Snowmobile drive tracks for Kawasaki 1978 and 1979 Invader and Intruder models
CPSC Recall #81-003 - January 25, 1981
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 81-003 |
| Recall Date | January 25, 1981 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | Approximately 16,500 |
Product
Snowmobile drive tracks for Kawasaki 1978 and 1979 Invader and Intruder models
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 26) -- Following reports of serious injuries involving snowmobile drive tracks, a three to four million dollar voluntary repair program to correct approximately 16,500 1978 and 1979 model snowmobiles was announced today by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Kawasaki Motors Corp. (USA) of Santa Ana, California. CPSC staff learned of the problem with the snowmobile tracks in May 1980, when the company notified CPSC of several incidents involving bar detachment injuries. To date, CPSC staff has been informed by Kawasaki of approximately 20 such injury incidents, including fractures or severe lacerations which in three cases required the amputation of a finger. These incidents occurred when the snowmobile had been lifted or turned on its side and the track was rotating at high speeds. In settlement of its alleged failure to report promptly to CPSC information which the Commission believes indicated that these snowmobile tracks could pose a substantial risk of injury to the public, Kawasaki has agreed to pay $90,000 to CPSC. The snowmobile tracks involved are the MGB (molded grouser bar) type which were designed and manufactured by Kawasaki and by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. The tracks have experienced detachment of the metal bar from the rubber belts of the track. Kawasaki has not used this track on any of its models since 1979. When the bars become partially or completely detached from the rubber belts and when the snowmobile is lifted or turned on its side exposing the rotating track, bars can strike the hands, legs or feet of a person who is lifting the snowmobile or standing next to the rotating track. Kawasaki is notifying by mail all snowmobile owners with registered warranties for the 1978 and 1979 Invader and Intruder models, informing them of the safety hazard and the company's track replacement program. Notice also will be given through Kawasaki dealers nationwide. Kawasaki has agreed to replace, free-of-charge, all MGB tracks on the 1978-79 Intruder and Invader models with its current model track which has no bars. The company estimates that the replacement program will cost between $3 million and $4 million. Owners of these snowmobile models are being urged to contact their local Kawasaki dealer promptly (but no later than June 30, 1981) for information on the track replacement program. Track replacement will be performed by Kawasaki dealers as the replacement tracks become available from the manufacturer. In connection with the $90,000 payment and the voluntary corrective action plan, Kawasaki denies that there was any failure to report information as required by law, and further denies that any substantial risk of injury exists. The voluntary corrective action plan, offered by Kawasaki and accepted by the Commission after negotiation, states that Kawasaki has not admitted that any violation of the Consumer Product Safety Act has occurred. The replacement program is being conducted because it is in the public interest to minimize any risk of injury which may be posed by the tracks now being replaced. Owners of the 1978-79 Invader and Intruder snowmobiles are being urged to follow all instructions in their owner's manual and to keep their hands and feet away from all rotating snowmobile tracks. These tracks should be inspected visually before starting the engine. After starting, if a banging or clattering is heard from underneath the vehicle, immediate track replacement should be sought. To verify model numbers affected by the repair program and for information on the location of Kawasaki dealers, consumers should call CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800-638-2772.
Hazard
When the bars become partially or completely detached from the rubber belts and when the snowmobile is lifted or turned on its side exposing the rotating track, bars can strike the hands, legs or feet of a person who is lifting the snowmobile or standing next to the rotating track.
Incidents & Injuries
To date, CPSC staff has been informed by Kawasaki of approximately 20 injury incidents, including fractures or severe lacerations which in three cases required the amputation of a finger. These incidents occurred when the snowmobile had been lifted or turned on its side and the track was rotating at high speeds.
Remedy Instructions
Kawasaki has agreed to replace, free-of-charge, all MGB tracks on the 1978-79 Intruder and Invader models with its current model track which has no bars. Owners of these snowmobile models are urged to contact their local Kawasaki dealer for information on the track replacement program. Track replacement will be performed by Kawasaki dealers as the replacement tracks become available from the manufacturer.
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.