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Polaris Snowmobiles

CPSC Recall #98-026 - November 12, 1997

Recall Summary

Recall Number98-026
Recall DateNovember 12, 1997
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 20,670

Where It Was Sold

Polaris dealers nationwide sold the snowmobiles from March 1996 through October 1997 for between $6
200 and $7
700
depending on the model.

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 20,670 snowmobiles to replace their steering pitman arms, which are part of the steering mechanism.The snowmobile's steering pitman arm can crack in the weld area, and consumers can lose control of the snowmobile and crash.Polaris has received 21 reports of steering pitman arms cracking and, in some instances, consumers have lost control of the snowmobiles. No injuries have been reported.The following snowmobiles are involved in this recall:Model Year and Name   Model Number1997 440 XC09717601997 XCF09716431997 600 XC0971776 and E9717761997 600 XCR0975677 and E9756771997 600 XCR SEH9756771997 700 SKS097566 and E9705661997 700 RMK09709661997 Ultra SP09706781997 Ultra SPX0975678 and E9756781997 Ultra SPX SEH9756781998 600 RMK09709581998 XLT SP09857761998 600 XCR09756771998 700 RMK09709661998 700 XCR0975678Polaris previously has sent direct mail notification of this recall to dealers and registered owners.The model number is on the identification plate on the right side of the snowmobile's tunnel, close to where the operator's ankle would be if seated on the snowmobile.Polaris dealers nationwide sold the snowmobiles from March 1996 through October 1997 for between $6,200 and $7,700, depending on the model.Consumers should stop using these snowmobiles immediately and contact their Polaris dealer to have the steering pitman arm replaced for free. For the location of the nearest Polaris dealer, consumers should call (800) POLARIS between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Hazard

Steering pitman arms are being recalled for replacement, which are part of the steering mechanism.

Incidents & Injuries

The snowmobile's steering pitman arm can crack in the weld area, and consumers can lose control of the snowmobile and crash.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these snowmobiles immediately and contact their Polaris dealer to have the steering pitman arm replaced for free.

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.

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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.

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