Snowmobile Retrofit

CPSC Recall #96-109 — April 23, 1996

Recall Summary

Recall Number96-109
Recall DateApril 23, 1996
Remedy TypeRepair
Units Affected19,320

Product

Snowmobile Retrofit

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Polaris Industries Partners L.P. of Minneapolis, Minn., is announcing the voluntary recall of about 19,320 snowmobiles, model years 1994, 1995, and 1996. The snowmobile's engine coolant tank may expand, interfering with the operation of the brakes. Snowmobile drivers or riders could be injured or killed if the brakes fail. Polaris is aware of one injury allegedly involving the snowmobile coolant tank. This recall affects the following Polaris snowmobiles:   Model Year and Name Model Numbers 1994 and 1995 Storm and Storm SKS model numbers 0945782, E945782, 0945582, E945582, 0955782, E955782, 0955582, and E955582 1996 Storm model numbers 0965782, and E965782 1996 Storm SKS model numbers 0965582, and E965582 1996 Storm RMK model number 0965982 1996 Ultra model numbers 0960578 and E960578 1996 Ultra SKS model numbers 0960678 and E960678 1996 Ultra RMK model number 0960978 1996 600 XCR SP model number 0965677 Polaris dealers sold the snowmobiles nationwide from March 1993 through April 1996 for suggested retail prices between $6,000 and $9,000 each, depending on the model. Consumers who own these snowmobiles should stop using them immediately and return them to any authorized Polaris dealer for free installation of a support bracket kit, which will prevent the expansion from occurring. 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

The snowmobile's engine coolant tank may expand, interfering with the operation of the brakes. Snowmobile drivers or riders could be injured or killed if the brakes fail.

Incidents & Injuries

Polaris is aware of one injury allegedly involving the snowmobile coolant tank.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers who own these snowmobiles should stop using them immediately and return them to any authorized Polaris dealer for free installation of a support bracket kit, which will prevent the expansion from occurring.

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.