Recall: Snowmobiles Recalled by Polaris

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 1997
Release # 98-026
Company Phone Number: (800) POLARIS
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

CPSC, Polaris Announce Recall of Snowmobiles

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Polaris Industries Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 20,670 snowmobiles to replace their steering pitman arms, which are part of the steering mechanism.

The snowmobile's steering pitman arm can crack in the weld area, and consumers can lose control of the snowmobile and crash.

Polaris has received 21 reports of steering pitman arms cracking and in some instances, consumers have lost control of the snowmobiles. No injuries have been reported.

The following snowmobiles are involved in this recall:

Model Year and Name    Model Number
1997 440 XC 0971760
1997 XCF 0971643
1997 600 XC 0971776 and E971776
1997 600 XCR 0975677 and E975677
1997 600 XCR SE H975677
1997 700 SKS 097566 and E970566
1997 700 RMK 0970966
1997 Ultra SP 0970678
1997 Ultra SPX 0975678 and E975678
1997 Ultra SPX SE H975678
1998 600 RMK 0970958
1998 XLT SP 0985776
1998 600 XCR 0975677
1998 700 RMK 0970966
1998 700 XCR 0975678


Polaris previously has sent direct mail notification of this recall to dealers and registered owners.

The model number is on the identification plate on the right side of the snowmobile's tunnel, close to where the operator's ankle would be if seated on the snowmobile.

Where to Locate Snowmobile Model Number


Polaris dealers nationwide sold the snowmobiles from March 1996 through October 1997 for between $6,200 and $7,700, depending on the model.

Consumers should stop using these snowmobiles immediately and contact their Polaris dealer to have the steering pitman arm replaced for free. For the location of the nearest Polaris dealer, consumers should call (800) POLARIS between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. EST Monday through Friday.