Polaris Issues Recall of Recreational Vehicles due to Fire Risk
Polaris Industries, a U.S. manufacturer of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles, recently issued a voluntary recall of RZR recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs). The recall was necessitated by consumer reports that the vehicles can catch fire while being used, presenting a serious risk of fire and burn injuries to drivers, passengers and others.
The massive recall affects approximately 133,000 Polaris vehicles and applies to Polaris 2013-2016 RZR 900 and RZR 1000 ROVs. The vehicles were manufactured in both the United States and Mexico, with the foreign-manufactured ROVs being imported to the U.S. and sold from July 2012 to April 2016. Most of the vehicles had sales prices that ranged from $16K to $26K.
There were numerous reports – more than 160, actually – of fires being caused by the affected ROVs. In one case, a 15-year-old passenger died when a vehicle rollover set off a fire. Additionally, there were nearly 20 reports of significant fire-related injuries caused by the ROVs, with many of these injuries involving first degree burns, second degree burns and third degree burns. It is very possible that these accident-related deaths and injuries could lead to product liability lawsuits against Polaris.
Although the recall was issued voluntarily, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has gotten involved because the safety risks to consumers are very serious. In fact, it is likely that the CPSC would have required the recall if Polaris had not been proactive and stopped selling the dangerous ROVs. The suspension of sales will last until all of the recalled vehicles have been repaired.
Anyone who has purchased one of the recalled ROVs is asked to immediately stop use of their RZR recreational off-highway vehicle. The vehicles can be taken to a designated Polaris dealer for repairs, which are being offered at no cost to the consumer.
For more information about this product recall, see the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette article, “Polaris Recalls RZR Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles.”
If you or a loved one was injured as a result of a defective product, you need a qualified personal injury and product liability lawyer helping you throughout the legal process. The experienced personal injury and product liability attorneys at LaDuca Law Firm will fight on your behalf and help you get the financial compensation you need, want and deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your case.
