Category Archives: Regulation & policy

Honda Recalls 65,000 Pioneer 1000 UTVs

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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:

 

MY Model VIN Start
2016 Pioneer 1000 3P

(SXS10M3*)

 1HFVE04**G4000001 — 1HFVE04**G4008403
2016 Pioneer 1000 5P

(SXS10M5*)

 1HFVE04**G4000001 — 1HFVE04**G4010507
2017 Pioneer 1000 3P

(SXS10M3*)

 1HFVE04**H4100001 — 1HFVE04**H4102101
2017 Pioneer 1000 5P

(SXS10M5*)

 1HFVE04**H4100001 — 1HFVE04**H4103000
2018 Pioneer 1000 3P

(SXS10M3*)

 1HFVE04**G4200001 — 1HFVE04**G4203360
2018 Pioneer 1000 5P

(SXS10M5*)

 1HFVE04**G4200001 — 1HFVE04**G4207379

* Variable character

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

Polaris Issues Massive RZR XP 1000 Recall

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Polaris RZR XP 1000

The Polaris 2014 RZR XP 1000 in Pearl Black is one of the models being recalled.

Polaris has once again had to issue a major recall of over 100,000 side-by-sides. The recall involves approximately 107,000 model year 2014 to 2018 RZR XP 1000 and RZR XP 4 1000 vehicles. The exhaust silence can fatigue and crack leading to too much heat for the heat shield to manage which in turn lead to components melting or fire. Consumers should immediately stop riding the affected vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer for a free repair. The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Name of product:  Model Year 2014-2018 Polaris RZR XP 1000

Hazard:  If the exhaust silencer fatigues and cracks, the heat shield may not manage heat, which may lead to melting of nearby components or fire.

Remedy:  Repair

Recall date:  April 2, 2018

Units:  About 107,000

Recall Details

Description:
This recall involves Model Year 2014-18 Polaris RZR XP 1000 recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs). The ROVs have “POLARIS” stamped on the front and back grilles, and “Polaris,” “RZR,” “1000,” & “XP” stickers on the side panels. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on the right rear frame of the vehicle, to the rear of the engine. See CPSC.gov for specific model numbers.

Remedy:
Consumers should immediately stop riding the affected vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer for a free repair.

Incidents/Injuries:  Polaris has received 30 reports of cracked exhaust silencers, including 3 reports of fire. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At:  Polaris dealers nationwide since December 2013.

Manufacturer(s):  Polaris Industries, Inc., of Minn.

Importer(s):  Polaris Industries, Inc., of Minn.

Distributor(s):  Polaris Industries, Inc., of Minn.

Manufactured In:  United States and Mexico

Recall number:  18-133

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” at the bottom of the page 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. Polaris is contacting all known affected consumers directly.

SVR’s Take:   This is yet another massive recall for Polaris. The company was just starting to rebound from the previous rounds of RZR and Ranger recalls. Some of these models pre-date the company’s efforts to implement a new quality system and add personnel to address issues while others are from after that effort. It appears that either the silencer component was either poorly made or not designed robustly enough to perform the task. In some ways this recall may be worse the prior ones since the management has taken steps to remedy the quality issues but they yet again have a large recall. The Polaris brand will likely take a hit from this. Occasionally the company provides some brand metrics in their presentations to analysts and it will be interesting to hear what the management says about the recall in the next earnings call.

Planned Development Communities As Incubators For Future Mobility

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Eli Zero NEV

The new Eli Zero NEV from Eli Electric Vehicles is expected to reach market in late 2018 and is positioned as an urban transportation solution and future mobility concept.

My colleague Stephen Metzger recently wrote a piece on how gated communities could serve as an excellent incubator for testing future mobility systems. These systems include on-demand vehicles, self-driving and autonomous driving technology, ride-sharing systems, and new public transport options. Future mobility concepts typically feature electric vehicles being used in urban environments. He argues that the urban environment presents a myriad of obstacles and complexities for future mobility to overcome and solve, but gated communities offer a simpler but still useful testing ground for future mobility concepts.

Some of the advantages for gated communities include:

  • A better planned transportation environment into which mobility concepts can more easily be introduced
  • Population already using or conditioned to small, electric vehicles like golf cars and LSVs
  • Portion of the population that cannot drive themselves and could benefit from greater mobility

The article concludes with some examples of new small, electric vehicles with an eye towards future mobility that are entering or trying to break into the market.

