NEWS from CPSC

Polaris Industries Expands Recall of ATVs Due to Fire Hazard

Note: There is a further expansion of this recall.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Polaris All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Units: About 95,000 (45,000 units recalled in June 2005)

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

Hazard: The ATVs can have defective Electronic Control Modules (ECM) that overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to riders.

Incidents/Injuries: Since the original recall announced in June 2005, Polaris has received 372 additional reports of smoking and/or melted ECMs on the recalled ATVs, and 20 reports of fires, nine of which involved property damage beyond the ATV. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves select 2005 through 2006 model Polaris Sportsman and Scrambler 500 ATVs. The model and serial numbers are printed on a decal attached to the front side of the radiator (Sportsman) or the top of the front cab cover (Scrambler 500). Serial numbers are permanently stamped into the left frame rail behind the left front wheel. The recalled models are listed on the chart below.

Sold at: Polaris dealers nationwide from July 2004 through January 2008 for between $3,800 and $7,900.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should disconnect the negative (black) battery cable from the battery when the ATV is not in use. Consumers should contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Registered owners received direct mail notification of this recall.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Polaris toll-free at (888) 704-5290 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.polarisindustries.com