Recent UTV Recalls

2020 Polaris Ranger Crew 1000 utility vehicle part of recall.
The Polaris 2020 Ranger Crew 1000 is part of a large recall related to a drive belt issue.

UTV Recalls Summary

There have been a number of UTV recalls the last two months. With the exception of the latest Polaris recall involving over 40,000 vehicles, the recalls have been very small. The large Polaris recall includes Ranger 1000 and Ranger Crew 1000, ProXD, Ariens/Gravely and Bobcat models. These models use a common drive belt, which can break and damage the fuel line.

The smaller recalls include John Deere XUV590, Kawasaki Teryx and Polaris RZR Pro XP models. A variety of issues drive the recalls. The recall information below is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

UTV Recalls Detailed Information

John Deere Gator UTV Recall

OEMModel(s)HazardRemedyRecall
Date
, Number & Link
Units
Involved
John DeereXUV590 and XUV590 S4 Gator™An error in the ECU (Engine Control Unit) software can result in the speedometer and several speed-related safety systems not functioning as designed, posing a crash hazard and risk of injury.Repair5/20/2021

21-748

Recall lists recalled serial numbers
~90
Polaris2021 RZR Pro XP & Pro XP 4The vehicles were manufactured without copper seal washers on the turbocharger’s oil supply line, which can result in an oil leak, posing a fire hazard.Repair5/13/2021

21-744
~32
KawasakiTeryx S LE, Teryx4, Teryx4 Le, S LE, S LE Camo Gray, S LE CamoThe fuel pump retainer plate bolts can come loose causing fuel leakage over time, posing a fire hazard.Repair4/22/2021

21-739

~100
Polaris2020-2021 Ranger 1000 and Ranger Crew 1000, 2020 ProXD 2000G and 4000G, 2020-2021 Ariens/Gravely JSV3200, JSV3400, and JSV6400, 2020 Bobcat UV34 4×4 Gas and UV34 XL Gas, and 2021 Bobcat UV34 4×4 GasThe drive belt can break during operation and damage the inner clutch cover assembly and fuel line, which can result in a fuel leak, posing a fire hazard.Repair3/25/2021

21-732
~41,500

 SVR tracks recalls on an ongoing basis.

Polaris Recalls Ranger and ProXD UTVs

Polaris Pro XD 4000G utility vehicle
The 2020 Polaris Pro XD 4000G utility vehicle being recalled is sold to commercial markets.
Polaris Ranger XP 1000
The 2020 and 2021 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 is also part of the recall.

Ranger and ProXD UTVs Recall Summary

Polaris is recalling model year 2020-2021 Ranger 1000, Crew 1000, XP 1000 and Crew XP 1000 utility vehicles as well as model year 2020 ProXD 2000G, 2000G H, 4000G and 4000G H utility vehicles. The throttle pedal can return to the idle position more slowly than anticipated and create a crash hazard. The recall includes nearly 16,000 vehicles. Owners should stop using the vehicles and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a repair. Owners filed 52 reports regarding the issue, including six crashes, but no reported injuries. The following recall details are from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Ranger and ProXD UTVs Recall Details

Name of product: Model Year 2020-2021 RANGER 1000, RANGER CREW 1000, RANGER XP 1000, and RANGER CREW XP 1000 and Model Year 2020 ProXD 2000G, ProXD 2000G H, ProXD 4000G, and ProXD 4000G H

Hazard: The throttle pedal can return to the idle position more slowly than anticipated once the pedal is released or stick in the depressed position, posing a crash hazard.

Recall date: March 4, 2021

Units: About 15,800 (In addition, 711 units were sold in Canada)

Consumer Contact: Polaris at 800-765-2747 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.polaris.comand click on “Off Road Safety Recalls” or https://www.polaris.com/en-us/off-road-recalls/ to check your vehicle identification number “VIN” or go to “Product Safety Recalls” page to see if your vehicle is included in any recalls or online at https://www.polaris.com/en-us/recalls/off-road/.

