Polaris snowmobiles
CPSC Recall #99-144 — July 18, 1999
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 99-144 |
| Recall Date | July 18, 1999 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 67,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| Polaris dealers nationwide sold these snowmobiles from June 1998 through July 1999 for between $4 |
| 000 and $8 |
| 000. |
Product
Polaris snowmobiles
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Polaris Industries Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 67,000 snowmobiles. The hydraulic disc brakes on these snowmobiles can fail, resulting in serious injury or death to riders. Polaris is aware of 17 reports of the brakes on these snowmobiles failing. No injuries have been reported. The recall includes all 1999 models with hydraulic disc brakes and certain 2000 model Polaris snowmobiles. The word "Polaris" is written on the front of the hood and the sides of the seat of these snowmobiles. The snowmobiles were sold under numerous model names and numbers, and in a wide variety of colors. Polaris dealers nationwide sold these snowmobiles from June 1998 through July 1999 for between $4,000 and $8,000. Consumers should arrange now to have their snowmobile's disc brakes replaced for free at their local Polaris dealer before the winter riding season begins. Polaris also will replace the snowmobiles' brake pads at no charge. Registered owners will be notified by mail, and will be contacted by the selling dealer to schedule an appointment. For more information, consumers should contact their local Polaris dealer. To locate the nearest dealer, call Polaris at (800) POLARIS between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. EDT Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 12 a.m. EDT Saturday and Sunday.
Hazard
The hydraulic disc brakes on these snowmobiles can fail, resulting in serious injury or death to riders.
Incidents & Injuries
Polaris is aware of 17 reports of the brakes on these snowmobiles failing. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should arrange now to have their snowmobile's disc brakes replaced for free at their local Polaris dealer before the winter riding season begins. Polaris also will replace the snowmobiles' brake pads at no charge.
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.