Polaris Recalls More Than 19,000 ATVs Over Fire Risks

This week, Polaris Industries recalled 19,200 all-terrain vehicles (ATV) because of several hundred complaints about various issues, including 47 fires, and reports of minor burn injuries and burned or warped side panels.

The recall applies to model-year 2015 and 2016 Sportsman 850 and Sportsman 1000 ATVs. These vehicles were sold at Polaris dealerships across the country between May 2014 and March 2017 for amounts ranging from $8,500 to $15,000.

Polaris’ recall notice notes multiple safety concerns with these vehicles:

• The heat shields on the right-side panels sometimes melt, leading to vehicle fires that can injure riders.
• Exhaust springs in 2015 Sportsman 1000 ATVs can stretch, causing damage to the exhaust seal and possibly leading to leaks, burns and other fire hazards.

Polaris reported the recall to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Tuesday. Polaris and the CPSC advise owners of these vehicles to stop riding them immediately and take them to a Polaris dealership for free repairs.

If you are unsure that the recall applies to your ATV, visit the product safety recalls section of Polaris’ website and type in the vehicle identification number. You can also check the model number against the list in Polaris’ recall notice. The model number is on the fuel tank cover.

Consumers can also contact Polaris by calling 800-765-2747 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. central time Monday through Friday for more information about the recall.

Other Polaris Vehicle Recalls

This is Polaris’ second vehicle recall this month and the latest in a series of vehicle recalls over the last two years because of various fire risks:

• March 2017 – Polaris recalled 13,500 vehicles including the RZR Turbo and RZR Turbo 900 and the 2016 and 2017 models of the Turbo 1000 and General 1000.
• December 2016 – Polaris recalled more than 23,000 Indian Motorcycles because there was a risk of fuel leaks that could cause fires.
• September 2016 – The company recalled 53,000 vehicles after receiving 19 reports of vehicles fires that caused injuries to six people, including a child, and damaged 15 acres of forest in Utah.

The recalls cover more than 280,000 vehicles and have cost Polaris more than $120 million. The recalled vehicles have been linked to more than 200 fires and at least one fatality.

If you were injured in a fire caused by one of the recalled vehicles, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you have suffered, including pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.

The product liability attorneys at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP have the experience and legal knowledge to help you fight for your rights. Our licensed injury lawyers in Fort Worth offer a free, no obligation legal consultation and do not charge legal fees unless there is a favorable resolution of your claim.

Contact us today by calling (817) 920-9000.