat dealerships nationwide sold these ATVs from June 2001 through June 12, 2002 for between $4,000 and $6,500.Consumers should stop using these ATVs immediately. Registered owners have been notified about this recall by mail. To determine if an ATV is part of this recall, consumers should call Arctic Cat toll-free at (800) 279-6851 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or go to the firm's website at arcticcat.txtsv.com. Consumers should have their ATV's model name and number available when they call. Consumers with a recalled ATV should contact their local Arctic Cat ATV dealer to schedule the free repair.

Hazard

The ball joints on the front suspension of these ATVs can fail, resulting in a loss of control. This can cause the ATV to overturn, posing a risk of serious injury or death to riders.

Incidents & Injuries

Arctic Cat has received 73 reports of broken front suspensions, 10 of which resulted in injuries to riders, including a shoulder rotator cuff injury, and bumps and bruises.

Remedy Instructions

To determine if an ATV is part of this recall, consumers should call Arctic Cat toll-free at (800) 279-6851 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or go to the firm's website at arcticcat.txtsv.com. Consumers should have their ATV's model name and number available when they call. Consumers with a recalled ATV should contact their local Arctic Cat ATV dealer to schedule the 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.

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.