Category Archives: Safety

Kawasaki Mule Pro Recall

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Kawasaki Mule Pro
Kawasaki is recalling some Mule Pro UTVs because of an issue with the ROPS.

In December, Kawasaki announced the recall of approximately 1,000 Mule Pro utility vehicles. The vehicle’s ROPS can fail to protect occupants. The recall involves model year 2018 and 2019 Mule Pro DXT, DX, FXT, FX and FXR vehicles sold from August to September of 2018. The following are recall details from the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Recall Information

Hazard: The vehicle’s rollover protection structure (ROPS) can fail to protect consumers, posing an injury hazard.

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: December 6, 2018

Units: About 1,000

Remedy: Repair

Recall Date: December 6, 2018

Units: About 1,000

Consumer Contact: Kawasaki toll-free at 866-802-9381 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.Kawasaki.com and click on “Recalls” for more information.

Recall Details

Description: This recall involves 2018 and 2019 Mule Pro utility vehicles.  The four-wheel, off-highway utility vehicles were sold in black, green, white, red, bronze, silver, camo and blue. They have side by side seating for three to six people and automotive style controls. Mule Pro is printed on the right and left front fender. Kawasaki is printed on the cargo box. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the steel frame between the right front lower A-arm mounts. 

Models Affected

Year       ModelModel CodeVin Range
2018Mule Pro-DXT (EPS)KAF1000AJFJKAAFCA1XJB501117 through JKAAFCA11JB501152 
2018Mule Pro-DXT (EPS)KAF1000BJF JKAAFCB18JB503625 through JKAAFCB18JB503642 
2018Mule Pro-DX (EPS)KAF1000EJF JKAAFCE1XJB502410 through JKAAFCE18JB502437 
2019Mule Pro-FXT(EPS/LE/Camo/Ranch)KAF820AKF JKBAFSA13KB501645 through JKBAFSA14KB501671 
2019Mule Pro-FXT(EPS/LE/Camo/Ranch)KAF820BKF JKBAFSB15KB513858 through JKBAFSB18KB514230 
2019Mule Pro-FXT(EPS/LE/Camo/Ranch)KAF820CKF JKBAFSC19KB513036 through JKBAFSC19KB513361 
2019Mule Pro-FXT(EPS/LE/Camo/Ranch)KAF820DKF JKBAFSD18KB506741 through JKBAFSD1XKB506787 
2019Mule Pro-FX (EPS/LE)KAF820FKF JKBAFSF13KB506336 through JKBAFSF10KB506603 
2019Mule Pro-FX (EPS/LE)KAF820GKF JKBAFSG18KB504354 through JKBAFSG1XKB504355 
2019Mule Pro-FXTKAF820JKF JKBAFSJ19KB508972 through JKBAFSJ15KB509343 
2019Mule Pro-FXRKAF820KKF JKBAFSK14KB504620 through JKBAFSK17KB504630 

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact a Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair. Kawasaki is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: Kawasaki dealers nationwide from August 2018 through September 2018 for between $13,000 and $17,000.

Importer(s): Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. of Foothill Ranch, Calif.

Distributor(s): Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. of Foothill Ranch, Calif.

Manufactured In: U.S.

Recall number: 19-722

SVR’s Take

This is a pretty small recall. Although, it is one of the few that involves the ROPS. The only other ROPS recall SVR has tracked since early 2015 involved the https://smallvehicleresource.com/blog/2018/09/05/polaris-recalls-rzr-xp-turbo-s-utvs/2018 RZR XP Turbo S. SVR keeps an ongoing list of most STOV related recalls.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresuource.com

Cub Cadet Recalls Challenger 400 4×4

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Cub Cadet Challenger 400 4x4

The Cub Cadet Challenger 400 4×4 is being recalled due to possible cracks in the fuel tank neck.

Challenger 400 4×4 Recall Overview

Cub Cadet is recalling their 2018 Challenger 400 4×4 utility vehicle because the fuel tank neck can crack, potentially leak fuel and create a fire hazard. The recall involves approximately 350 vehicles. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles, store outside and contact an authorized Cub Cadet dealer or customer service representative to arrange for a free repair.

