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 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.
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 new Maverick X3 X rs Turbo RR is one of several 2020 Maverick models that are powered by the new 195 hp Turbo RR engine.
Can-Am recently reported their earnings for Q2 fiscal year 2021. North American retail sales were stronger than expected across all categories given the COVID pandemic. Management reported revenues of $1,233.3 million, a decrease of $226.2 million or 15.5% which was primarily related to the COVID related temporary suspension of production. Revenues for the North American Year Round segment, which includes side-by-sides and ATVS, decreased by $113.4 million, or 15.4% to $621.2 million. Revenues decreased despite strong retail sales because sales were drawn from existing dealer inventory while production was lowered because of Covid.
Retail Exceeds Expectations
Similar to reports from Polaris, Can-AM Q2 earnings had very strong sales for side-by-sides and ATVs. Consumers turned to off-road riding as a socially distant alternative activity during the pandemic. In addition, discretionary income from money not spent during Covid inactivity drove sales. Similar to Polaris, Can-Am also attracted a lot of new powersports customers, but lost market share as dealer inventory was depleted while production greatly reduced.
Can-Am Q2 Earnings Highlights
The following are some of the highlights from the earnings call that are related to the small, task-oriented vehicle market.
Can-Am powersports retail sales were up 40% in North America (NA) and were strong in all categories
Company is constructing a new facility in Juarez, Mexico to meet side-by-side vehicle demand – should be online in fall 2021
Management reports doing better than expected when first going into Covid
Lost market share because high product demand and production shutdown depleted inventory.
NA dealer powersports inventory was down 51%
People turned to powersports in their free time under the restrictions of the pandemic
Can-Am attracted new powersports customers and customers from other brands with off-road vehicles leading the way – new to BRP customers up 51% overall for the quarter with up 74% for off-road
Usually around 10-15% are new customers
For the season, NA off-road retail increased low 20% for industry with Can-Am side-by-side up low 40%
Side-by-side retail strong internationally up almost 50% in EMEA and ~30% in Asia Pacific
Total NA dealer inventory down 51% and this represents down $1 billion of inventory
Management reports loss of maybe 1-2 points of market share as depleted inventory drove customers to other brands
This was a good quarter for Can-Am and the industry in general. New customers with money to spend and in search for Covid safe activities turned to powersports and off-road riding in particular. The large portion of new to powersports customers gives the companies a chance to create more lifetime off-road customers as well as cross sell them other powersports products. It will be interesting to see if the strong consumer demand can be maintained going forward.
Four-passenger UTVs like the Polaris General 4 1000 helped drive retail sales despite the pandemic.
Polaris Q2 2020 Earnings summary
Polaris recently reported their financial results for fiscal year 2020 2nd quarter and they were better than expected. The company reported sales of $1.512 billion for the quarter, a decrease of 15% year over year. Adjusted income decreased 25% from $107 to $81 million. Management stated that results “significantly outpaced company expectations” in the face of the pandemic. In the ORV/Snow segment sales were $953 million, a decrease of 9% year over year with ORV decreasing 14%. The powersports industry experienced strong retail sales, especially in off-road vehicles. Management attributed the strong sales to people seeking family enjoyment, having more free time and fewer alternatives for spending money because of the pandemic.
Polaris Q2 2020 Earnings Highlights
The following are highlights from the earnings call that relate to the small task-oriented vehicle market.
NA powersports industry retail was up high 30% in Q2
Polaris off-road vehicle retail increased low 60% as side-by-side and ATV sales were both strong.
New customers were key drivers with more females, people of color, families and younger buyers
Management reported that 75% of their off-road vehicle and motorcycle buyers in Q2 were new to Polaris.
Solid demand for four seat and crew UTVs for family usage
A significant portion of ORV sales came from existing dealer inventory which decreased 45% in the quarter as Polaris shutdown or decreased plant production
Production is “chasing demand with some shortage”.
Japanese competitors are gaining share, in part, due to having more product available.
Global Adjacent Market sales decreased 36% for the quarter to $78 million from $122 million
ORV retail sales continued strong growth in July
Guidance for 2nd Half
Polaris retail sales anticipated to outpace overall market.
