Recall: Honda Recall of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

November 25, 2002 Alert #03-512

CPSC, Honda Announce Recall of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

PRODUCT: ATV's - American Honda Motor Co. Inc., of Torrance Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 6,000 2003 model year All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). The recalled ATVs are model number TRX650FA. They are red or olive green, and "Rincon" is written on the side cover with VIN numbers ranging from 478TE280*3A000041 to 478TE280*3A006105. The VIN numbers are located on the left-front frame tube. Honda motorcycle dealers nationwide sold these motorcycles from July 2002 through October 2002 for approximately $7,000. They were manufactured in the USA.

PROBLEM: Some front and rear, upper and lower a-arms and shock absorbers may have been torqued incorrectly during assembly. If any of the suspension bolts loosen and fall out, the suspension could collapse and cause a loss of steering or vehicle control, posing the risk of serious injuries.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Honda has received one report of a bolt falling out and a front suspension collapsing on one of these vehicles. No injuries have been reported.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using these ATVs immediately and call their local Honda ATV dealer to schedule a free repair. Consumers should not attempt to torque these bolts themselves because this job requires shop equipment and special tools not generally available to consumers. To locate their local dealer or for more information, consumers should call American Honda at (800) 578-3543 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or go to the company's web site at www.hondamotorcycle.com

Registered owners of the vehicles have been notified directly by American Honda.