This is a very small recall but for a smaller manufacturer like Cub Cadet it represents a larger percentage of their overall vehicle sales. The Challenger 400 4×4 was launched earlier this year.  SVR tracks recalls of golf cars, PTVs, LSVs and utility vehicles. The following detailed recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Challenger 400 4×4 Recall Details

Name of product:  Cub Cadet Challenger 400 utility vehicles
Hazard:  The fuel tank’s neck can crack and cause fuel to leak, posing a fire hazard.
Remedy:  Repair
Recall date:  October 24, 2018
Units:  About 350
Consumer Contact:  Cub Cadet toll-free at 888-848-6038 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday, or online  www.cubcadet.com and click on “Product Recalls” for more information.

Recall Details

Description:  This recall involves Cub Cadet model year 2018 Challenger 400 4×4 utility vehicles with model number 37BV3BHK010. The yellow utility vehicles have four-wheel drive with side-by-side seating for two people. “Challenger 400” and “4×4” is printed on both sides of the utility vehicle’s bed. “Cub Cadet” is printed on both sides of the front fender. The recalled vehicles were manufactured between May 2018 and August 2018. The model number and manufacture date in MM/YYYY format can be found on a label located on the seat frame under driver’s seat.
Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles, store outside and contact an authorized Cub Cadet dealer or customer service representative to arrange for a free repair. Cub Cadet is contacting all known purchasers directly.
Incidents/Injuries:  None
Sold At:  Independent Cub Cadet dealers nationwide from May 2018 through August 2018 for about $7,500.
Manufacturer(s):  Cub Cadet, of Cleveland, Ohio
Manufactured In:  United States
Recall number:  19-707

Honda Recalls 56,000 Pioneer 1000 UTVs

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Honda Pioneer 1000

2016 – 2018 Honda Pioneer 1000 three passenger model being recalled.

Honda Pioneer 1000-5

The 2016-2018 five passenger model is being recalled as well.

Honda Pioneer VIN

Location of the VIN on the Honda Pioneer models.

Pioneer 1000 Recall Overview

Honda has announced a massive recall of their Pioneer 1000 utility vehicles because an incorrectly installed throttle body poses a fire and burn hazard. The recall involves all model year 2016 and 2017 vehicles, as well as some 2018 vehicles. The three passenger and five passenger models are included in this action. Owners should stop using the recalled vehicles immediately and contact their local Honda Powersports dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. No injuries have been reported related to this recall.

This is a very large recall. Earlier this year Honda issued a recall for most of these same vehicles because of a muffler issue. SVR tracks ongoing vehicle recalls for UTVs, golf cars and LSVs.

Detailed Recall Information

The following information is from the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Name of product:  Recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs)
Hazard:  An incorrectly installed throttle body can ignite, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
Remedy:  Repair
Recall date:  November 8, 2018
Units:  About 56,000
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 side-by-side 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**J4200001 — 1HFVE04**J4200720
2018 Pioneer 1000 5P

(SXS10M5*)

 1HFVE04**J4200001 — 1HFVE04**J4200780

* 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 5 reports of throttle body igniting. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At:  Authorized Honda Powersports dealers nationwide from August 2015 through August 2018 for between $14,000 and $22,000.
Manufacturer(s):  Honda of South Carolina Mfg. Inc. (HSC), of Timmonsville, S.C.
Distributor(s):  American Honda Motor Company Inc., of Torrance, Calif.
Manufactured In:  United States
Recall number:  19-714

Polaris Recalls RZR XP Turbo S UTVs

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RZR XP Turbo S

Polaris is recalling RZR XP Turbo S models due to an issue with the ROPS.

Polaris is recalling 2018 RZR XP Turbo S UTVs because the rollover protection structure can fracture during a high-speed rollover. The recall involved approximately 1,300 vehicles. Owners reported six instances of the ROPS fracturing. Owner should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer for a free repair.

SVR’s Take:  The recall is relatively small compared to typical recalls, and considering the number of vehicles Polaris sells. However, this is the first time I remember an issue with a ROPS structure for any manufacturer. In addition, Polaris mostly likely manufactured these 2018 models under their new design and manufacturing processes implemented to produce better quality vehicles. SVR maintains a list of recent recalls of UTVs, golf cars and LSVs. The following recall information is from the Consumer Protection Safety Commission.

Name of product:  Model year 2018 RZR XP Turbo S recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs)

Hazard:  In the event of a high-speed rollover, the vehicle’s rollover protection structure (ROPS) can fracture, providing inadequate protection during a rollover.
Remedy:  Repair
Recall date:  August 27, 2018
Units:  About 1,300
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.

