The Polaris 2020 Ranger Crew 1000 is part of a large recall related to a drive belt issue.
UTV Recalls Summary
There have been a number of UTV recalls the last two months. With the exception of the latest Polaris recall involving over 40,000 vehicles, the recalls have been very small. The large Polaris recall includes Ranger 1000 and Ranger Crew 1000, ProXD, Ariens/Gravely and Bobcat models. These models use a common drive belt, which can break and damage the fuel line.
The smaller recalls include John Deere XUV590, Kawasaki Teryx and Polaris RZR Pro XP models. A variety of issues drive the recalls. The recall information below is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
UTV Recalls Detailed Information
John Deere Gator UTV Recall
OEM
Model(s)
Hazard
Remedy
Recall Date, Number & Link
Units Involved
John Deere
XUV590 and XUV590 S4 Gator™
An error in the ECU (Engine Control Unit) software can result in the speedometer and several speed-related safety systems not functioning as designed, posing a crash hazard and risk of injury.
The vehicles were manufactured without copper seal washers on the turbocharger’s oil supply line, which can result in an oil leak, posing a fire hazard.
2020-2021 Ranger 1000 and Ranger Crew 1000, 2020 ProXD 2000G and 4000G, 2020-2021 Ariens/Gravely JSV3200, JSV3400, and JSV6400, 2020 Bobcat UV34 4×4 Gas and UV34 XL Gas, and 2021 Bobcat UV34 4×4 Gas
The drive belt can break during operation and damage the inner clutch cover assembly and fuel line, which can result in a fuel leak, posing a fire hazard.
The Cub Car 2 Passenger Onward Personal Transportation Vehicle
Platinum Equity, a global private equity firm, has announced the purchase of Ingersoll Rand’s Specialty Vehicle Technologies segment, which is primarily Club Car. The purchase price is $1.68 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter.
SVR’s Take
This is probably better for Club Car but that remains to be seen. Club Car always seemed a bit of an odd fit within Ingersoll Rand. The management did not make bold moves while being enmeshed in the conglomerate. Like the other golf car manufacturers, they were well positioned to take advantage of the off-road utility vehicle market, but mainly stayed in their lane and ceded much of the lucrative market to the powersports companies. They also allowed E-Z-GO to beat them to the market with lithium powered golf cars and personal transportation vehicles.
The question is how aggressive is Platinum Equity willing to be. Are they just looking for some operational efficiencies to milk more profits out of the steady but unexciting golf fleet market and the smaller but growing PTV and light duty utility vehicle markets. The firm owns some existing companies that already play in the automotive space to varying degrees that may provide some synergies like Ying Shing Enterprises, a China based injection molder and metal stamper, electronics manufacturer PCI Private Limited and Elevate Textiles.
On the other hand, maybe Platinum Equity see opportunities to expand the business by building on robust manufacturing volume, established supply chains and expertise in electric vehicles. The urban mobility/micro mobility market beckons, but will Club Car leave the golf car path? How about last mile delivery? Can Club Car transfer their strengths to electric scooters, e-bikes or other alternative electric vehicles? There are already startups establishing themselves in these markets. Arcimoto’s three-wheeled vehicle could challenge in portions of their utility and PTV markets. Polaris is partnering with Optimus Ride on low-speed autonomous vehicles.
The latter begs the question, was Polaris in the running to purchase Club Car? They like to acquire leading brands. Perhaps they didn’t see enough growth prospects. On the other hand, they may believe they can take advantage of new opportunities with less investment through GEM and their other in-house electric vehicle assets as they move to electrify their powersports products. It will be interesting to see in what direction Club Car and other players in the small, task-oriented vehicle market move next.
Optimus Ride currently modifies stock GEM LSVs like the GEM e6 for their self-driving service.
Optimus Ride – Polaris Partnership
Polaris is expanding their partnership with Boston-based Optimus Ride to manufacturer autonomous vehicles. Optimus Ride has been slowly rolling out autonomous low-speed vehicle services based on the Polaris Gem. Previously, Optimus modified the GEMs, about 30 in total. Under the expanded partnership, a GEM specifically designed for driverless, autonomous driving will be developed with Polaris and be ready for the second half of 2023 according to Optimus management. The GEM vehicles fall under the Polaris Commercial business division.