Description: This recall involves Model Year 2020-2021 RANGER 1000, RANGER CREW 1000, RANGER XP 1000, and RANGER CREW XP 1000 recreational off-highway vehicles and Model Year 2020 ProXD 2000G, ProXD 2000G H, ProXD 4000G, and ProXD 4000G H off-road utility vehicles.  The vehicles were sold in the following colors:  black, blue, burgundy, camo, gray, green, orange, red, sand, tan, titanium, and white.  The RANGER vehicles have three or six seats and the ProXD vehicles have two or four seats.  The RANGER and ProXD vehicles have “POLARIS” stamped on the front grille.  The model number and VIN are printed on a portion of the left rear frame (on the driver’s side of the vehicle) under the cargo box.  

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair.  Polaris is notifying all dealers and contacting registered owners directly.

Incidents/Injuries:  The firm has received 52 reports of throttle pedals returning to the idle position slowly or sticking, including six reports of vehicle crashes resulting in minor property damage.  No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Polaris dealers nationwide from April 2020 through January 2021 for between $13,000 and $31,000.

Manufacturer(s):  Polaris Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Manufactured In:  United States and Mexico 

Recall number: 21-724

SVR’s Take

At 16,000 units the recall is medium sized for Polaris. They are the largest UTV manufacturer by far so you would expect them to have more and larger recalls. However, this is the seventh recall dating back to January of 2020. The recall also has relatively high number of consumer reports. It appears they are still having quality control issues despite making changes after their massive recalls several years ago. SVR tracks recalls on an ongoing basis.

Honda Pioneer Recall Is Massive

Honda Pioneer 700-4 utility vehicle part of recall.
The Honda Pioneer 700-4 is part of a large recall due to a steering control issue.

Honda Pioneer Recall Summary

Honda recently announced a massive recall of over 118,000 Pioneer UTVs due to the potential loss of steering control. The Honda Pioneer recall involves model year 2017 to 2019 and some 2020 Pioneer 700 models and 2016 to 2019 and some 2020 Pioneer 1000 models. Both crew and single row seating versions are included. Owners should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact their local Honda Powersports dealer for a free inspection and repair. The following recall details are from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Honda Pioneer Recall Details

Name of product: Honda Pioneer 700 & 1000 Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs) with Electric Power Steering (EPS)

Hazard: The ROV can lose steering control, posing crash and injury hazards. 

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: December 3, 2020

Units: About 118,600

Consumer Contact: American Honda toll-free at 866-784-1870 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at http://powersports.honda.com/ and click on “Recall Information” at the bottom of the page for more information.

Recall Details

Description: This recall involves Model Year 2017-2019 & certain 2020 Honda Pioneer 700 and 2016-2019 & certain 2020 Pioneer 1000 Side-by-Side vehicles equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS).  The recalled vehicles were sold in various colors including:  Red, blue, green, gray and yellow.  The name “HONDA” is on the front, sides and the rear of the vehicle.  The model name Pioneer 700 or Pioneer 1000 is printed on a label located on both sides of the vehicle.  The serial number (VIN #) is stamped in the frame at the left rear, below the tilt-up bed/seat.