RZR XP Turbo S Recall Details

Description:  This recall involves model year 2018 RZR XP Turbo S recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) sold in red and blue. The recalled vehicles have “POLARIS” printed on the front grille, “POLARIS” printed beneath the doors, and “RZR” printed on the rear fenders. The vehicle identification number (VIN) and model number can be found on a label affixed to the vehicle frame in the left front wheel well.
Polaris Model Year 2018 RZR XP Turbo S
Year Model Number Model/Color
2018 Z18VEL92BR RZR XP TURBO S WITH RIDE CMD AND LV INDY RED
2018 Z18VEL92BK RZR XP TURBO S WITH RIDE CMD AND LV POL BLUE
Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting all registered owners directly.
Incidents/Injuries:  Polaris has received six reports of rollover protection structures fracturing during rollovers. Polaris has received one report of an injury but does not attribute it to ROPS fractures.
Sold At:  Polaris dealers nationwide from January 2018 through August 2018 for about $27,500.
Manufacturer(s):  Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn
Importer(s):  Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn
Manufactured In:  Mexico
Recall number:  18-762

American Landmaster Recalls UTVs

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LandMaster Crossroad

American Landmaster is recalling Crossroad UTVs because of a potential gas leak.

Landmaster Landstar utility vehicle

Landstar models are part of the recall.

Landmaster Trailwagon models are also part of the recall.

American Landmaster has recalled approximately 1,500 model year 2018 UTVs including Landstar, Crossroad and Trailwagon models due to a potential gas leak from the vehicle’s gas tank which can potentially create a fire and burn hazard. Owners have not reported any injuries related to this recall. Owners should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact their American Landmaster for a free repair. The recall information below is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. SVR maintains an ongoing list of recalls related to utility vehicles, golf cars and LSVs with links to detailed recall information.

Name of product:  Off-road utility vehicles
Hazard:  Gas can leak from the utility vehicle’s gas tank, posing fire and burn hazards.
Remedy:  Repair
Recall date:  August 23, 2018
Units:  About 1,500
Consumer Contact:  American Landmaster at 800-643-7332 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at recall@AmericanLandmaster.com or online at www.AmericanLandmaster.com and click on the “Notice to UTV Owners Important Recall Information” icon or www.AmericanLandmaster.com/recall for more information.

American LandMaster Recall Details

Description:  This recall involves model year 2018 gasoline-powered Landstar, Crossroad and Trailwagon models of American Landmaster four-wheel off-road utility vehicles. The recalled vehicles were sold in a variety of colors. The model name and number are printed on the hood of each front fender. The American Landmaster logo is printed on the center of the hood of the vehicle. The VIN is located behind the pedals and below the steering wheel.

Model Number

VIN range start

VIN range end

CR350, LS350, LS350DL

A4PUTYFB1JBA00023

A4PUTYFB9JBA00304

A4PUTYFB1JBA00751

A4PUTYFB7JBA00754

LS450

A4PUTYJC4JBA00422

A4PUTYJC6JBA00499

A4PUTYJC3JBA00749

A4PUTYJCXJBA01512

TW450

A4PUTYJCXJBA00358

A4PUTYJC0JBA00496

A4PUTYJC2JBA00760

A4PUTYJC2JBA01147

TW750

A4PUTYPD0JBA00014

A4PUTYPD8JBB00149

LS477

A4PUVTKD7JBB00003

A4PUVTKD9JBB00049

LS550

A4PUTVKD9JBA00003

A4PUTVKD9JBA00308

LS670, 677EFI, 677EPS

A4PUTYPD6JBB00005

A4PUTYPD7JBB00224

Crew2, Crew4, Crew4X

A4PUFYPD0JBA00005

A4PUFYPD5JBA00078
Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact American Landmaster for a free repair.
Incidents/Injuries:  None reported
Sold At:  Atwood Distributing, Tractor Supply Company, Orscheln Farm and Home stores and other distributors nationwide from January 2018 through July 2018 for between $4,300 and $10,300.
Manufacturer(s):  ASW, LLC d/b/a American Landmaster, of Columbia City, Ind.
Manufactured In:  U.S.
Recall number:  18-207

Polaris Recalls Gravely Atlas UTVs

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Name of product:  Gravely Atlas JSV 3000 and 6000 utility vehicles
Hazard:  The utility vehicle’s exhaust header pipe can crack, posing fire and burn hazards.
Remedy:  Repair
Recall date:  August 8, 2018
Units:  About 2,100
Consumer Contact:  Gravely at 877-740-7060 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.gravely.com and click on the Product Support link at the bottom of the page, then select Product Safety Recall in the menu on the left of the page for more information.