Optimus Ride Autonomous Vehicle Background
The Optimus Ride autonomous vehicle service route in at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Optimus Ride started in 2015 and has been proving its’ autonomous vehicle technology since then. Their service has been operating in a number of environments with routes that are relatively short and predictable. The routes are typically 1 to 3 miles with either fixed-route or on-demand services. The vehicles are all low speed vehicles and to date have also featured a safety driver. For example, the company operates a fixed-route autonomous vehicle service at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. In February, 2021 they announced a new service at TheYards waterfront development in Washington DC. Residents and tenants will use the Opti Ride app to schedule on-demand rides. These localized trips in developments, downtown areas and college and corporate campuses overlap significantly with the existing target market for the Polaris GEM product line.
SVR’s Take
This is another sign of Polaris moving towards electrification as well as positioning the company in the micro mobility space. It is also a great way to protect their existing GEM market position in places like college and corporate campuses. These markets are likely to be at the forefront of these limited scope, autonomous vehicle use cases. Now Polaris, through Optimus Ride, will be able to offer their existing customers the next generation of vehicle technology. At the same time, the partnership will likely open up new commercial markets for Polaris.
The 2020 Polaris Pro XD 4000G utility vehicle being recalled is sold to commercial markets.The 2020 and 2021 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 is also part of the recall.
Ranger and ProXD UTVs Recall Summary
Polaris is recalling model year 2020-2021 Ranger 1000, Crew 1000, XP 1000 and Crew XP 1000 utility vehicles as well as model year 2020 ProXD 2000G, 2000G H, 4000G and 4000G H utility vehicles. The throttle pedal can return to the idle position more slowly than anticipated and create a crash hazard. The recall includes nearly 16,000 vehicles. Owners should stop using the vehicles and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a repair. Owners filed 52 reports regarding the issue, including six crashes, but no reported injuries. The following recall details are from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Ranger and ProXD UTVs Recall Details
Name of product: Model Year 2020-2021 RANGER 1000, RANGER CREW 1000, RANGER XP 1000, and RANGER CREW XP 1000 and Model Year 2020 ProXD 2000G, ProXD 2000G H, ProXD 4000G, and ProXD 4000G H
Hazard: The throttle pedal can return to the idle position more slowly than anticipated once the pedal is released or stick in the depressed position, posing a crash hazard.
Recall date: March 4, 2021
Units: About 15,800 (In addition, 711 units were sold in Canada)
Description: This recall involves Model Year 2020-2021 RANGER 1000, RANGER CREW 1000, RANGER XP 1000, and RANGER CREW XP 1000 recreational off-highway vehicles and Model Year 2020 ProXD 2000G, ProXD 2000G H, ProXD 4000G, and ProXD 4000G H off-road utility vehicles. The vehicles were sold in the following colors: black, blue, burgundy, camo, gray, green, orange, red, sand, tan, titanium, and white. The RANGER vehicles have three or six seats and the ProXD vehicles have two or four seats. The RANGER and ProXD vehicles have “POLARIS” stamped on the front grille. The model number and VIN are printed on a portion of the left rear frame (on the driver’s side of the vehicle) under the cargo box.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is notifying all dealers and contacting registered owners directly.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 52 reports of throttle pedals returning to the idle position slowly or sticking, including six reports of vehicle crashes resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Polaris dealers nationwide from April 2020 through January 2021 for between $13,000 and $31,000.
Manufacturer(s): Polaris Inc., of Medina, Minn.
Manufactured In: United States and Mexico
Recall number: 21-724
SVR’s Take
At 16,000 units the recall is medium sized for Polaris. They are the largest UTV manufacturer by far so you would expect them to have more and larger recalls. However, this is the seventh recall dating back to January of 2020. The recall also has relatively high number of consumer reports. It appears they are still having quality control issues despite making changes after their massive recalls several years ago. SVR tracks recalls on an ongoing basis.
An electric Ranger is the first product from the Polaris partnership with Zero Motorcycles.
Polaris’ New Push to Electrify UTVs
Polaris’ announcement that they will be producing a new electric Ranger in collaboration with Zero Motorcycles is a strong indication that 2021 may be a turning point for the electrifying UTVs. They are the leading UTV manufacturer and already produces an electric Ranger but with traditional lead acid battery technology. There was a lithium ion battery equipped option at one time, but the model was prohibitively priced. The Ranger EV with a lithium battery pack cost approximately $10,000 higher than the lead acid version. This new Ranger EV is another step by Polaris as they increase investment towards electrifying UTVs and other powersports products.
