All the two and four passenger versions (shown here) of the Honda 2014 Pioneer 700 are being recalled.

Honda announced a recall of all models of the 2014 Honda Pioneer 700 utility vehicle because of an issue with debris and vegetation accumulation on the middle skid plate. The buildup can come in contact with the exhaust system resulting in smoke or fire. There have been 10 reports of incidents involving fires but no injuries have been reported. The recall involves both two and four passenger versions sold from August 2013 through September 2014. The following vehicle models and serial numbers are affected by the recall:

Model Number           Serial Number Range (All begin with 1HF)         Number of Seats
SXS 700M2 2AC        VE0225E4000006 to VE022XE4006304             2
SXS 700M2 4AC        VE0284E4000003 to VE0284E4001202             2
SXS 700M4 AC          VE0204E4000013 to VE020XE4006849             4
SXS 700M4 3AC        VE0268E4000004 to VE0269E4001503             4

Owners should immediately stop using the recalled vehicle and take it to an authorized Honda dealer to have the original middle skid plate removed and an updated middle skid plate installed free of charge.  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  This is a large recall, about four to five times the number of utility vehicles that we typically see recalled. This is also a blow to Honda in their efforts to become more competitive in the UTV market. The Pioneer models, both the 700 and the 500 which were not recalled, were their latest entry into the market. The introduction of the Pioneer UTVs represented a renewed commitment and dedication of resources by Honda towards the side-by-side market.