Strong performance in second half expected by ORV.
ORV/Snow sales down 7% for the first half of the year but expected to be up overall for the full year as dealer inventory is replenished and powersports demand maintains modest growth.
Management anticipates continued weakness in adjacent markets given the dependence on government, university, commercial and rental sales.
The fallout from the pandemic appears to have been good for the off-road utility vehicle market, at least for recreational purposes. As a relatively safe activity in terms of avoiding the virus, riding UTVs appears to have provided an antidote to being in lockdown or some degree of it. It will be interesting to see if it continues to do so. They are still large purchases and with the virus flaring up in many places, potential buyers could become more cautious. However, the acquisition of a large portion of new customers to date bodes well for Polaris in the future. Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com
In a new market study on the small task-oriented vehicle (STOV) market in the US and Canada, Small Vehicle Resource (SVR), LLC describes an industry in midstream transition as:
Climate policies, COVID-19 effects and new technologies usher in the urban/suburban mobility market and underpin an expanding consumer market for personal transportation vehicles (PTVs), as well as commercial markets for light duty utility vehicles;
The transition from lead acid to lithium batteries continues, raising performance and transforming vehicle longevity and recycling value.
The maturing off-road utility and recreational UTV market remains fundamentally strong and highly competitive, and is poised to follow the automobile and golf-car type vehicle markets into electrification;
The study provides a strategic analysis of the rise of urban/suburban mobility market driven in the context of the STOV industry. Steve Metzger, SVR Managing Director, states that, “The intersection of climate policy, new technologies and COVID-19 effects will lead to a ‘dispersed living lifestyle’, and provide new opportunities in the urban/suburban mobility market.” He further remarks, “The STOV industry, particularly the Big Three golf manufacturers with a foothold in gated communities, have the core competencies to transition from golf-centric to urban/suburban centric. The question is will they?”
Marc Cesare, SVR Managing Director, adds that, “While the UTV manufacturers will see solid growth in their market, some are capable of pursuing the urban/suburban mobility market as well. However, their DNA, profit centers and distribution channels are primarily off-road and powersports. Culturally, the pursuit of the urban/suburban mobility opportunity may be a difficult paradigm shift.”
The study, the tenth in the series since 2000, covers market trends from 2016 and develops projections to 2025. The key segments are golf fleet, personal transportation vehicles, light-duty utility vehicles, and off-road utility and recreation vehicles. In total, these segments are forecasted to reach close to 1,200,000 new vehicles in 2025. Electric powered vehicles continue to make inroads. Approximately a third of the market is electric powered, primarily in the form of fleet golf cars, PTVs, as well as light duty utility vehicles, of which approximately 80% will be electric by 2025. Key trends and projections for the market include:
Demand for electric powered STOV vehicles will increase to over 450,000 vehicles in 2025.
Golf course fleet demand will decline slightly during the trend period but will remain overwhelmingly electric powered, around 80%.
Demand for PTVs will be strong.
Lithium battery powered vehicles will continue to make inroads as more models become available with this option.
The study is entitled, Trends and Outlook for Small, Task-Oriented Vehicles-2016-2025- An Analysis of the Emerging Urban/Suburban Mobility Market. For additional, detailed information see the study brochure with table of contents or contact:
Honda announced a large recall of about 25,000 vehicles including model year 2019 and 2020 Pioneer and Talon utility vehicles. The Honda UTV recall involves both three and five passenger Pioneer UTVs as well as two and four passenger Talon UTVs. The vehicles can move or roll in park position, creating a crash and injury hazard. Consumers should stop using the vehicles and contact their Honda Powersports dealer for a free inspection and repair. The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Honda UTV Recall Details
Hazard: The ROV can move or roll when in the park position, posing crash and injury hazards.
Remedy: Repair
Recall date: June 18, 2020
Units: About 25,000
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.
Description: This recall involves certain Model Year 2019 & 2020 Honda Pioneer 1000 and Talon 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 or Talon is printed on a label located on both sides of the vehicle. For the Pioneer 1000, the serial number (VIN #) is stamped in the frame at the left rear, below the tilt-up bed/seat. For the Talon 1000, the VIN# is stamped on the left side of the frame, under the left front fender.