At the end of 2019 the company created a new position, senior vice president of Electrification Strategy. Signaling the initiative’s importance, they filled it with the then president of Off Road, the company’s largest business division. In September, 2020 they announced a 10-year partnership with Zero Motorcycles as a cornerstone to their electrification strategy. Named rEV’d up, the strategy aims to offer electric vehicle options within each of its core product segments by 2025. Zero Motorcycles is one of the leading electric powertrain technology companies.
Polaris Has Extensive EV Experience
Polaris actually has quite a bit of experience in electric vehicles, but mostly outside of their powersports segments. Through the years the company has acquired GEM, Goupil, Brammo Electric Motorcycles and Taylor-Dunn, all manufacturers of electric vehicles. However, these companies are primarily active in markets that are more tangential to powersports. Polaris used the Brammo technology in the Ranger EV but not a motorcycle. Goupil produces light-duty commercial vehicles for the European market, GEM produces light-duty utility vehicles and transporters for college/corporate campuses and such, and Taylor-Dunn produces industrial utility vehicles. While these acquisitions were for commercial markets not powersports, Polaris gained a wealth of experience with electric vehicles.
Volcon is a startup looking to electrify powersports.
Moving forward, these product lines can provide manufacturing volume and a broad product development base to further spread the cost of developing new electric powertrain technology. This could become a distinct advantage for Polaris that most of their competitors do not have. Can-Am, their leading powersports rival, is also moving into electrification, but is not active in other electric vehicle segments. Others, like Textron and Yamaha are major players in the golf car market. More interesting and potentially tougher competitors may be new entrants into the market like Texas-based Volcon Motors. This electric vehicle start-up has plans to introduce an all-terrain electric motorcycle in the Spring of 2021, a two-seat electric UTV later in 2021 and a four-seat UTV in 2022. Start-ups lack the financial resources, manufacturing expertise and distribution networks of established players but aren’t burdened by cultural legacies and management incentives tied to ICE based vehicles.
Electrifying UTVs is Challenging
Electrifying UTVs poses a unique challenge because of their size, performance requirements and usage profile. They need both power and range but still must remain reasonably priced. They need the power because, well, its powersports after all and a vehicle’s horsepower is a defining characteristic. Work oriented UTVs, especially for heavy duty work applications, need plenty of horsepower as well. Users want to make long trail rides without being stranded in the middle of nowhere, or be productive work throughout the work day.
There is limited space for a battery pack in these very compact vehicles. In addition, a large sized battery pack will make the vehicles prohibitively expensive. It’s not surprising that they are starting with the lower priced Ranger. A small but efficient motor and small battery pack could keep prices low enough while still delivering better performance than the existing ICE engine in the Ranger. The new Ranger EV could also fit in nicely on college and corporate campuses or smaller farms/ranches where the range and work requirements would be not as demanding.
High-end, off-road performance vehicles might be the next step. Already a premium market, they may be able to more readily absorb the additional expense of a large battery pack. These higher-end models could also serve to demonstrate the unique performance characteristics of an electric powertrain as well as gauge the interest of a customer base that likes the sound of ICE engines. An interesting aspect is that the performance customer is likely to wear out the rest of the vehicle before the advanced battery pack. Selling or leasing the battery pack separately from the rest of the vehicle may become an option. Approaching the UTV market from both ends may be the most likely strategy. Moving up the lower priced work-oriented UTVs and moving down from the highest priced, off-road performance UTVs, as electric powertrain technology improves and becomes more affordable.
Yamaha is recalling certain Wolverine RMAX1000 UTVs due to a shock absorber issue.
Yamaha Recall Summary
In February Yamaha issued a recall of model year 2021 Wolverine RMAX4 1000 utility vehicles. The relatively small recall involves approximately 820 vehicles sold from October through December of 2020. The rear shock absorber mounts can break and potentially cause a crash. Owners should stop using the vehicle and contact a local Yamaha dealer for a free repair. The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Yamaha Recall Details
Name of product: Model Year 2021 Wolverine RMAX4 1000 Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs)
Hazard: The vehicles’ rear shock absorber mounts can break, posing crash and injury hazards.
Remedy: Repair
Recall date: February 11, 2021
Units: About 820
Consumer Contact: Yamaha at 800-962-7926 anytime or online at https://yamaha-motor.com/and click on “CPSC Recall Alerts” for more information. In addition, check your vehicle identification number “VIN” on Yamaha’s “Product Safety Recalls” page to see if your vehicle is included in any recalls.