Learn more:  Smallvehicleresource.com

 

NHTSA Finalizes Quiet-Car Rule for EVs

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Garia LSV In NYC

Street legal Garia on the streets of New York City. LSVs will need to incorporate alert sounds by the end of 2020 according to NHTSA’s finalized “quiet car” ruling.

NHTSA has finalized the quiet car rule that will apply to electric vehicles and hybrids including low speed vehicles. The rule requires EVs and other quiet cars like hybrids to emit alert sounds to warn pedestrians of their approach at low speeds. Vehicles will have to emit sounds when they are moving at speeds of up to 18.6 mph (30 km/hr). Some automakers had pushed for a lower speed threshold of 20 km/hr.

Originally the rule was to be implemented by September 2019 when automakers would have to have 50% of the vehicles equipped with the sounds. After a review by the Trump administration the implementation date has been pushed back by a year to 2020, a full decade since Congress first passed the relevant law. NHTSA expects the rules to prevent 2,400 injuries annually. It is possible that NHTSA will allow manufacturers to provide multiple sounds from which consumers to choose. Learn more:  Reuters.com

SVR’s Take:  This could prove to be an annoying regulation in many campus or gated community settings where LSVs are prevalent. They will likely continuously be making noises since most of their travel around campuses or communities will likely be under the speed threshold. There is the possibility that constantly hearing the alerts could de-sensitize pedestrians to the alerts and negate the intended safety effects. Another unintended consequence is that drivers may want to drive more quickly to keep the vehicle over the threshold speed to avoid triggering the alert.

Marc Cesare, SVR

Massive Yamaha Golf Car & PTV Recall

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Yamaha Drive2

The 2018 Yamaha Drive2 is one of the models being recalled over a brake cable issue.

Yamaha Golf Car has issued a recall for over 160,000 golf cars, personal transportation vehicles (PTVs) and utility vehicles due to potential failure of the brake cables and subsequent crash hazard. The recall involves model year 2015 through 2018 gas and electric powered golf cars, PTVs and utility vehicles. Note that the utility vehicles from Yamaha Golf Car are different than those from the power sports manufacturer Yamaha Motors which makes the YXZ, Wolverine and Viking utility vehicles. This recall involves Yamaha Drive and Drive2 branded vehicles made by Yamaha Golf Car. For a detailed list of the model numbers and serial number ranges included check the CPSC.gov website. Owners can also contact Yamaha at 800-962-7926 or at www.yamahagolfcar.com.   Owners should immediately stop using these recalled Golf Cars and PTVs and contact a local Yamaha Golf Car dealer to schedule a free repair. Yamaha is contacting all registered owners directly.

The following recall details are from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Name of product:  Yamaha Golf Cars and Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTVs) Hazard:  The brake cables on the golf cars and PTVs can fail, posing a crash hazard.

Recall date: February 22, 2018
Units:  About 161,000

Description:  This recall involves the following model year 2015 through 2018 gas and electric-powered golf cars , PTVs and utility vehicles. The vehicles were sold in various colors including blue, green, red, white, tan and silver. The model and serial numbers can be found on a label under the seat on the left or right side.

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled Golf Cars and PTVs and contact a local Yamaha Golf Car dealer to schedule a free repair. Yamaha is contacting all registered owners directly.

Incidents/Injuries:  The firm has received 285 reports of brake cables failing. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At:  Yamaha Golf Car dealers nationwide from November 2014 through December 2017 for between $5,900 and $7,700.

Manufacturer(s):  Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America, of Newnan, Ga.

Distributor(s):  Yamaha Golf-Car Company, of Kennesaw, Ga.

Manufactured In:  Assembled in United States
Recall number:  18-725

SVR’s Take:  This is a very large recall and on par with the relatively recent large recalls from Polaris. This will likely cost Yamaha millions of dollars to remedy. More importantly, this might put a dent in Yamaha’s progress in gaining market share against Club Car and E-Z-GO. In the last few years, Yamaha has been touting how many thousands of golf courses have switched to their golf cars. The golf car market has always been highly competitive, and even more so in the last several years as golf course growth has declined or remained stagnant.

Marc Cesare, SmallVehicleResource.com

Road Use Regulation Roundup: January 2018

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golf cart sign

The following is a summary of some of the road use regulations for golf cars, LSVs, ATVs and UTVs that have been passed or are being considered at the state, county and city levels in 2017.

Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

  • After Ohio state officials passed a LSV law municipalities in the state are now passing local ordinances.
  • A number of municipalities are considering or now allowing the use of LSVs for taxi services.
  • Many of the regulations being passed or considered involve both golf cars and LSVs as opposed to just LSVs.
  • Some of the regulations being considered or passes involve allowing UTVs, ATVs and/or mini-trucks on public roads.
  • Some municipalities are reviewing ordinances because of various safety concerns related to the use of golf cars, UTVs, etc.

Malinta, OH – The village council discussed an ordinance allowing golf cars to be operated on public roads.

Bowling Green, OH – The Bowling Green City Council approved an ordinance allowing golf cars to be used on certain low speed city streets with a speed limit of 25 mph or less. The vehicles must be registered and titled,  and possess state-mandated safety equipment.

Garden City, KS – The Garden City Commission passed an ordinance to allow utility vehicles to operate on certain city streets. A previous ordinance allowing mini-trucks on the streets inadvertently left out utility vehicles.

Sanibel-Captiva Island, FL – The City Council denied a permit to allow a business to locate a low-speed vehicle rental service because of a concern over having adequate parking space.

Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo City Council will allow the use of side-by-sides in the Riverview Recreation Area’s off-road vehicle park which previously only allowed motorcycles and ATVs. Some citizens were concerned about the mixing of larger vehicles with the smaller motorcycles and ATVs, and the amount of damage the side-by-sides could do to the trails.

Toledo, OH – The Toledo City Council approved the use of golf cars and LSVs on designated public streets through the end of 2018. Under the ordinance LSVs can include mini-trucks and UTVs that travel up to 25 mph.

Ormond Beach, FL – County officials posted signage along John Anderson Drive to indicate that golf cars are restricted from using the road. The signage is for unlicensed golf cars as golf cars in the state can be classified as LSVs if they meet certain requirements.

Hammock, FL – County commissioners are discussing the issue of golf car use on local roads after numerous residents raised the issue. Residents are concerned about golf cars using bike paths, the ability to cross a state highway to gain access to more roads and the cost of street legal requirements.

Elba, AL – Following numerous complaints, the Elba Police Chief had to address the use of unauthorized golf cars and UTVs on public roads. They are allowed on roadways but must meet certain requirements and be registered, and drivers must be at least 16 years old.

Auburn, AL – The city council passed an ordinance allowing the use of low speed vehicles to operate as cabs on certain city streets. The council was approached by an entrepreneur who is interested in starting an LSV taxi service.

Birmingham, AL – The Birmingham City Council is considering an ordinance that will allow taxi services that use low speed vehicles. The ordinance is based on one from Tuscaloosa where the company Joyride is operating such a service.

Bay St. Louis, MS – The city council wants greater enforcement of regulations regarding the use of LSVs, citing underage driving, parking on sidewalks and adults drinking while driving. The golf cars must be street ready and the drivers licensed and insured.

Ocean Springs, MS – Ocean Springs is considering an ordinance that will allow the use of golf cars and LSVs on streets with a speed limit of 30 mph or less.

Kentucky – A bill was signed that allows the commercial use of LSVs to make deliveries. UPS is planning to use the vehicles during the peak holiday season while the Teamsters Local 89 union, which represents many UPS employees, opposes the move citing lower pay for the LSV drivers and concerns about safety.

Jamestown, RI – The city council passed an ordinance that will allow golf cars, UTVs, ATVs and mini-trucks to be used on designated roads.

Jamestown, RI – Town officials are considering an ordinance that will allow LSVs on local roads.

Southport, NC – The board of alderman are reviewing a golf car ordinance amid concerns about the age of drivers, the use of alcohol while driving, safety requirements and the use of golf cars with four rows of seats.

Fort Myers Beach, FL – The city council is considering a permit that will allow, Nickel Ride, a free low speed vehicle taxi service to operate in the town.

Eustis, FL – Eustis Commisioners are considering an ordinance that will allow golf cars and lows speed vehicles in the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods.

Carolina Beach, NC – The city council passed an ordinance clarifying the use of golf cars on local city streets. The vehicles will not be allowed to cross streets with speed limits above 35 mph and must have seat belts, headlights, taillights, turn signals and a mirror.

Highland Village, TX – The Highland Village City Council is looking into allowing golf cars and low speed vehicles to operate on certain local streets.

Peachtree City, GA – Peachtree City updated their regulations regarding the authorized use of golf car paths. The update is meant to clarify the rules and allow for better enforcement.