MYModelVIN StartVIN End
2017Pioneer 700 – 2  Passenger (SXS700M2*)1HFVE02**H43000011HFVE02**H4303722
2017Pioneer 700 – 4  Passenger (SXS700M4*)1HFVE02**H43000011HFVE02**H4350720
2018Pioneer 700 – 2  Passenger (SXS700M2*)1HFVE02**J44000011HFVE02**J4402760
2018Pioneer 700 – 4  Passenger (SXS700M4*)1HFVE02**J44000011HFVE02**J4451320
2019Pioneer 700 – 2  Passenger (SXS700M2*)1HFVE02**K45000011HFVE02**K4502100
2019Pioneer 700 – 4  Passenger (SXS700M4*)1HFVE02**K45000011HFVE02**K4550600
2020Pioneer 700 – 2  Passenger (SXS700M2*)1HFVE02**L46000011HFVE02**L4601500
2020Pioneer 700 – 4  Passenger (SXS700M4*)1HFVE02**L46000011HFVE02**L4650780
2016Pioneer 1000 – 3  Passenger (SXS1000M3*)1HFVE04**G40000011HFVE04**G4008403
2016Pioneer 1000 – 5  Passenger (SXS1000M5*)1HFVE04**G40000011HFVE04**G4010507
2017Pioneer 1000 – 3  Passenger (SXS1000M3*)1HFVE04**H41000011HFVE04**H4102101
2017Pioneer 1000 – 5  Passenger (SXS1000M5*)1HFVE04**H41000011HFVE04**H4103000
2018Pioneer 1000 – 3  Passenger (SXS1000M3*)1HFVE04**J42000011HFVE04**J4205460
2018Pioneer 1000 – 5  Passenger (SXS1000M5*)1HFVE04**J42000011HFVE04**J4210320
2019Pioneer 1000 – 3  Passenger (SXS1000M3*)1HFVE04**K43000011HFVE04**K4301920
2019Pioneer 1000 – 5  Passenger (SXS1000M5*)1HFVE04**K43000011HFVE04**K4302460
2020Pioneer 1000 – 3  Passenger (SXS1000M3*)1HFVE04**L44000011HFVE04**L4403180
2020Pioneer 1000 – 5  Passenger (SXS1000M5*)1HFVE04**L44000011HFVE04**L4404620

 Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact an authorized Honda Powersports dealer to schedule an appointment for a free inspection and repair, if necessary.  Honda is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries:  The firm has received 8 reports of the ROV’s having either play in the steering or losing control of steering.  No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Sold At: Authorized Honda Powersports dealers nationwide from August 2015 through March 2020 for approximately between $10,000 and $21,000.

Manufacturer(s):  American Honda Motor Co., Inc., of Torrance, Calif.

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 21-711

Report an Incident Involving this Product 

SVR’s Take

This is a really large recall, likely encompassing most of Honda’s Pioneer UTV sales over the last five years.  This is more evidence that the industry appears to have a quality control problem. The 2016 to 2019 Honda Pioneer 1000 UTVs have previously been recalled for a throttle pedal issue. In addition, another recall for a throttle body issue overlaps 2016 to 2018 models. SVR estimates that over the last several years no less than 14% and often more than 25% of the total UTV market are recalled annually. These figures count models with more than one recall only once. SVR tracks industry recalls on an ongoing basis.

2020 Small Task-Oriented Vehicle Study

Club Car Onward 4-passenger lifted PTV
Club Car Onward 4-passenger lifted PTV

In a new market study on the small task-oriented vehicle (STOV) market in the US and Canada, Small Vehicle Resource (SVR), LLC describes an industry in midstream transition as:

  • Climate policies, COVID-19 effects and new technologies usher in the urban/suburban mobility market and underpin an expanding consumer market for personal transportation vehicles (PTVs), as well as commercial markets for light duty utility vehicles;
  • The transition from lead acid to lithium batteries continues, raising performance and transforming vehicle longevity and recycling value.
  • The maturing off-road utility and recreational UTV market remains fundamentally strong and highly competitive, and is poised to follow the automobile and golf-car type vehicle markets into electrification;

The study provides a strategic analysis of the rise of urban/suburban mobility market driven in the context of the STOV industry. Steve Metzger, SVR Managing Director, states that, “The intersection of climate policy, new technologies and COVID-19 effects will lead to a ‘dispersed living lifestyle’, and provide new opportunities in the urban/suburban mobility market.”  He further remarks, “The STOV industry, particularly the Big Three golf manufacturers with a foothold in gated communities, have the core competencies to transition from golf-centric to urban/suburban centric. The question is will they?” 

