Category Archives: Safety

Polaris Recalls GEMs and Ranger 400 Vehicles

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Polaris has issued voluntary recalls of some GEM low-speed vehicles and Ranger 400 utility vehicles.

GEM Recall – Polaris acquired GEM in April 2011 and has been tracking a warranty issue with the parking braking assembly which has now led to a recall in conjunction with NHTSA.  Certain assembly components can “…wear prematurely and prevent the brake from engaging.” and potentially lead to the vehicle rolling away after the driver exits. The recall includes the following 2010 to 2013 GEM models manufactured between January 14, 2010 and November 23, 2012:  E2, E2 XLD, E2L, E2S, E4, E4S, ELXD EL E6, E6S and ES.  The recall covers a total of 4,394 vehicles.  The recall is expected to start in February and Polaris will notify owners.  Dealers will replace the parking brake lever assembly free of charge.  Polaris customer service can be contacted at 1-888-704-5290.  Learn more:  NHSTA

Ranger 400 Recall  – In cooperation with the CPSC Polaris is recalling 327 2013 Ranger 400 utility vehicles because the vehicle’s throttle can fail to operate properly, possibly causing the loss of vehicle control.  To date there have been no report of injuries related to the issue.  The vehicles were sold between July and September 2012.  The recall affects 2013 Ranger 400 vehicles with model number R13RH45AG and VIN numbers between 4XARH45A3D4726305 and 4XARH45A7DE648444 however not all VIN numbers in the range are included in this recall.  Owners can conduct a VIN-based search for recall information at the Polaris website.  Polaris is contacting owners directly to schedule a free repair.  Vehicles should not be used until repaired.  Polaris can be contacted at (888) 704-5290, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

 

NHTSA Proposes “alert sound” For EVs Including LSVs

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed rules to develop a standard for an “alert sound” so the blind, visually impaired and other pedestrians know that a vehicle is near.  NHTSA is proposing to:

establish a Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) setting minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles. This new standard would require hybrid and electric passenger cars, light trucks and vans (LTVs), medium and heavy duty, trucks, and buses, low speed vehicles (LSVs), and motorcycles to produce sounds meeting the requirements of this standard…..The proposed standard establishes minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles when operating under 30 kilometers per hour (km/h) (18 mph), when the vehicle’s starting system is activated but the vehicle is stationary, and when the vehicle is operating in reverse.

The ruling is in response to the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010 which required the issue to be studied and a standard established.  NHTSA estimates that the appropriate technology to meet the standard will cost approximately $30 per vehicle. There will be a comment period for the next 60 days and eventually a three year roll-out possibly starting in September 2015 if the process runs smoothly.

The standards developed by NHTSA are based on highway capable vehicle.  However, LSVs have been “tentatively” included in the proposed rule making but the agency has not performed any acoustic testing on LSVs, has limited real-world crash data on the vehicles and not sure if the minium sound levels are appropriate for LSVs.  They believe application of the standard to LSVs “…will result in 10 fewer injured pedestrians and pedalcyclists.”  The agency is seeking comments as to whether the standards should apply to LSVs.  Learn more:  Quiet_Vehicles_NPRM (PDF) 

Comment:  I believe the LSV’s varied usage environments creates problems for the application of this standard.  LSVs are used on campuses/parks, within gated communities and on public roads.  While the standard could apply for public road usage, there may be  issues in other operating environments.  Namely, LSVs in gated communities and campuses/parks may spend a significant amount of time operating below the 18 mph threshold during much of their normal operations within these environments.  This could lead to the vehicle constantly putting out an alert sound.  
In fact, we have conducted utility vehicle related research on college campuses recently and on some of these campuses maintenance staff are told not to exceed 15 mph while driving around campus walkways and sidewalks.  Furthermore, campuses and parks have been a particularly strong market lately for LSVs as institutions push green and sustainability initiatives.  I would think a park environment would not be an area where you would want to constantly hear an alert sound.  Given the relatively low penetration of LSVs and NHTSA’s own acknowledgement that they lack real-world data, it may be more appropriate to wait and develop LSV specific data first before applying the standard to LSVs.

Transport Canada UTV Recalls

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In December 2012 Transport Canada announced a number of recalls related to UTVs. Here is a quick summary:

  1. John Deere  2012 RSX850I – The fuel line connectors in the engine compartment may not have been properly connected. The connectors could separate and create a fire hazard. 466 vehicles are affected.  Learn more:  Transport Canada
  2. Can Cam Commander models:  Limited 1000, 1000R, 800R, DPS 1000, DPS 800R, X 1000, XT 1000R, XT 800R for model years 2011, 2012 and 2013. If some are operated in deep water (over 30 cm) with floating debris like leaves or grass, accumulation near the exhaust system can create a fire hazard.   10,800 vehicles are affected.  Learn more:  Transport Canada
  3. Can Cam Commander models:  1000R, 800R, X 1000, XT 1000R, XT 800R for model years 2011 and 2012 and model year 2012 for the Limited 1000. The lower splines at the steering column to rack and pinion joint may not be sufficiently engaged. The splines could fail causing a loss of steering and a crashing hazard. 1,250 vehicles are affected. Learn more:  Transport Canada 