Cloquet City, MN – Cloquet City Councilors passed an ordinance that allows the use of ATVs and UTVs on cerrtain local streets. The vehicles need a permit and the driver needs a license or ATV safety certificate.

 

John Deere Recalls Large Number of Gator Crossover UTVs

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Gator XUV utility vehicle

One of the Gator crossover utility vehicles part of a large recall by John Deere.

John Deere announced a large recall of their XUV crossover utility vehicle because of a steering shaft issue. The recall involves approximately 68,300 Gator XUV825, XUV825 S4, XUV855, and XUV855 S4 crossover utility vehicles sold between March 2012 and November 2017. The steering shaft can separate from the steering rack assembly and result in a loss of steering control. Consumers should immediately stop using the vehicle and contact their John Deere dealer for a free repair.

This is one of the largest recalls in the market in the last few years outside of the well publicized Polaris recalls in 2016. Any recall over 10,000 vehicles would be considered large compared to what typically occurs in the market. SVR tracks recent recalls of UTVs, LSVs and golf cars.  Luckily, there have been no reports of injuries and only nine reports of steering control loss.

The following is recall information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

John Deere Recalls Crossover Gator Utility Vehicles Due to Crash Hazard (Recall Alert)

Name of product:  John Deere Crossover Gator™ utility vehicles
Hazard:  The steering shaft can separate from the steering rack assembly and result in a loss of vehicle steering control, posing a crash hazard.
Recall date:  December 21, 2017
Units:  About 68,300
Description:  This recall involves John Deere models XUV825, XUV825 S4, XUV855, and XUV855 S4 Crossover Gator utility vehicles equipped with power steering. The model number and “John Deere” are printed on the side of the vehicle. The serial number begins with 1M0825 or 1M0855 and is located on the passenger side of the frame under the cargo box. The vehicles have seating for two or four passengers.

Remedy:  Consumers should stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact an authorized John Deere dealer for a free repair. John Deere is contacting purchasers of the recalled utility vehicles directly.

Incidents/Injuries:  John Deere has received nine reports of steering loss. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At:  John Deere dealers nationwide from March 2012 through November 2017 for between $13,400 and $16,100.

Manufacturer(s):  Deere & Company, of Moline, Ill.

Manufactured In:  U.S.

Recall number:  18-709
Consumer Contact:  Deere & Company at 800-537-8233 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET or online at www.deere.com and select Product Recall Information on the drop-down menu under Services & Support for more information.
Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Polaris Recall Issues with RZR 900 & 1000 Models Persists

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2016 Polaris RZR 900 EPS

The 2016 Polaris RZR 900 EPS is one of a number of previously recalled models still experiencing issues despite being repaired.

Polaris continues to have recall issues related to their RZR 900 and 1000 which were previously recalled. According to a joint statement issued by CPSC and Polaris, some vehicles that had been repaired under the recall are still experiencing fires. In addition 2017 RZRs not included in the recall are experiencing fires as well. The original recall was initiated in April 2016  and covered model year 2013 – 2014 RZR XP 900, 2014 – 2016 RZR XP 1000, 2015 – 2016 RZR 900 & S 900, and 2016 RZR S 1000 vehicles. The recall involved approximately 133,000 vehicles.

Polaris can’t seem to shake their recall issues. According to management they have put additional manpower and resources into addressing the issue in a systematic way to improve product development, quality control and issue tracking. What is not known is if these issues are related to previous systemic problems before new processes and people were put into place or if they show that problems still persists after the changes were made, which would be more worrisome. SVR has been tracking recalls from Polaris and other manufacturers.

The following is the joint statement from the CPSC and Polaris.

12/19/2017 10:54:00 AM
Joint Statement of CPSC and Polaris on Polaris RZR 900 and 1000 Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs)
Minneapolis, MN (December 19, 2017) – The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Polaris are informing the public about fires on model year 2013–2017 Polaris RZR 900 and 1000 Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs). These fires have caused death, serious injuries, and property damage.

Most of these vehicles were voluntarily recalled by Polaris in April 2016 to address fire hazards (https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/polaris-recalls-rzr-recreational-off-highway-vehicles-due).

However, users of the vehicles that were repaired as part of the April 2016 recall continue to report fires, including total-loss fires. The 2017 RZRs were not included in the April 2016 recall, but these models have also experienced fires.

The CPSC and Polaris continue to work together to ensure fire risks in these vehicles are addressed. However, at this time, the CPSC and Polaris want to make the public aware of the fires involving these vehicles.