Marc Cesare, SVR Managing Director, adds that, “While the UTV manufacturers will see solid growth in their market, some are capable of pursuing the urban/suburban mobility market as well. However, their DNA, profit centers and distribution channels are primarily off-road and powersports. Culturally, the pursuit of the urban/suburban mobility opportunity may be a difficult paradigm shift.”

The study, the tenth in the series since 2000, covers market trends from 2016 and develops projections to 2025. The key segments are golf fleet, personal transportation vehicles, light-duty utility vehicles, and off-road utility and recreation vehicles. In total, these segments are forecasted to reach close to 1,200,000 new vehicles in 2025. Electric powered vehicles continue to make inroads. Approximately a third of the market is electric powered, primarily in the form of fleet golf cars, PTVs, as well as light duty utility vehicles, of which approximately 80% will be electric by 2025. Key trends and projections for the market include:

  • Demand for electric powered STOV vehicles will increase to over 450,000 vehicles in 2025.
  • Golf course fleet demand will decline slightly during the trend period but will remain overwhelmingly electric powered, around 80%.
  • Demand for PTVs will be strong.
  • Lithium battery powered vehicles will continue to make inroads as more models become available with this option.

            The study is entitled, Trends and Outlook for Small, Task-Oriented Vehicles-2016-2025- An Analysis of the Emerging Urban/Suburban Mobility Market.  For additional, detailed information see the study brochure with table of contents or contact:

Steve Metzger smetzger@smallvehicleresource.com

(914) 293-7577

Honda UTV Recall Includes Talons

Honda Talon 1000X
The Honda Talon 1000X is part of the recall.

Honda UTV Recall Summary

Honda announced a large recall of about 25,000 vehicles including model year 2019 and 2020 Pioneer and Talon utility vehicles. The Honda UTV recall involves both three and five passenger Pioneer UTVs as well as two and four passenger Talon UTVs. The vehicles can move or roll in park position, creating a crash and injury hazard. Consumers should stop using the vehicles and contact their Honda Powersports dealer for a free inspection and repair. The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Honda UTV Recall Details

Hazard:  The ROV can move or roll when in the park position, posing crash and injury hazards. 

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: June 18, 2020

Units: About 25,000

Consumer Contact: American Honda toll-free at 866-784-1870 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at http://powersports.honda.com/ and click on “Recall Information” at the bottom of the page for more information.

Description: This recall involves certain Model Year 2019 & 2020 Honda Pioneer 1000 and Talon 1000 side-by-side vehicles.  The recalled vehicles were sold in various colors, including: red, blue, green, gray and yellow.  The name “HONDA” is on the front, sides and the rear of the vehicle.  The model name Pioneer 1000 or Talon is printed on a label located on both sides of the vehicle.  For the Pioneer 1000, the serial number (VIN #) is stamped in the frame at the left rear, below the tilt-up bed/seat.  For the Talon 1000, the VIN# is stamped on the left side of the frame, under the left front fender.

MYModelVIN StartVIN End
2019Pioneer 1000 – 3  Passenger(SXS10M3*)1HFVE04**K43000611HFVE04**K4301919
2019Pioneer 1000 – 5  Passenger(SXS10M5*)1HFVE04**K43000611HFVE04**K4302460
2019Talon 1000 – 2  Passenger(SXS10S2*)1HFVE05**K40000031HFVE05**K4003902
2020Pioneer 1000 – 3  Passenger(SXS10M3*)1HFVE04**L44000011HFVE04**L4402426
2020Pioneer 1000 – 5  Passenger(SXS10M5*)1HFVE04**L44000011HFVE04**L4402984
2020Talon 1000 – 2  Passenger(SXS10S2*)1HFVE05**L41000011HFVE05**L4102280
2020Talon 1000 – 4  Passenger(SXS10S4*)1HFVE06**L40000021HFVE06**L4002100

 Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact an authorized Honda Powersports dealer to schedule an appointment for a free inspection and repair.  Honda is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries:  The firm has received three reports of the ROVs moving while in the park position.  No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Authorized Honda Powersports dealers nationwide, from November 2018 through March 2020, for between $15,000 and $24,000.

