Recall: Polaris Industries Inc. Recalls Snowmobiles for Steering Hazard

April 11, 2006
Alert #06-545

Polaris Industries Inc. Recalls Snowmobiles for Steering Hazard

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

Name of Product: Polaris Snowmobiles with Electric Starts and Models with Electric Start Kits

Units: About 1,380 2006 Models with factory-equipped electric start. Polaris distributed about 1,940 electric start kits that could be installed on certain 2005 or 2006 snowmobiles.

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

Hazard: The fastener torque securing the starter motor to the engine crankcase may not have been accurately applied during the manufacture of these snowmobiles or during the installation of an accessory starter. An improperly torqued starter motor fastener bolt may become loose and fall out allowing the bolt to interfere with the lower steering drag link. This could allow the consumer to experience a loss of steering control.

Incidents/Injuries: Polaris has received 18 reports of incidents involving loss of steering ability, with one reported minor injury.

Description: The recall includes Polaris Model Year 2006 700IQ Classic, 700 IQ Touring, Select Model Year 2005 900 Fusion, 900 RMK, 900 Switchback, Select Model Year 2006 700 IQ Fusion, RMK, and Select Model Year 2006 900 Fusion, RMK Switchback Snowmobiles with Accessory Electric Start Kits.

The model and serial number (VIN) identification decal is located on the right-side of the tunnel underneath the seat.

The table below lists all models possibly affected by the recall.

Model(s) Affected Model Numbers
2005 900 Fusion (With Accessory Electric Start Kit) S05MP8DS (A)(B)(C)
2005 900 Switchback (With Accessory Electric Start Kit) S05PS8DS
2005 900 RMK (With Accessory Electric Start Kit) S05PL8DS (A)(B)(C)(D)
S05PL8DEB
S05PM8DS (A)(B)
S05PN8DS
S05PN8DE
2006 700 Classic (Electric Start Standard) S06PD7HS
2006 700 Touring (Electric Start Standard) S06PT7HS
S06PT7HE
2006 700 Fusion (With Snow Check Select Option or Accessory Electric Start Kit) S06MP7HS (A)(B)
S06ME7HS
2006 700 RMK (With Snow Check Select Option or Accessory Electric Start Kit) S06PK7HS (A)(B)
S06PL7HS (A)(B)
S06PM7HS (A)
2006 900 Fusion (With Snow Check Select Option or Accessory Electric Start Kit) S06MP8DS (A)(B)
S06ME8DS
2006 900 Switchback (With Snow Check Select Option or Accessory Electric Start Kit) S06PS8DS (A)
2006 900 RMK (With Snow Check Select Option or Accessory Electric Start Kit) S06PL8DS (A)(B)
S06PM8DS (A)
S06PN8DS (A)
S06PR8DS
Note: Not all Model Year 2005 and 2006 snowmobiles are affected.



Manufactured In: United States

Sold by: Polaris snowmobile dealers nationwide from August 2004 through March 2006 for between $10,000 and $12,600.

What to Do: Consumers with recalled snowmobiles are being sent direct notice from Polaris. Consumers should stop using these vehicles immediately and contact a local Polaris snowmobile dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can call Polaris toll-free at (800) 765-2747 between 8 a.m. and 12 midnight ET everyday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.polarisindustries.com



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