The Kubota RTV400 being recalled.
The Kubota RTV500 being recalled.
Kubota has issued a large recall of their model year 2013, 2014, and 2015 RTV400 and RTV500 utility vehicles. Approximately 23,400 vehicles are being recalled because the steering shaft can break and cause loss of vehicle control. Kubota has received nine reports of shafts breaking and one injury as a result. Owners should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact an authorized Kubota dealer for a free inspection and free repair. The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Recall Summary
Name of product: Utility Vehicles
Hazard: The steering shaft can break and cause the operator to lose control of the vehicle, posing an injury hazard due to risk of collision.
Consumer Contact: Kubota Tractor Corporation at 800-752-0290 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or online at www.kubota.com and click on More, then Safety, then Safety Notices for more information. Kubota is contacting known customers directly.
Recall Details
Units: About 23,400
Description: This recall involves model year 2013, 2014 and 2015 Kubota RTV400 and RTV500 series gas-powered utility vehicles. Recalled utility vehicles come in orange and camouflage and have serial numbers ranging from 10001 to 22042 for the RTV400 and 25083 to 40991 for the RTV500. The model is on the side of the unit and on the data plate on the back of the cab, between the cab and the bed. The serial number is also on the data plate.
Incidents/Injuries: Kubota has received nine reports of shafts breaking, including one in which a consumer lost control of the vehicle and collided with a barbed wire fence, resulting in a cut on the arm.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact an authorized Kubota dealer for a free inspection and free repair.
Sold at: Authorized Kubota dealers nationwide from 2010 to 2015 for between $21,000 and $22,000.
Distributor(s): Kubota Tractor Corporation, of Torrance, Calif.
Manufactured in: United States
Comment: This is a large recall. Even though the sales period stretches over several years, anything over 10,000 units let alone 23,000 is a sizable number. I would also surmise that this repair might be a more involved and thus more expensive than most recall repairs.