Polaris Recalls Sportsman ATVs for Fire, Melting Hazards
Polaris Industries is recalling its Sportsman 850 and 1000 ATVs from model years 2015 and 2016 over a defect that has been linked to at least 47 fires and 4 burn injuries to riders. Both models have a right-side panel heat shield that can melt, which could lead to fire risks and burns to riders, and the 2015 Sportsman 1000 ATV has exhaust springs that can stretch and damage the exhaust heat seal, according to the CPSC.
What’s the Problem?
Affected vehicles include Polaris Model Year 2013-2016 RZR 900 and RZR 1000 recreational off-highway vehicles, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).
Polaris has received over 160 reports of fires in these vehicles, including one in which 15-year-old Baylee Hoaldridge died in a rollover crash that resulted in a fire. Hoaldridge suffered burns over 65% of her body and was forced to undergo 27 surgeries in the months after her accident, according to the Minneapolis StarTribune. The teenager died in November, after she was taken off life support. Other injuries linked to Polaris RZRs included first, second and third-degree burns.
“Consumers should not have to worry about taking their ROV out for a ride and the vehicle catching fire,” said CPSC Chairman Elliot F. Kaye. “We are aware of at least 160 fires associated with these models, including one that led to the tragic death of a 15-year-old girl. I strongly urge owners of these ROVs to immediately stop using them and take advantage of the free repair Polaris is providing.”
People with RZRs included in this recall should stop using them immediately and contact their local Polaris dealer for a free repair. The company said it has stopped selling the ATVs until they can be repaired.
Polaris XP Fuel Leak Recall
Polaris is recalling 2019 – 2020 Ranger XP 1000 & CREW XP 1000 Off-Road Vehicles for a potentially misrouted fuel line which could pose a fire hazard to consumers, according to the CPSC. This recall began on April 16, 2020.
Do I Have a Polaris RZR Recall Lawsuit?
The Product Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Polaris RZR lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you were injured by a Polaris RZR, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.