"Arctic Cat 500" ATV
CPSC Recall #02-510 - November 29, 2001
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 02-510 |
| Recall Date | November 29, 2001 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 550 |
Product
"Arctic Cat 500" ATV
Description
PRODUCT: ATVs - Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 550 model year 2002 All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). The Arctic Cat 500 is a four-wheeled ATV with a manual transmission. These models carry the identification "Arctic Cat" on both sides of the bodywork, inboard of the operator's knee location. The ATVs are green with "Arctic Cat 500" written on the front of the chassis by the steering control. Arctic Cat sold these ATVs nationwide from June 2001 through November 2001 for about $6,400. This recall pertains only to the ATVs that have one of the following VIN numbers: 4UF02ATV12T206459 through 4UF02ATV42T207010. The VIN number is located on the right rear corner of the frame. PROBLEM: There may be an inadequate weld on the front upper A-arm bracket. If the upper A-arm bracket separates from the frame, the rider could lose control of the vehicle and be seriously injured. INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported. WHAT TO DO: Consumers should contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to receive a free replacement. For more information, contact Arctic Cat Inc., toll free at (800) 279-9419 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or log onto www.arcticcat.com. Arctic Cat will notify their customers directly about this recall.
Hazard
There may be an inadequate weld on the front upper A-arm bracket. If the upper A-arm bracket separates from the frame, the rider could lose control of the vehicle and be seriously injured.
Incidents & Injuries
None reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to receive a free replacement.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace 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 (Replace) 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.