Description: This recall involves model year 2021 Wolverine 1000 RMAX4 recreational off-highway vehicles. The side-by-side vehicles were sold in blue, green and gray. The model name is shown on the side of the vehicle. The Vehicle Identification Number can be found on the frame at the left rear. The model number is located near the front left corner of driver’s seat.
Model Year
Model Name
Model Number
2021
Wolverine RMAX4 1000 XT-R
YXF10WPZM
Wolverine RMAX4 1000 LE
YXF10WPLM
Wolverine RMAX4 1000
YXF10WPAM
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact an authorized Yamaha dealer to schedule a free repair. Yamaha is contacting all registered owners directly.
Incidents/Injuries: Yamaha has received one report of the rear shock absorber breaking loose. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Yamaha dealers nationwide from October 2020 through December 2020 for between $21,300 and $25,300.
Importer(s): Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A., of Cypress, Calif.
Manufactured In: Japan
Recall number: 21-720
SVR’s Take:
On one hand, this recall is small compared to what we typically see and to the overall sales volume for Yamaha. On the other hand, it is a new vehicle and has not been on the market too long. Not what Yamaha’s management would like to see as they rolled out their new Wolverine lineup. This is the first recall SVR remembers involving shock absorbers in at least the last five years. Textron Off Road had a recall involving suspension arms in 2019. SVR tracks recalls on an ongoing basis.
The Honda Pioneer 700-4 is part of a large recall due to a steering control issue.
Honda Pioneer Recall Summary
Honda recently announced a massive recall of over 118,000 Pioneer UTVs due to the potential loss of steering control. The Honda Pioneer recall involves model year 2017 to 2019 and some 2020 Pioneer 700 models and 2016 to 2019 and some 2020 Pioneer 1000 models. Both crew and single row seating versions are included. Owners should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact their local Honda Powersports dealer for a free inspection and repair. The following recall details are from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Honda Pioneer Recall Details
Name of product: Honda Pioneer 700 & 1000 Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs) with Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Hazard: The ROV can lose steering control, posing crash and injury hazards.
Remedy: Repair
Recall date: December 3, 2020
Units: About 118,600
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 Model Year 2017-2019 & certain 2020 Honda Pioneer 700 and 2016-2019 & certain 2020 Pioneer 1000 Side-by-Side vehicles equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS). 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 700 or Pioneer 1000 is printed on a label located on both sides of the vehicle. The serial number (VIN #) is stamped in the frame at the left rear, below the tilt-up bed/seat.
MY
Model
VIN Start
VIN End
2017
Pioneer 700 – 2 Passenger (SXS700M2*)
1HFVE02**H4300001
1HFVE02**H4303722
2017
Pioneer 700 – 4 Passenger (SXS700M4*)
1HFVE02**H4300001
1HFVE02**H4350720
2018
Pioneer 700 – 2 Passenger (SXS700M2*)
1HFVE02**J4400001
1HFVE02**J4402760
2018
Pioneer 700 – 4 Passenger (SXS700M4*)
1HFVE02**J4400001
1HFVE02**J4451320
2019
Pioneer 700 – 2 Passenger (SXS700M2*)
1HFVE02**K4500001
1HFVE02**K4502100
2019
Pioneer 700 – 4 Passenger (SXS700M4*)
1HFVE02**K4500001
1HFVE02**K4550600
2020
Pioneer 700 – 2 Passenger (SXS700M2*)
1HFVE02**L4600001
1HFVE02**L4601500
2020
Pioneer 700 – 4 Passenger (SXS700M4*)
1HFVE02**L4600001
1HFVE02**L4650780
2016
Pioneer 1000 – 3 Passenger (SXS1000M3*)
1HFVE04**G4000001
1HFVE04**G4008403
2016
Pioneer 1000 – 5 Passenger (SXS1000M5*)
1HFVE04**G4000001
1HFVE04**G4010507
2017
Pioneer 1000 – 3 Passenger (SXS1000M3*)
1HFVE04**H4100001
1HFVE04**H4102101
2017
Pioneer 1000 – 5 Passenger (SXS1000M5*)
1HFVE04**H4100001
1HFVE04**H4103000
2018
Pioneer 1000 – 3 Passenger (SXS1000M3*)
1HFVE04**J4200001
1HFVE04**J4205460
2018
Pioneer 1000 – 5 Passenger (SXS1000M5*)
1HFVE04**J4200001
1HFVE04**J4210320
2019
Pioneer 1000 – 3 Passenger (SXS1000M3*)
1HFVE04**K4300001
1HFVE04**K4301920
2019
Pioneer 1000 – 5 Passenger (SXS1000M5*)
1HFVE04**K4300001
1HFVE04**K4302460
2020
Pioneer 1000 – 3 Passenger (SXS1000M3*)
1HFVE04**L4400001
1HFVE04**L4403180
2020
Pioneer 1000 – 5 Passenger (SXS1000M5*)
1HFVE04**L4400001
1HFVE04**L4404620
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, if necessary. Honda is contacting all known purchasers directly.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 8 reports of the ROV’s having either play in the steering or losing control of steering. No injuries or accidents have been reported.
