Polaris Snowmobiles
CPSC Recall #96116 — April 30, 1996
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 96116 |
| Recall Date | April 30, 1996 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | 19,327 |
Where It Was Sold
| Polaris dealers sold the snowmobiles nationwide from March 1995 through April 1996 for suggested retail prices between $5 |
| 000 and $7 |
| 000 each |
| depending on the model. |
Product
Polaris Snowmobiles
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Polaris Industries Partners L.P. of Minneapolis, Minn., is announcing the voluntary recall of 19,327 Polaris snowmobiles. On some snowmobiles, the handlebars were not completely welded to the steering posts. If the handlebars break, a driver could lose control of the snowmobile and cause an accident or crash. Polaris is aware of three snowmobile accidents resulting from the handlebars breaking due to an incomplete weld. One driver received a minor injury. In January, Polaris initiated this recall by contacting consumers directly through letters and Polaris service bulletin number SB96-05. This recall affects the following 1996 model year Polaris snowmobiles: Model name Model Number XLT Touring model numbers 0963357 and E963357 Classic model number 0963865 500 SKS model numbers 0962564 and E962564 500 EFI model number 0963774 500 EFI RMK model number 0962974 Trail model number 0962761 Classic Touring model numbers 0963365 and E963365 500 (Carb) model number 0962764 500 RMK model number 0962964 500 EFI SKS model number 0962574 Trail Tourin model numbers 0962262 and E962262 440 model number 0962760 The recalled snowmobiles have serial numbers within the following ranges: 2623600 through 2633599; 2649419 through 2650441; 2673200 through 2687804; 2696969 through 2698569; 2833600 through 2833640; and 2619488. The serial number is located on the right side of the tunnel where drivers place their right foot. Polaris dealers sold the snowmobiles nationwide from March 1995 through April 1996 for suggested retail prices between $5,000 and $7,000 each, depending on the model. Consumers who own these snowmobiles should stop using them immediately and return them to any authorized Polaris dealer for inspection, unless they have already responded to the letter they received regarding this and had their snowmobile inspected. If necessary, the handlebars will be replaced at no charge. For the location of the nearest Polaris dealer, consumers should call (800) POLARIS. CPSC urges consumers who own Polaris snowmobiles to participate in this retrofit program as part of their regular, post-season snowmobile maintenance procedures.
Hazard
On some snowmobiles, the handlebars were not completely welded to the steering posts. If the handlebars break, a driver could lose control of the snowmobile and cause an accident or crash.
Incidents & Injuries
Polaris is aware of three snowmobile accidents resulting from the handlebars breaking due to an incomplete weld. One driver received a minor injury.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers who own these snowmobiles should stop using them immediately and return them to any authorized Polaris dealer for inspection, unless they have already responded to the letter they received regarding this and had their snowmobile inspected. If necessary, the handlebars will be replaced 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.