MY
Model
VIN Start
VIN End
2019
Pioneer 1000 – 3 Passenger(SXS10M3*)
1HFVE04**K4300061
1HFVE04**K4301919
2019
Pioneer 1000 – 5 Passenger(SXS10M5*)
1HFVE04**K4300061
1HFVE04**K4302460
2019
Talon 1000 – 2 Passenger(SXS10S2*)
1HFVE05**K4000003
1HFVE05**K4003902
2020
Pioneer 1000 – 3 Passenger(SXS10M3*)
1HFVE04**L4400001
1HFVE04**L4402426
2020
Pioneer 1000 – 5 Passenger(SXS10M5*)
1HFVE04**L4400001
1HFVE04**L4402984
2020
Talon 1000 – 2 Passenger(SXS10S2*)
1HFVE05**L4100001
1HFVE05**L4102280
2020
Talon 1000 – 4 Passenger(SXS10S4*)
1HFVE06**L4000002
1HFVE06**L4002100
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 three reports of the ROVs moving while in the park position. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Authorized Honda Powersports dealers nationwide, from November 2018 through March 2020, for between $15,000 and $24,000.
Manufacturer(s): American Honda Motor Co., Inc., of Torrance, Calif.
Manufactured In: United States
Recall number: 20-751
SVR’s Take
This is another large recall by one of the major UTV manufacturers. Honda had a large recall last summer that included some of the Pioneer vehicles involved in this recall. This is more evidence that the industry as a whole seems to have a quality control problem. A significant percentage of the new vehicles being sold each year are being recalled. BRP is the only major UTV manufacturer that has not had a large vehicle recall in the last few years. Smallvehicleresource.com maintains a list of small, task-oriented vehicle recalls. Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com
The Garia Golf 2+2 is part of a recall due to a bad fuse.
Garia recently announced a recall of approximately 1,000 Garia Golf and Courtesy electric vehicles. A fuse can overheat while the vehicle is charging and can cause a fire. The recall involves model year 2010 to 2019 Golf, Golf 2+2, Courtesy 4 and Courtesy 4+2 vehicles. Owners should immediately stop charging the vehicles and contact Garia or a Garia dealer to schedule a free repair. The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Garia Recall Details
Name of product: Garia Golf & Courtesy battery-powered electric vehicles
Hazard: A fuse can overheat and melt while the electric vehicle is charging, posing a fire hazard.
Recall date: May 14, 2020
Units: About 1,000
Consumer Contact: Garia collect (281) 923-0291 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, e-mail at support-us@garia.com, or online at www.garia.com and click on “Safety Recall” for more information.
Description: This recall involves Garia model year 2010-2019 golf and courtesy battery-powered electric vehicles (BEV’s). The models involved are as follows; Golf, Golf 2+2, Courtesy 4 and Courtesy 4+2. Garia VIN numbers are printed / etched on the chassis under the front seat cushion (see illustration below). The model year of your Garia can be identified by the 10th digit in the VIN number. The chart below can be used as a quick reference. The Serial numbers and date code range are: VIN numbers UJGDHSX1XAVXXXXXX – UJGDHSX1XKVXXXXXX are located under the vehicle’s front seat. (A to K) (2010-2019)
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop charging these recalled golf and courtesy vehicles and contact Garia or a Garia dealer to schedule a free repair. Garia is contacting all known customers by direct mail and e-mail.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm is aware of five incidents of overheating and fire damage to the vehicles. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Garia dealers nationwide from January 2010 through September 2019 for between $15,000 and $75,000.Manufacturer(s): Garia A/S, of Denmark
Importer(s): Garia Inc., of Houston, Texas
Manufactured In: Denmark
Recall number: 20-122
SVR’s Take
We’ve tracked recalls since early 2015 and this is the first recall from Garia. This is not surprising since they are a lower volume manufacturer focusing on building higher quality vehicles. According to their website, the fix is relatively simple so this shouldn’t be much of a problem for Garia.
