The 2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 EPS is one of the models being recalled.

Honda is recalling approximately 65,000 Pioneer 1000 utility vehicles because potential muffler overheating may cause a plastic heat shield to melt or catch fire. Consumers should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact a Honda powersports dealer for a free inspection and repair. Honda is contacting all known purchasers directly. The recall involves model year 2016, 2017 and some 2018 three passenger and five passenger Pioneer 1000 vehicles. The vehicles were sold from October 2015 through April 2018. The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Hazard:  The muffler can overheat, causing the plastic heat shield to melt or catch fire, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Remedy:  Repair

Recall date:  May 15, 2018

Units:  About 65,000

Consumer Contact:  American Honda toll-free at 866-784-1870 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at http://powersports.honda.com and click on “Recall Information” at the bottom of the page for more information.

Recall Details

Description:  This recall involves all model year 2016 through 2017, and some model year 2018 Honda Pioneer 1000 Vehicles. The recalled vehicles were sold in various colors including: red, blue, green, gray and yellow. The name “HONDA” is on the front, sides and the rear of the vehicle. The model name Pioneer 1000 is printed on a label located on both sides of the vehicle, near the rear. The serial number (VIN #) is stamped in the frame at the left rear, below the tilt-up bed/seat. The following model numbers and serial number ranges are being recalled:

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Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact an authorized Honda Powersports dealer to schedule an appointment for a free inspection and repair. Honda is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries:  The firm has received 22 reports of the muffler plastic heat shield melting and three reports of muffler plastic heat shield fires. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At:  Authorized Honda Powersports dealers nationwide from October 2015 through April 2018 for between $14,000 and $22,000.

Manufacturer(s):  American Honda Motor Company Inc., of Torrance, Calif.

Manufactured In:  United States

Recall number:  18-742

Learn More:  CPSC.gov

SVR’s Take:  This is another very large recall for the industry and once again related to an overheating and heat shield issue that can create a fire hazard. While massive recalls by Polaris have probably received the most attention in the industry, other manufacturers have had very large recalls as well.

Horsepower is one of the key vehicle specifications that manufacturers use to differentiate their offerings. This has created an atmosphere of one-upsmanship regarding engine size with each vehicle introduction trying to outdo the last in terms of horsepower. Given the large number of recalls in recent years related to overheating and/or fire hazards one has to wonder if the industry’s expertise in engine technology has outpaced their expertise in handling the additional heat output by these increasingly powerful engines. SVR has been tracking utility vehicle recalls for the past several years.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com