The CPSC advises consumers to report any fire or overheating-related incidents at: www.SaferProducts.gov or the CPSC Hotline at 1-800-638-2772.

Textron Recalls Arctic Cat Wildcat UTVs

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2017 Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail SE

The 2017 Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail SE is being recalled due to a winch issue.

2017 Arctic Cat wildcat Sport SE

The 2017 Arctic Cat Wildcat Sport SE is being recalled as well.

Textron Specialized Vehicles recently announced the recall of approximately 300 model year 2017 Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail SE and Wildcat Sport SE utility vehicles as well as approximately 3,000 winch accessory kits sold for 2014 to 2017 Wildcat Trail and Wildcat Sport UTVs. The winch solenoid can overheat and pose a fire hazard. Owners should stop using the vehicles and contact Arctic Cat to schedule a free repair. Arctic Cat can be contacted at 800-279-6851 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.arcticcat.com and then click on Product Recall for more information.

This is a small recall but unique in that it is more a recall of the winch accessory than the vehicle themselves as the recalled winches outnumber the recalled vehicles 10 to 1.

The following are the recall details from the Consumer Product Safety Commission

Name of product:  Arctic Cat ROVs with winches

Hazard:  The winch solenoid located under the operator seat can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy:  Repair

Recall date: November 16, 2017

Recall number:  18-037
Recall Details

Description:  This recall involves all 2017 Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail SE (Special Edition) and Wildcat Sport SE  ROVs with winch solenoids installed as original equipment and winch accessory kits sold separately for use on 2014 through 2017Arctic Cat Wildcat Sport and Wildcat Trail ROVs.  The ROVs have four wheels, side-by-side seating for two people, and have a black chassis. “Wildcat Trail” or “Wildcat Sport” is printed on each side of the vehicle. In addition, Special Edition ROVs have “SE” printed on each side.

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact Arctic Cat to schedule a free repair. Arctic Cat is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries:  The firm has received 49 reports of winch solenoid failure, with five resulting in fires. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At:  Arctic Cat dealers nationwide from February 2017 through August 2017 for about $17,000 for the ROVs with the winch accessory kits installed. The winch accessory kits were also sold separately from December 2013 through August 2017 for between $200 and $600.

Manufacturer(s):  Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn., a subsidiary of Textron Specialized Vehicles, of Augusta, Ga.

Manufactured In:  United States

Units:  About 300 ROVs and 3,000 winch accessory kits (In addition, 124 were sold in Canada)

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Polaris Recalls General UTVs

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2016 Polaris General 1000

The 2016 Polaris General 1000 is being recalled.

2017 Polaris General 4 1000

This 4-seat 2017 Polaris General 4 1000 is being recalled as well.

Polaris announced the recall of model year 2016 and 2017 General two and four seat side-by-sides. The steering wheel shaft can shift and detach while in use, resulting in a loss of control and crash hazard. Approximately 19,000 units are involved in the recall. Consumers should stop using the vehicles and contact Polaris for a free repair.

This is another large recall for Polaris and a different mechanical issue as well. In addition, the recall pertains to their General crossover line that has been selling well since its introduction. The previous large recalls were for their Ranger and RZR products. Given the model years involved, these vehicles were likely built before the company instituted new processes and added more people to improve vehicle quality and track safety issues faster. Assuming the changes are effective, another year or two may be needed before the company completely works through any legacy quality issues across their extensive product lineup.

The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Name of product:  Polaris General side-by-side recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs)

Hazard:  The steering wheel shaft can shift and detach while in use, resulting in a loss of control and crash hazard.

Recall date:  October 30, 2017

Recall number:  18-018

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, consumers can check vehicle identification numbers (VIN) on the “Product Safety Recalls” page to see if your vehicle is included in any recalls.

Recall Details

Description:  This recall involves model year 2016 and 2017 Polaris General 2- and 4-seat side-by-side recreational off-highway vehicles. The vehicles were sold in black, blue, camouflage, orange, red, silver and white and have a cargo box on the back. “Polaris” is printed on the front grill, “GENERAL” is printed on the rear panel and “1000” is printed on the front panel. The VIN is printed on the left rear vehicle frame below the cargo box.

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact Polaris to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries:  Polaris has received five reports of the steering shaft separating and one report of a broken hand injury.

Sold At:  Polaris dealers nationwide from December 2015 through September 2015 for between $16,000 and $21,000.

Manufacturer(s):  Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Manufactured In:  U.S. and Mexico

Units:  About 19,000