2002 model Kawasaki KV650 "Prairie" ATVs
CPSC Recall #02-511 - December 17, 2001
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 02-511 |
| Recall Date | December 17, 2001 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 790 |
Where It Was Sold
| Kawasaki dealers sold these ATVs nationwide between May 1 |
| 2001 through May 25 |
| 2001 for $6 |
| 999. |
Product
2002 model Kawasaki KV650 "Prairie" ATVs
Description
PRODUCT: ATVs - Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) of Irvine, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 790, all terrain vehicles (ATVs). The recall involves the 2002 model Kawasaki KV650 "Prairie" ATV. The ATV model has the identification "Kawasaki" and "Prairie" on both sides of the bodywork. Kawasaki dealers sold these ATVs nationwide between May 1, 2001 through May 25, 2001 for $6,999. PROBLEM: The rear axle on some of these units could have been incorrectly heat-treated. This could allow the rear axle to break, causing a loss of vehicle control and injury. INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported. WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using these ATVs immediately and contact a local Kawasaki dealer to determine if the vehicle is part of the recall. Consumers should call Kawasaki toll free at (866) 802-9381 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Purchasers were sent direct mail notification of this recall.
Hazard
The rear axle on some of these units could have been incorrectly heat-treated. This could allow the rear axle to break, causing a loss of vehicle control and injury.
Incidents & Injuries
None reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using these ATVs immediately and contact a local Kawasaki dealer to determine if the vehicle is part of the recall.
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.