Sold At: Authorized Honda Powersports dealers nationwide from August 2015 through March 2020 for approximately between $10,000 and $21,000.
Manufacturer(s): American Honda Motor Co., Inc., of Torrance, Calif.
This is a really large recall, likely encompassing most of Honda’s Pioneer UTV sales over the last five years. This is more evidence that the industry appears to have a quality control problem. The 2016 to 2019 Honda Pioneer 1000 UTVs have previously been recalled for a throttle pedal issue. In addition, another recall for a throttle body issue overlaps 2016 to 2018 models. SVR estimates that over the last several years no less than 14% and often more than 25% of the total UTV market are recalled annually. These figures count models with more than one recall only once. SVR tracks industry recalls on an ongoing basis.
The 2021 RZR PRO XP 4 is part of the latest Polaris recall.
Polaris Recall Summary
Polaris recently announced the recall of almost 19,000 RZR utility vehicles sold in the US and Canada. The vehicle’s clutch can fail and create an injury hazard. The Polaris recall involves model year 2020-2021 RZR PRO XP, PRO XP 4 and model year 2021 RZR Turbo S, Turbo S4, XP Turbo and XP 4 Turbo vehicles. Owners should stop using the vehicles and contact their local Polaris dealer for a free inspection and repair.
Polaris Recall Details
The following details are from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Name of product: Model Years 2020-2021 RZR PRO XP, PRO XP4 and Model Year 2021 RZR Turbo S, Turbo S4, XP Turbo and XP 4 Turbo ROV
Hazard: The vehicle’s clutch can fail, posing an injury hazard.
Remedy: Repair
Recall date: November 19, 2020
Units: About 18,400 (In addition, about 560 units were sold in Canada)
Consumer Contact: Polaris at 800-765-2747 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.polaris.com and click on “Off Road Safety Recalls” for more information. In addition, check your vehicle identification number “VIN” on the “Product Safety Recalls” page to see if your vehicle is included in any recalls.
Description: This recall involves Model Year 2020 RZR PRO XP and RZR PRO XP 4 and Model Year 2021 RZR PRO XP, RZR PRO XP 4, RZR Turbo S, RZR Turbo S 4, RZR XP Turbo and RZR XP 4 Turbo recreational off-highway vehicles. The two or four-seat vehicles were sold in the following colors: Black, blue, gray, lime (green), sand (light brown), orange, red, titanium (silver) and white. POLARIS is stamped on the front grille and POLARIS and RZR are printed on the sides of the vehicles.
Model Year
Model Name
2020
RZR PRO XP
2020
RZR PRO XP 4
2021
RZR PRO XP
2021
RZR PRO XP 4
2021
RZR Turbo S
2021
RZR Turbo S 4
2021
RZR XP Turbo
2021
RZR XP 4 Turbo
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. Polaris is notifying all dealers and contacting registered owners directly.
Incidents/Injuries: Polaris has received 136 reports of clutch failure, including 8 reports of debris and clutch component ejection that damaged nearby parts of the vehicle. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Polaris dealers nationwide from March 2019 through October 2020 for between $18,600 and $32,300.
Manufacturer(s): Polaris Inc., of Medina, Minn.
Manufactured In: Mexico
Recall number: 21-709
SVR’s Take
This is the 7th recall by Polaris in 2020. As the largest manufacturer you would expect them to have more recalls but this seems to be a disproportionate amount. The recall must also be disconcerting for management in the context of the company’s massive recalls of several years ago and their focused attempts to address quality control issues. In addition, the recall involves their most recent top line UTVs, the RZR PRO XP. There is also a relatively high number of incidents for this recall. Typically there are only a handful of incidents or even none at the time of the recall. SVR tracks industry recalls on an ongoing basis.