Manufacturer(s):  American Honda Motor Co., Inc., of Torrance, Calif.

Manufactured In:  United States 

Recall number: 20-751

SVR’s Take

This is another large recall by one of the major UTV manufacturers. Honda had a large recall last summer that included some of the Pioneer vehicles involved in this recall. This is more evidence that the industry as a whole seems to have a quality control problem. A significant percentage of the new vehicles being sold each year are being recalled. BRP is the only major UTV manufacturer that has not had a large vehicle recall in the last few years. Smallvehicleresource.com maintains a list of small, task-oriented vehicle recalls. Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Garia Recall: Golf & Courtesy EVs

Garia Golf 2+2 golf car
The Garia Golf 2+2 is part of a recall due to a bad fuse.

Garia recently announced a recall of approximately 1,000 Garia Golf and Courtesy electric vehicles. A fuse can overheat while the vehicle is charging and can cause a fire. The recall involves model year 2010 to 2019 Golf, Golf 2+2, Courtesy 4 and Courtesy 4+2 vehicles. Owners should immediately stop charging the vehicles and contact Garia or a Garia dealer to schedule a free repair. The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Garia Recall Details

Name of product: Garia Golf & Courtesy battery-powered electric vehicles

Hazard: A fuse can overheat and melt while the electric vehicle is charging, posing a fire hazard.

Recall date: May 14, 2020

Units: About 1,000

Consumer Contact: Garia collect (281) 923-0291 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, e-mail at support-us@garia.com, or online at www.garia.com and click on “Safety Recall” for more information.

Description: This recall involves Garia model year 2010-2019 golf and courtesy battery-powered electric vehicles (BEV’s). The models involved are as follows; Golf, Golf 2+2, Courtesy 4 and Courtesy 4+2. Garia VIN numbers are printed / etched on the chassis under the front seat cushion (see illustration below). The model year of your Garia can be identified by the 10th digit in the VIN number. The chart below can be used as a quick reference. The Serial numbers and date code range are: VIN numbers UJGDHSX1XAVXXXXXX – UJGDHSX1XKVXXXXXX are located under the vehicle’s front seat. (A to K) (2010-2019) 

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop charging these recalled golf and courtesy vehicles and contact Garia or a Garia dealer to schedule a free repair. Garia is contacting all known customers by direct mail and e-mail.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm is aware of five incidents of overheating and fire damage to the vehicles.  No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Garia dealers nationwide from January 2010 through September 2019 for between $15,000 and $75,000.Manufacturer(s): Garia A/S, of Denmark

Importer(s): Garia Inc., of Houston, Texas

Manufactured In: Denmark

Recall number: 20-122

SVR’s Take

We’ve tracked recalls since early 2015 and this is the first recall from Garia. This is not surprising since they are a lower volume manufacturer focusing on building higher quality vehicles. According to their website, the fix is relatively simple so this shouldn’t be much of a problem for Garia.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Multiple Polaris Recalls

Polaris Ranger XP 1000 utility vehicle
Models like the Polaris Ranger XP 1000 that helped drive sales is part of a large recall.