The Kawasaki 2020 Mule PRO-DXT is part of a large 80,000 vehicle recall.
Kawasaki Mule Recall Summary
Kawasaki recently announced two large recalls of their Mule utility vehicles. The recalls of 80,000 and 72,000 vehicles are for separate issues but there is a large overlap among the model years and Mule models affected. The first recall involves excessive wear of the steering shaft that can affect steering control and result in a crash hazard. This recall covers approximately 80,000 vehicles and includes model year 2015 – 2020 MULE PRO-FX, MULE PRO-FXR, MULE PRO-FXT and 2016 – 2020 MULE PRO-DX and MULE PRO-DXT utility vehicles.
The second Kawasaki Mule recall involves two potential fire hazards. Debris on the exhaust manifold can ignite and ice can block the breather hose leading to an oil leak. This recall involves approximately 72,000 vehicles and includes model year 2015 – 2020 MULE PRO-FX, MULE PRO-FXR and MULE PRO-FXT utility vehicles. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact a Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair.
Hazard: The steering shaft can develop excessive wear and affect steering control resulting in a crash hazard, posing a risk of injury or death.
Remedy: Repair
Recall date: March 19, 2020
Units: About 80,000
Consumer Contact: Kawasaki toll-free at 866-802-9381 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.Kawasaki.com and click on “Recalls” for more information.
Description: This recall involves recall involves 2015 through 2020 MULE PRO-FX, MULE PRO-FXR, MULE PRO-FXT and 2016 – 2020 MULE PRO-DX and MULE PRO-DXT 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. The model name is printed on the right and left fender. The vehicles are available as either gas or diesel models. The diesel models have DIESEL printed on the right and left rear of the cargo bed. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the steel frame between the right front lower A-arm mounts. (Specific model name, model code and VIN information for the recall)
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: The firm has received 453 reports of incidents of steering problems. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Kawasaki dealers nationwide from July 2014 through January 2020 for between $12,000 and $17,000.
Manufacturer(s): Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. U.S.A, of Lincoln, Neb.
Distributor(s): Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Foothill Ranch, Calif.
Manufactured In: United States
Recall number: 20-726
The Kawasaki 2091 Mule PRO-FXT Ranch Edition is part of a 72,000 vehicle recall.
Kawasaki Mule Recall Details – Crash Hazard
Name of product: Kawasaki MULE PRO off-highway utility vehicles
Hazard: Debris can ignite on the vehicle’s exhaust manifold; and frozen water can block the breather hose allowing oil to leak, posing a fire hazard.
Remedy: Repair
Recall date: March 19, 2020
Units: About 72,000
Consumer Contact: Kawasaki toll-free at 866-802-9381 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.Kawasaki.com and click on “Recalls” for more information.
Description:This recall involves model year 2015 through 2020 MULE PRO-FX™, MULE PRO-FXR™ and MULE PRO-FXT™ off-highway utility vehicles. The recalled vehicles were sold in black, blue, bronze, camo, green, red, silver and white. They have four wheels, 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. (Specific model name, model code and VIN information for the recall)
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: Kawasaki has received 165 reports of oil leakage and 84 reports of vehicles catching on fire, resulting in three injuries, including one report of a burn to the user’s foot, one report of a burn to the user’s arm, hand and buttocks and one incident of smoke inhalation. Kawasaki is aware of more than $131,000 in property damage claims, excluding the cost of damage to vehicles.
Sold At: Kawasaki dealers nationwide from July 2014 through December 2019 for between $12,000 and $18,000.
Manufacturer(s): Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. U.S.A., of Lincoln, Neb.
Distributor(s): Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Foothill Ranch, Calif.
Manufactured In: United States
Recall number: 20-727
SVR’s Take
This is a very large recall and is another indication of the recall problem the small, task-oriented vehicle industry has. In our last STOV market study we found that from 2014 to 2017 recalled vehicles in the US and Canada accounted for no less than 24% and up to 47% of utility vehicle market annually. Similar to this recall, many of them involve fire hazards related to debris or some type of leak. SVR maintains an ongoing list of recalls.