The 2020 General XP 1000 Deluxe is part of the recent Polaris recalls.
Polaris Recalls Summary
In July Polaris announced two recalls involving vehicles from different product lines. The first involved model year 2019-20 Ranger XP 1000 and model year 2020 General XP 1000 vehicles. The second recall covers model year 2020 Ranger XP 1000 and Ranger Crew XP 1000, MY2019 – 2020 PRO XD 4000D UTVs, MY2019 PRO XD 2000D UTVs and MY2020 Bobcat UV34 and UV34XL UTVs. In the first recall the throttle can fail to return to the idea position after the engine stalls and is restarted in gear. In the second recall an improperly manufactured clutch component can cause engine braking to fail. The two recalls cover about 42,000 vehicles.
Polaris Recalls Details
The following details are from the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
First Recall
Name of product: Model Year 2019 – 2020 Ranger XP 1000 & Model Year 2020 General XP 1000 Utility Vehicles (UTVs)
Hazard: The throttle can fail to return to the idle position after the engine stalls and is restarted in gear without switching the key to the off position due to a software problem, causing the vehicle to accelerate suddenly, posing a crash hazard to the user.
Recall date: July 2, 2020
Units: About 26,730 (In addition, 1,330 units were sold in Canada)
Consumer Contact: Polaris at 800-765-2747 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.polaris.comand click on “Off Road Safety Recalls” for more information. In addition, check your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the “Product Safety Recalls” page to see if your vehicle is included in any recalls.
Description: This recall involves Model Year 2019 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 EPS, Ranger CREW XP 1000, and Model Year 2020 Polaris Ranger XP 1000, Ranger CREW XP 1000, General XP 1000 Deluxe and General XP 4 1000 Deluxe. The vehicles were sold in gray, blue, white, red, green camo, orange, sand and maroon colors and have two or four seats. “POLARIS” is stamped on the front grille and “Ranger” or “General” is printed on the sides of the rear cargo area. Vehicle identification numbers (VIN) included in this recall can be found stamped into the left rear vehicle frame below the cargo box. The following model names are included in this recall:
YEAR
MODEL NAME
2019
RANGER XP 1000 EPS RANGER CREW XP 1000
2020
RANGER XP 1000 RANGER CREW XP 1000 GENERAL XP 1000 DELUXE GENERAL XP 4 1000 DELUXE
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. Polaris is notifying dealers and contacting registered owners directly.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Sold At: Polaris dealers nationwide from June 2018 through March 2020 for between $15,890 and $29,000.
Manufacturer(s): Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.Manufactured In: United States, Mexico and Poland
Recall number: 20-758
Second Recall
Name of product: Model Year 2020 Ranger XP 1000 and Ranger CREW XP 1000 Off-Road Vehicles, Model Years 2019 – 2020 PRO XD 4000D UTVs, Model Year 2019 PRO XD 2000D UTVs and Model Year 2020 Bobcat UV34 and UV34XL UTVs.
Hazard: An improperly manufactured clutch component can cause the engine braking feature to fail, resulting in unexpected vehicle motion, posing a crash hazard.
Recall date: July 23, 2020
Units: About 13,200 (In addition, 515 units were sold in Canada)
Consumer Contact: Polaris at 800-765-2747 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.polaris.comand click on “Off Road Safety Recalls” for more information. In addition, check your vehicle identification number “VIN” on the “Product Safety Recalls” page to see if your vehicle is included in any recalls.
Description: This recall involves Model Year 2020 Ranger XP 1000 and Ranger CREW XP 1000 Off-Road Vehicles, Model Years 2019-2020 PRO XD 4000D UTVs, Model Year 2019 PRO XD 2000D, and Model Year 2020 Bobcat UV34 and UV34XL UTVs. The vehicles were sold in maroon, black, sand, green, orange, blue, camo, gray and white colors and have two or four seats. For PRO XD and Ranger models, “POLARIS” is stamped on the front grille and “POLARIS PRO XD” or “Ranger” is printed on the sides of the rear cargo area. For Bobcat models, “Bobcat” is printed on the sides of the rear cargo area. The VINs included in this recall can be found stamped into the left rear vehicle frame below the cargo box.
