One of the Teryx4 side-by-side models from Kawasaki being recalled.
Kawasaki has expanded a recall of Teryx and Teryx4 side-by-sides due to the potential for sticks or other debris to break through the vehicle’s floor board and pose an injury hazard. The recall now includes approximately 19,500 vehicles and includes 2012 and 2013 model year Teryx4™ 750 4×4 (four seats) and 2014, 2015, 2016 model year Teryx® 800 4×4 (two seats) and 2014, 2015 and 2016 model year Teryx4 800 4×4 (four seats). To date Kawasaki has received 628 incident reports of debris cracking or breaking through the floor boards of the vehicles, including eight reports of injuries to riders’ lower extremities.
The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Recall Details
Units: About 19,500 (an additional 11,000 were recalled for the same hazard in July 2014 and 7,000 for a different hazard in August 2012)
Description and Models: The recall involves 2012 and 2013 model year Teryx4™ 750 4×4 (four seats) and 2014, 2015, 2016 model year Teryx® 800 4×4 (two seats) and 2014, 2015 and 2016 model year Teryx4 800 4×4 (four seats) recreational off-highway vehicles. These four-wheel off-highway vehicles have automotive style controls and seating for two or four. The Teryx 800 has side-by-side seating for two people, two doors, a roll bar with hand holds and a cargo bed. The Teryx4 750 and Teryx 4 800 have side-by-side seating for four people, four doors, a roll bar with hand holds and a cargo bed. The models come in three different styles: Non-EPS, EPS and EPS LE. The LE style has a roof and aluminum wheels. The model name is printed on the driver’s side of the hood or on the left and right front fender.
The 2012 Teryx4 750 model comes in blue, camo, green, yellow, and red. The 2013 Teryx4 750 model comes in black, camo, green, red, white, and yellow. The 2014 Teryx4 800 model comes in green, camo, yellow, and orange. The 2015 Teryx4 800 model comes in green, orange, white, camo, and black. The 2016 Teryx4 800 model comes in camo, white, green, red, and gray. The 2014 Teryx 800 model comes in camo, green, and blue. The 2015 Teryx 800 comes in green, white, black and camo. The 2016 Teryx 800 comes in green, gray, camo, and white.
Incidents/Injuries: Kawasaki has received 628 incident reports of debris cracking or breaking through the floor boards of the vehicles, including eight reports of injuries to riders’ lower extremities.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact an authorized Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair, consisting of the installation of floor board guards and replacing damaged floorboards. Consumers with previously repaired vehicles should contact Kawasaki dealers to receive this additional repair.
Sold at: Kawasaki dealers nationwide from November 2011 through November 2015 for between $13,400 and $16,300.
Distributor(s): Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif.
Manufactured in: United States
Comment: Encompassing nearly 20,000 vehicles this is a much larger than usual recall for the side-by-side market. It spans multiple models and several model years. This recall is also somewhat unusual in that many side-by-side recalls involve fire hazards related to debris touching hot parts or leaks in some type of fuel or fluid lines. This is the first time that I remember a recall involving floor boards. I’m curious to know whether this is related to a defective part or a more fundamental flaw in the design of the floor board. From perusing an online forum, it appears that the fix is the addition of metal guards.