CPSC, Polaris Industries Announce Recall of ATVs

The following product safety recall was conducted voluntarily by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Customers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Polaris “Sportsman 700 EFI” ATVs

Units: About 12,170

Manufacturer/Importer: Polaris Industries, Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Hazard: The throttle cable may bind when the handlebars are turned full left or full right, resulting in an increase in engine speed and unintended vehicle acceleration. In addition, the fuel line may rub against the vehicle chassis, resulting in a fuel line leak which could be a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been 19 incidents (including two minor injuries such as scrapes, bruises, and minor injuries to the leg, knee, and shoulder) involving the throttle cable binding which may cause the ATV to accelerate. There have been 31 incidents (but no injuries or fires) involving gasoline leaking from the fuel line rubbing against the chassis.

Description: All model year 2004 “Sportsman 700 EFI” ATVs with model numbers A04CH68CU, A04CH68AU, A04CH68AP, and A04CH68AQ are part of this recall. The model number is on the rear upper frame tube located directly under the right side of the seat. The ATVs have black seats with a grey, red, and black chassis. “700 Sportsman” is prominently displayed on the right and left side of the chassis, body and fuel tank, and “EFI” is displayed on the instrument/headlight pod.

Sold at: Polaris dealers sold these ATVs nationwide from March 2003 to August 2004 for between $7,899 and $8,899.

Manufactured In: U.S.A.

Remedy: Free repair. Contact your Polaris dealer to schedule an appointment to inspect, reroute, and replace the throttle cable and the fuel line as necessary. Polaris has notified consumers directly about this recall.

Consumer Contact: Call Polaris at (800) 765-2747 between 8 a.m. and 12 midnight ET everyday.