Recall: Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. Recall of ATVs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 2, 2005 Release #05-237

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 802-9381 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. Announce Recall of ATVs

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: Kawasaki Model Year 2001-2005 Prairie and Brute Force All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Units: About 155,000

Distributor: Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif.

Hazard: A significant impact to the front wheel of the ATV while the steering is fully turned to either side can result in suspension damage, wear, and an eventual loss of steering control that could result in injury or death.

Note: Kawasaki previously recalled the Prairie 700 4x4 in March 2005 because the age recommendation warning label was missing.

Incidents/Injuries: Kawasaki has received 42 reports of ball joint separation which could result in loss of steering control. Three injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall includes 2001 through 2005 Prairie and Brute Force Kawasaki ATVs. The following Kawasaki ATV models are included in this recall: Prairie 300, Prairie 300 4x4, Prairie 360, Prairie 360 4x4, Prairie 400, Prairie 400 4x4, Prairie 650 4x4, Prairie 700 4x4, and Brute Force 650 4x4. The model numbers can be found on the identification label located on the frame of the ATV. "Prairie" or "Brute Force" is printed on each side of the vehicle's gas tank.

Sold at: Kawasaki dealers nationwide from August 2000 through July 2005 for between $4,400 and $7,400.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled ATVs immediately and contact an authorized Kawasaki ATV dealer to arrange for a free repair. Registered owners of the vehicles will be notified directly by Kawasaki about the recall.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call Kawasaki toll-free at (866) 802-9381 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit their Web site at www.kawasaki.com