Suzuki "Eiger" ATV

CPSC Recall #02-516 - December 30, 2001

Recall Summary

Recall Number02-516
Recall DateDecember 30, 2001
Remedy TypeInspect, Repair
Units AffectedApproximately 4,700

Where It Was Sold

Suzuki dealers nationwide sold these ATVs from September through mid-October 2001 for between $4
400 and $5
200.

Product

Suzuki "Eiger" ATV

Description

PRODUCT: ATVs - American Suzuki Motor Corporation of Brea, Calif., is voluntarily recalling approximately 4,700 2002 model year All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). The Suzuki "Eiger" LT-A400K2 and LT-A400FK2 (two and four-wheel drive) ATVs have automatic transmissions. These models carry the identifications "Suzuki" and "Eiger" on both sides of the bodywork, roughly inboard of the operator's knee location. The ATVs are available in both red and green. Suzuki dealers nationwide sold these ATVs from September through mid-October 2001 for between $4,400 and $5,200. PROBLEM: Suzuki Motor Corporation has determined that the Eiger automatic ATVs were produced with an internal manufacturing flaw. This flaw could cause the crankshaft to break during operation. A broken crankshaft will interrupt power transfer from the engine to the transmission and the drive wheels, leaving the driver stranded away from his or her base of operation. INCIDENTS/INJURIES: There have been four incidents in which the crankshaft broke during operation. No accidents or injuries have been reported. WHAT TO DO: Consumers should contact their local Suzuki dealer to schedule an appointment for their ATV to be inspected and repaired. Suzuki will replace all Eiger ATVs for a new one if the unit is brought in by January 31, 2002. After that date, they will be offering a free inspection and repair. For more information, contact Suzuki at (714) 572-1490 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. American Suzuki Motor Corporation will notify consumers directly about this recall.

Hazard

An internal manufacturing flaw could cause the crankshaft to break during operation. A broken crankshaft will interrupt power transfer from the engine to the transmission and the drive wheels, leaving the driver stranded away from his or her base of operation.

Incidents & Injuries

There have been four incidents in which the crankshaft broke during operation.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should contact their local Suzuki dealer to schedule an appointment for their ATV to be inspected and repaired. Suzuki will replace all Eiger ATVs for a new one if the unit is brought in by January 31, 2002. After that date, they will be offering a 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.