Kawasaki KFX700 "V-Force" ATVs
CPSC Recall #03-542 — June 29, 2003
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 03-542 |
| Recall Date | June 29, 2003 |
| Remedy Type | Inspect, Repair |
| Units Affected | 3,000 |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif. |
| Manufactured In | United States |
Where It Was Sold
| Kawasaki dealers nationwide from March 2003 through June 2003 for about $6 |
| 500. |
Product
Kawasaki KFX700 "V-Force" ATVs
Description
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif. is voluntarily recalling about 3,000 All-Terrain Vehicles. The throttle cable adjuster on the carburetor can loosen during operation, causing it to stick, which can cause the rider to lose control and possibly crash.Name of product: Kawasaki KFX700 "V-Force" ATVsUnits: 3,000Manufacturer: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif.Hazard: The throttle cable adjuster on the carburetor can loosen during operation, causing it to stick, which can cause the rider to lose control and possibly crash.Incidents/Injuries: Kawasaki has received three reports from consumers of the throttle sticking because of the throttle cable adjuster on the carburetor. There was one report of a consumer suffering minor injuries as a result of this hazard.Description: The Kawasaki KFX700 "V-Force" is a four-wheel ATV with a variable automatic transmission. The green or orange ATVs have "Kawasaki," "KFX700" and "V-Force" written on them.Sold at: Kawasaki dealers nationwide from March 2003 through June 2003 for about $6,500.Manufactured in: U.S.A.Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact their Kawasaki dealer to schedule an appointment for a free inspection and repair. For more information, contact your Kawasaki dealer, call Kawasaki toll-free at (866) 802-9381 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the Kawasaki website at www.kawasaki.com. Kawasaki is directly notifying owners of these ATVs about this recall.
Hazard
The throttle cable adjuster on the carburetor can loosen during operation, causing it to stick, which can cause the rider to lose control and possibly crash.
Incidents & Injuries
Kawasaki has received three reports from consumers of the throttle sticking because of the throttle cable adjuster on the carburetor. There was one report of a consumer suffering minor injuries as a result of this hazard.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately contact their Kawasaki dealer to schedule an appointment for 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.
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.