In April Polaris announced three recalls, two involving Ranger XP 1000 utility vehicles and one related to the PRO XD and several Ranger models. The largest recall covers 80,000 model year 2018 to 2020 Ranger XP 1000 and Crew XP 1000 utility vehicles. The clutch belt can break and damage the secondary clutch and fuel line and create a potential fire hazard. The second recall covers model year 2019 and 2020 Ranger XP 1000 and Crew XP 1000 and involves 7,000 vehicles. The fuel line can be misrouted above the bracket that protects the fuel line from a clutch belt failure, posing a fire hazard. The final recall involves model year 2019 PRO XD and several model year 2020 Ranger vehicles. The seat belts on the vehicles can fail, posing an injury hazard in certain crash situations. The following details are from Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Recall 1Recall 2Recall 3
Models
2018 Ranger XP 1000
EPS
2019 & 2020 Ranger XP 1000 & Crew XP 1000
Models
2019 Ranger XP 1000
EPS & Crew XP 1000
EPS
2020 Ranger XP 1000 & Crew XP 1000
Models
2019 PRO XD 4000D
AWD
2020 Ranger 500, 570, 1000, Crew 570, Crew XP 1000, EV, XP 1000
The clutch belt can
break and damage the secondary clutch and the fuel line, posing a fire hazard to the rider
The fuel line can be
misrouted above the bracket that protects
the fuel line from a
clutch belt failure,
posing a fire hazard 
The seat belts on the vehicles can fail, posing an injury hazard to the user if they were to be in a collision or tip-over incident.
Consumers should
immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer for a free inspection & repair.
Consumers should
immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer for a free inspection & repair. 
Consumers should
immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer for a free inspection & repair. 
80,000 UTVs recalled7,000 UTVs recalled10,500 UTVs recalled
See CPSC for affected
VIN information
See CPSC for affected
VIN information
See CPSC for more details
Recall number:
20-733
Recall number:
20-734
Recall number:
20-735
Sold Oct. 2016 –
Oct. 2019
Sold Aug. 2019 – Dec. 2019Sold Oct. 2019 – Dec. 2019

Polaris is notifying dealers and contacting registered owners directly. Consumers can contact Polaris at 800-765-2747 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.polaris.com and click on “Off Road Safety Recalls” for more information. In addition, check your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the “Product Safety Recalls” page to see if your vehicle is included in any recalls.

SVR’s Take

Polaris appeared to have improved their quality and significantly alleviated their recall problems before this latest round. The Ranger XP 1000 is a very important vehicle for their Ranger business and an 80,000 vehicle recall is very large. This will only add to the difficulties of dealing with the pandemic. SVR tracks industry recalls on an ongoing basis.

Massive Kawasaki Mule Recall

2020 Kawasaki Mule PRO-DXT utility vehicle
The Kawasaki 2020 Mule PRO-DXT is part of a large 80,000 vehicle recall.

Kawasaki Mule Recall Summary

Kawasaki recently announced two large recalls of their Mule utility vehicles. The recalls of 80,000 and 72,000 vehicles are for separate issues but there is a large overlap among the model years and Mule models affected. The first recall involves excessive wear of the steering shaft that can affect steering control and result in a crash hazard. This recall covers approximately 80,000 vehicles and includes model year 2015 – 2020 MULE PRO-FX, MULE PRO-FXR, MULE PRO-FXT and 2016 – 2020 MULE PRO-DX and MULE PRO-DXT utility vehicles.

The second Kawasaki Mule recall involves two potential fire hazards. Debris on the exhaust manifold can ignite and ice can block the breather hose leading to an oil leak. This recall involves approximately 72,000 vehicles and includes model year 2015 – 2020 MULE PRO-FX, MULE PRO-FXR and MULE PRO-FXT utility vehicles. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact a Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair.

Kawasaki Mule Recall Details – Fire Hazard

The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Hazard:  The steering shaft can develop excessive wear and affect steering control resulting in a crash hazard, posing a risk of injury or death.

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: March 19, 2020

Units: About 80,000

Consumer Contact: Kawasaki toll-free at 866-802-9381 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.Kawasaki.com and click on “Recalls” for more information.