Recall Details

Description:  This recall involves all model year 2015 through 2018 Gravely Atlas JSV 3000 and 6000 gas-engine-powered utility vehicles. The recalled utility vehicles were sold in red and have one or two rows of seats and a rear box. “Gravely” is printed on the rear box, and “Atlas” is printed on the hood of the utility vehicle. The model and serial number can be found on the driver’s side and are visible from the front wheel well. The following model numbers and serial number ranges are being recalled:

Year

Model

Serial Number Range

2015

996200 Base

150100, 150102 – 150299, 150310, 150321, 150332, 150343, 150354, 150365, 150376, 150387, 150398, 150409 – 150771, 150774 – 150803 and

150805 – 151173

996201 Crew

150100 – 150299, 150310, 150321, 150332, 150343, 150354, 150365, 150376, 150387, 150398, 150409 – 150599 and 150601 – 150641

2016

996200 Base

160100 – 160299, 160310, 160321, 160332, 160343, 160354, 160365, 160376, 160387, 160398 and 160409 – 160640

996201 Crew

160100 and 160102 – 160112

2017

996200 Base

170100 – 170256

996201 Crew

170100 – 170102 and 170108 – 170152

2018

996200 Base

180101, 180105 – 180116, 180118 – 180136, 180138 – 180149, 180151 – 180154, 180158 – 180161, 180163 – 180166, 180168 – 180170, 180172,

180174 – 180178, 180181 – 180182, 180186 – 180187, 180190, 180192, 180199, 180202, 180205 – 180206, 180209 – 180211, 180214 – 180215, 180218 and 180220 – 180222
Remedy:  Consumers should contact an authorized Gravely dealer for a free repair. If the exhaust system becomes noisier, consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles. Gravely is contacting all known purchasers directly.
Incidents/Injuries:  Gravely has received seven reports of cracked header exhaust pipes. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At:  Gravely dealers nationwide from September 2014 through July 2018 for between $13,000 and $15,700.
Manufacturer(s):  Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.
Distributor(s):  Gravely Company, of Brillion, Wis.
Manufactured In:  United States
Recall number:  18-758

Road Use Regulation Roundup: June 2018

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golf cart signThe 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 since January, 2018.

Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

  • This roundup saw more legislation related to allowing LSVs on roads as opposed to golf cars and ATVs/UTVs but it is too early to tell if this represents a long term trend and reversal of previous legislative trends favoring golf cars and UTVs.
  • Of special note is legislation in California that is focusing on the development of a regional multi-city plan for LSV transportation. I believe this is the first time a regional approach has been covered in the roundup.
  • Most of the legislative activity occurred in the Midwest and Southeast.

Highland Village, TX – The City Council approved an ordinance allowing the use of NEVs, LSVs and golf cars in the city with certain restrictions.

Myrtle Beach, SC – The City Council passed an ordinance requiring businesses that rent golf cars to get $10 tags on each vehicle.

Glendale, MO – City officials passed an ordinance allowing golf cars to be used on city streets provided they have certain safety features.

Bay St. Louis & Waveland, MS – The state passed legislation that allows the use of LSVs on certain city streets.

Oxford, MS – The owner of a local LSV taxi service requested that the city lower the minimum driving age of such vehicles from 21 years old to address a driver shortage. They lowered it to 20 years old.

Audubon, IA – City Supervisors will likely pass an ordinance allowing the use of ATVs/UTVs on county roads if they have certain safety features.

Newport, RI – The City Council passed an ordinance allowing the use of electric LSVs on local roads.

SanDiego, CA – State legislation is being considered that would allow the use of LSVs on a county wide basis. The legislation, backed by North County cities, would allow for the implementation of regional LSV transportation plans.

Cincinnati, OH – The City Council passed an ordinance creating a three year pilot program for the use of LSVs in the Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine neighborhoods.

Augusta, GA – The City Commission is considering an ordinance that will allow the use of personal transportation vehicles (PTVs) in the central business district. They would initially be used to provide prearranged tours as opposed to taxi service, and could eventually lead to PTV permits for individual owners.

Sanibel Island, FL – The City Council denied the application for the opening of a seven vehicle LSV rental business citing concerns about traffic, safety and the concept being inconsistent with city planning aimed at reducing auto ridership.

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.

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