Recall: RANGER Off-Road Utility Vehicles and Professional Series Utility Task Vehicles ("UTVs")Recalled by Polaris Industries Inc.

August 20, 2002 Alert #02-555

CPSC, Polaris Industries Inc. Announce Recall of RANGER Off-Road Utility Vehicles and Professional Series Utility Task Vehicles ("UTVs")

PRODUCT: RANGERs and UTVs - Polaris Industries Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 7,600 RANGER Off-Road Utility Vehicles and Professional Series Utility Task Vehicles ("UTVs"). Polaris dealers sold these vehicles worldwide from April 2001 through July 2002 for between $6,999 (2x4 model) to $9,949 (6x6 model) depending on the particular model. The RANGERs and UTVs were manufactured in the USA.

PROBLEM: The problem with the RANGER vehicles and UTVs involves the swing arm, which is part of the rear suspension. During operation of the vehicle the pivot bolts of the swing arm can loosen and fall out. If this happens, the swing arm can become partially disconnected from the frame. This can result in the vehicle losing power because the drivetrain connection to the wheels is no longer maintained. If this were to occur, the loss of power and resulting swing arm disorientation could cause the operator to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in injury to the operator.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Polaris Industries Inc. has received twenty-three reports possibly related to the loose pivot bolt issue. One passenger was injured when she bumped her head on the cab frame.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using these vehicles immediately and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair. For more information, contact Polaris at (800)-POLARIS between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. ET Monday through Friday and between 8.a.m. and 12 midnight on weekends. Consumers can visit their web site at www.polarisindustries.com

Owners of these vehicles were directly notified about this recall.