Description:  This recall involves recall involves 2015 through 2020 MULE PRO-FX, MULE PRO-FXR, MULE PRO-FXT and 2016 – 2020 MULE PRO-DX and MULE PRO-DXT utility vehicles.  The four wheel, off-highway utility vehicles were sold in black, green, white, red, bronze, silver, camo, and blue.  They have side by side seating for three to six people and automotive style controls. MULE PRO is printed on the right and left front fender.  The model name is printed on the right and left fender. The vehicles are available as either gas or diesel models. The diesel models have DIESEL printed on the right and left rear of the cargo bed.  The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the steel frame between the right front lower A-arm mounts.  (Specific model name, model code and VIN information for the recall)

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact a Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair.  Kawasaki is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 453 reports of incidents of steering problems.  No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Kawasaki dealers nationwide from July 2014 through January 2020 for between $12,000 and $17,000.

Manufacturer(s): Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. U.S.A, of Lincoln, Neb.

Distributor(s): Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Foothill Ranch, Calif.

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 20-726

Kawasaki 2019 Mule PRO-FXT Ranch Edition utility vehicle
The Kawasaki 2091 Mule PRO-FXT Ranch Edition is part of a 72,000 vehicle recall.

Kawasaki Mule Recall Details – Crash Hazard

Name of product: Kawasaki MULE PRO off-highway utility vehicles

Hazard: Debris can ignite on the vehicle’s exhaust manifold; and frozen water can block the breather hose allowing oil to leak, posing a fire hazard.   

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: March 19, 2020

Units: About 72,000

Consumer Contact: Kawasaki toll-free at 866-802-9381 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.Kawasaki.com and click on “Recalls” for more information. 

Description:This recall involves model year 2015 through 2020 MULE PRO-FX™, MULE PRO-FXR™ and MULE PRO-FXT™ off-highway utility vehicles.  The recalled vehicles were sold in black, blue, bronze, camo, green, red, silver and white.  They have four wheels, side-by-side seating for three to six people and automotive style controls. Mule Pro is printed on the right and left front fender.  Kawasaki is printed on the cargo box. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the steel frame between the right front lower A-arm mounts. (Specific model name, model code and VIN information for the recall)

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact a Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair. Kawasaki is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: Kawasaki has received 165 reports of oil leakage and 84 reports of vehicles catching on fire, resulting in three injuries, including one report of a burn to the user’s foot, one report of a burn to the user’s arm, hand and buttocks and one incident of smoke inhalation.  Kawasaki is aware of more than $131,000 in property damage claims, excluding the cost of damage to vehicles.

Sold At: Kawasaki dealers nationwide from July 2014 through December 2019 for between $12,000 and $18,000.

Manufacturer(s): Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. U.S.A., of Lincoln, Neb.

Distributor(s): Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Foothill Ranch, Calif.

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 20-727

SVR’s Take

This is a very large recall and is another indication of the recall problem the small, task-oriented vehicle industry has. In our last STOV market study we found that from 2014 to 2017 recalled vehicles in the US and Canada accounted for no less than 24% and up to 47% of utility vehicle market annually. Similar to this recall, many of them involve fire hazards related to debris or some type of leak. SVR maintains an ongoing list of recalls.

Textron Specialized Vehicles Recalls 20,000 Vehicles

Gas-powered Cushman Shuttle models from Textron Specialized Vehicles
Gas-powered Cushman Shuttle models that seat 2, 4, 6 or 8 passengers are part of the recall.

Textron Specialized Vehicles recently recalled over 20,000 gas-powered E-Z-GO, Cushman and Tracker brand off-road vehicles. An improperly secured generator wire can potentially lead to a fire. Recalled models include the E-Z-GO Express S4-Gas, Express L6-Gas, Tracker LX4-Gas, Tracker LX6-Gas and gas powered Cushman Shuttle models 2, 4, 6 and 8 sold between November 2018 and October 2019. Vehicle owners should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact Textron Specialized Vehicles for a free repair. The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. SVR maintains an ongoing list of small, task-oriented vehicle recalls.