 

Kawasaki Motors Recalls Fuel Filters for Lawn Mower and UTV Engines: Impacts Some John Deere UTVs

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Kawasaki Motors, today announced a voluntary recall fuel filters and tune-up kits with fuel filters.  The recalled fuel filters are white translucent plastic and attach to the fuel tubes on Kawasaki lawn mower and utility vehicle engines.  The fuel filter can leak, posing a fire hazard.  To date all the reported leaks caused by the fuel filter have been on lawn mowers.  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Kawasaki engine fuel filter

Kawasaki engine fuel filter being recalled

Related to this recall John Deere announced a recall of approximately 4,340 utility vehicles using this type of fuel filter.  This recall involves John Deere TH, TS and TX-model Gator™ utility vehicles that have Kawasaki FE, FH and FJ series engines. The serial numbers of the UTVs included in the recall are:

1M04X2SJ++M070915 to 1M04X2SJ++M072247
1M04X2XC++M070040 to 1M04X2XC++M070213
1M04X2XD++M070314 to 1M04X2XD++M072731
1M06X4HD++M070049 to 1M06X4HD++M070372

They were sold nationwide from November 2011 to August 2012.  Owners should stop using utility vehicles with the recalled engines and contact a John Deere dealer to have the fuel filter replaced. John Deere is contacting all registered owners of the recalled utility vehicles directly.  John Deere can be contacted at (800) 537-8233. Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Kubota Recalls RTV500 Utility Vehicles

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In cooperation with the CPSC Kubota has announced the recall of approximately 970 RTV500 utility vehicles due to a carbon monoxide issue.  The RTV500 with a cab enclosure can experience an accumulation of carbon monoxide while idling and not moving which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.   The vehicles were sold from September 2008 to April 2012.  The company has received two reports of headaches related to carbon monoxide.

Consumers should contact their Kubota dealer to schedule a free repair of the recalled vehicle, including the installation of a high-velocity exhaust tail pipe, the installation of special seals inside the cab and a check of the ventilating system.  Kubota can be contacted toll-free at (800) 752-0290 or visit www.kubota.com and click on Safety/Safety Notices. Kubota is contacting its customers directly.  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Club Car Recalls Golf Cars & UTVs

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Club Car has announced the recall of about 4,000 gas and diesel powered golf cars and utility vehicles sold between April and June of this year.  The vehicle’s fuel tank filler neck can crack and allow fuel to leak, posing a fire hazard.  The recall covers nineteen 2012 models across a number of product lines including Carryall, DS, Precedent, Transporter, Villager and XRT.  Consumers should stop using the recalled vehicles immediately and contact Club Car( 800-227-0739 ext. 3831) for a free replacement fuel tank. The firm is directly contacting consumers who purchased the vehicles.  For a list of models under recall or to learn more:  CPSC.gov

Kawasaki Recalls Teryx Vehicles Over Labels

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Kawasaki in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling approximately 2,ooo Teryx side-by-side vehicles because they are “…incorrectly labeled as having a higher occupant capacity than is safe.”  The vehicles were sold between August 2011 and March 2012 and include the Teryx 750 FI 4×4, Teryx 750 FI 4×4 LE, Teryx 750 FI 750 4×4 LE SGE and Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport models.  Consumers will be mailed a replacement glove compartment with a correct label. They can install it themselves or a Kawasaki dealer will install it for free.  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Club Car Recalls Limited Number of Utility & Transport Vehicles

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Club Car, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, is recalling approximately 100 utility and transport vehicles.  The brake pedal mounting blocks can crack and separate, resulting in a loss of braking ability.  To date no incidents of cracking or resulting injuries have been reported.  The vehicles were sold during April and May of 2011 and include a range of models and serial numbers.  Club Car is contacting customers directly to provide a free replacement of the mounting blocks.  For more information and specific models and serial numbers affected see CPSC.gov


Kawasaki Recalls UTVs

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In voluntary cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) Kawasaki is recalling approximately 3,900 Mules because a “…fuel tube can scrape against the air cleaner housing and develop holes, posing a fire hazard.”  The recall covers the following 2012 Mule models:

MULE 600 KAF400BCF Green
MULE 610 4×4 KAF400ACF Red or Green
MULE 610 4×4 XC KAF400DCF or KAF400ECF Black or Camouflage
There have been no injuries or incidents reported regarding the issue but owners should stop using the vehicles and contact their local Kawasaki dealer for a free inspection and repair.  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Pro Armor Recalls UTV Door Latches

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Pro Armor, in cooperation with the CPSC, is voluntarily recalling latches used on utility vehicle doors.  “The latch pin can disengage from the latch allowing the door to open while the vehicle is moving. This can pose a risk of ejection of an unrestrained rider and impact or laceration hazards.”  To date no injuries have been associated with any of the latch failures reported.  Approximately 5,200 of the latches were sold between January and November of 2011 for use in Polaris RZR, Can-Am Commander and Kawasaki Teryx utility vehicles.  Consumers should stop using vehicles equipped with the latches and contact Pro Armor for a free repair kit.  Learn more:  CPSC.gov