The following model names are included in this recall:
YEAR
MODEL NAME
2019
PRO XD 4000D
2019
PRO XD 2000D
2020
PRO XD 4000D
2020
Ranger XP 1000
2020
Ranger XP 1000 Crew
2020
Bobcat UV34
2020
Bobcat UV34XL
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair, if needed. Polaris is notifying dealers and contacting registered owners directly.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 14 reports of unexpected motion or drive clutch locking, including one report of a crash resulting in property damage. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Polaris dealers nationwide from September 2019 through April 2020 for between $14,600 and $26,300.
Manufacturer(s): Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.
Despite Polaris’ efforts to improve their quality they continue to have recall that effect a large number of vehicles. They are the largest manufacturer in the market so they should have the most recalls, all else being equal. But they seem to have a disproportionate number of vehicles recalled. They had large recalls in April of this year as well. SVR tracks UTV recalls on an ongoing basis.
In September CFMoto announced two recalls involving their ZForce 950 side-by-sides. The first recall affected the 2020 model year vehicles. A fuel line issue could potentially create a fire hazard. This recall covered about 500 vehicles. The second recall pertains to model year 2020 and 2021 vehicles and overlapped with the first recall. In the second recall the gas pedal could fail to return quickly to idle and potentially create a crash hazard. This recall includes approximately 627 vehicles.
CFMoto Recall Details
The following recall details are from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
First CFMoto Recall
Name of product: 2020 ZFORCE 950 Sport Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs)
Hazard: The fuel line fitting on the vehicles can fail to securely lock onto the fuel injector inlet. This can allow fuel to spill onto the hot engine parts and ignite, posing a fire hazard.
Recall date: September 3, 2020
Units: About 500
Consumer Contact: CFMOTO toll-free at 888-823-6686 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, email info@cfmotousa.com or online at www.cfmotousa.com and click on Customer Care, then Vehicle Safety for more information.
Description: This recall involves the 2020 ZFORCE 950 Sport ROV with a 963cc 4-cycle engine. Vehicles colors are red or gray with the CFMOTO logo in the center of the front grille. The model name is located on each side of the vehicle doors. The model year 2020 ROVs will have the L in the 10th position of the vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN number is stamped on the right side frame rail, behind the right rear tire.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact a CFMOTO dealer to schedule a free repair. CFMOTO is contacting all registered owners and dealers directly.
Incidents/Injuries: CFMOTO has received two reports of the fuel injector connection not fully secure and locked in place, causing a fuel leak. One of the incidents resulted in a vehicle engine fire. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: CFMOTO dealers nationwide from June 2020 through August 2020 for about $13,000.
Importer(s): CFMOTO Powersports Inc., of Plymouth, Minn.
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 20-776
Second CFMoto Recall
Name of product: 2020 and 2021 ZFORCE 950 Sport Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs)
Hazard: The throttle gas pedal can fail to return quickly to the idle position which can create a crash hazard if the vehicle does not slow down as quickly as expected by the driver when the gas pedal is released. The throttle gas pedal can fail to return quickly to the idle position which can create a crash hazard if the vehicle does not slow down as quickly as expected by the driver when the gas pedal is released.
Recall date: September 24, 2020
Units: About 627 (2020 ROVs were previously recalled for a fire hazard on 09/03/2020)
Consumer Contact: CFMOTO toll-free at 888-823-6686 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, email at info@cfmotousa.com or online at www.cfmotousa.com and go to Customer Care, then Vehicle Recall for more information.
Description: This recall involves the 2020 and 2021 ZFORCE 950 Sport ROV with a 963cc 4-cycle engine. Vehicles colors are red, silver or gray with the CFMOTO logo in the center of the front grille. The model name is located on each side of the vehicle doors. The model year 2020 ROVs will have the letter L in the 10th position of the vehicle identification number (VIN). The model year 2021 ROVs will have the letter M in the 10th position of the vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN number is stamped on the right-side frame rail, behind the right rear tire.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact a CFMOTO dealer to schedule a free repair. CFMOTO is contacting all registered owners and dealers directly.
Incidents/Injuries: CFMOTO has received two reports of the throttle pedal assembly malfunctioning. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: CFMOTO dealers nationwide from June 2020 through September 2020 for about $13,000.
Importer(s): CFMOTO Powersports Inc., of Plymouth, Minn.
CFMoto has only had one other recall in the last five years. SVR tracks recalls on an ongoing basis. They had a recall in 2018 that also involved a problem with the gas pedal. Throttle and fuel line problems are fairly common issues behind recalls.