Textron Specialized Vehicle Recall Information

Name of product: Gas-powered E-Z-GO, Cushman and Tracker brand off-road vehicles

Hazard: The starter generator wire can be improperly secured, allowing it to come into contact with the vehicle’s exhaust, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: February 13, 2020

Units: About 20,573

Consumer Contact: Textron Specialized Vehicles toll-free at 888-525-6040 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at jcook03@textron.com or online (for E-Z-Go) at https://ezgo.txtsv.com, click on Owners, then Recall Information, (for Cushman) at https://cushman.txtsv.com, click on Owners, then Recall Information, and (for Tracker) at www.trackeroffroad.com and click on Recalls at the bottom of the page.

Textron Specialized Vehicle Recall Details

Description: This recall involves gas-powered E-Z-GO, Cushman and Tracker brand off-road vehicles manufactured from November 2018 through June 2019 with certain non-sequential serial numbers ranging from 3377720 to 3440924.  The serial number is located on the kick panel below the driver side seat. 

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled off-road vehicles and contact Textron Specialized Vehicles for a free repair.  Textron Specialized Vehicles is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: Textron Specialized Vehicles has received 13 reports of melted and/or burned wires and electrical components and loss of vehicle function in some cases, including one report of fire.  No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: E-Z-GO, Cushman and Tracker off road dealerships nationwide from November 2018 through October 2019 for between $6,300 and $13,400.

Manufacturer(s): Textron Specialized Vehicles, of Augusta, Ga

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 20-073

SVR’s Take

This is a large recall representing basically a year’s worth of vehicle sales for these models. Luckily nobody reported being injured. The STOV market in general continues to experience a significant amount of recalls relative to total market sales. SVR’s latest market study showed that recalls accounted for anywhere from 11% to 47% of vehicles sold in North America. Even excluding the very large Polaris recalls during those years, the percentages remained high for the rest of the market. Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Yamaha Drive2 Golf Car Recall

Yamaha Golf Car Drive2 model
The Yamaha Golf Car Drive2 being recalled because of a front hub issue.

Yamaha Golf Car issued a recall of approximately 1,350 Drive2 golf cars because of an issue with the front wheel hubs. The hubs can crack and cause the front wheels to detach. No injuries have been reported due to the issue. The recall covers AC, DC and EFI models. The following recall information is from the CPSC. SVR maintains an ongoing list of STOV industry recalls.

Drive2 Golf Car Recall Summary

Name of product: Yamaha Golf Cars

Hazard: The front wheel hubs on the golf cars can crack causing the front wheels to detach, posing a crash hazard that could result in injury or death to the user or bystander.

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: February 13, 2020

Units: About 1,350

Consumer Contact: Yamaha toll-free at 866-747-4027 anytime or online at https://www.yamahagolfcar.com/ and click on the CPSC Recall Alerts tab for more information.

Drive2 Golf Car Recall Details

Description: This recall involves for model-year 2020 golf cars, including “Drive2 QuieTech,” “Drive2 AC,” “Drive2 EFI,” and “Drive2 DC.”  The vehicles were sold in various colors, including blue, green, red, gray, tan, silver, and white.  The model and serial number can be found on a label under the seat on the left side.

Model YearModel NameModel PrefixSerial Number Range
2020Drive2 QuieTechJ0B305606 – 306597
2020Drive2 ACJ0J301002 – 301100
2020Drive2 EFIJ0K103401 – 104680
2020Drive2 DCJ0C303701 – 304600

 Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Yamaha Golf Cars and contact a Yamaha Golf car dealer to schedule a free repair.  Yamaha is contacting all registered owners directly.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Sold Exclusively At: Yamaha golf car dealers nationwide from June 2019 through December 2019 for between $6,100 and $6,300.

Distributor(s): Yamaha Golf-Car Company, of Kennesaw, Ga.

Manufactured In: Assembled in the United States

Recall number: 20-718