Gator Utility Vehicles, models 4X2 Gators, 6X4 Gators, and Turf Gators
CPSC Recall #01-511 — March 19, 2001
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 01-511 |
| Recall Date | March 19, 2001 |
| Remedy Type | Inspect, Repair |
| Units Affected | About 550 |
Where It Was Sold
| The utility vehicles were sold through authorized John Deere Dealers nationwide from November 2000 through February 2001 for between $6 |
| 000 and $10 |
| 000. |
Product
Gator Utility Vehicles, models 4X2 Gators, 6X4 Gators, and Turf Gators
Description
PRODUCT: Utility Vehicles - Deere & Company, of Moline, Ill., is recalling about 550 Gator Utility Vehicles. The recalled models include the 4X2 Gators, 6X4 Gators, and Turf Gators manufactured between October 2000 and November 2000. The off-road vehicles are four- or six-wheeled and have the model number painted on the side of a cargo box, which is attached to the back of the vehicle. The utility vehicles were sold through authorized John Deere Dealers nationwide from November 2000 through February 2001 for between $6,000 and $10,000.PROBLEM: During manufacturing, an extra internal vent line was attached to the plastic vent fitting on some fuel tanks. If the fuel inside the gas tank expands, it can leak out through the extra vent line and onto the ground, presenting fire and burn hazards.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Deere & Company has received three reports of fuel leaks. No fires or injuries have been reported.WHAT TO DO: Stop using the vehicle immediately. If it is stored inside, push the vehicle outside to a well-ventilated area and loosen the fuel cap (one-quarter turn) to equalize pressure. Consumers should call the John Deere Dealer where the vehicle was purchased, to get a free inspection and repair. For more information, call Deere & Company toll-free at (800) 537-8233 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Deere & Company has sent notices to known purchasers.
Hazard
During manufacturing, an extra internal vent line was attached to the plastic vent fitting on some fuel tanks. If the fuel inside the gas tank expands, it can leak out through the extra vent line and onto the ground, presenting fire and burn hazards.
Incidents & Injuries
Deere & Company has received three reports of fuel leaks. No fires or injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Stop using the vehicle immediately. If it is stored inside, push the vehicle outside to a well-ventilated area and loosen the fuel cap (one-quarter turn) to equalize pressure. Consumers should call the John Deere Dealer where the vehicle was purchased, to get 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.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
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.