recall notice some 1996 model year polaris snowmobiles for handlebarsteering post issue

CPSC and Polaris Announce Snowmobile Recall
May 1, 1996
Release # 96-116

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Polaris Industries Partners L.P. of Minneapolis, Minn., is announcing the voluntary recall of 19,327 Polaris snowmobiles. On some snowmobiles, the handlebars were not completely welded to the steering posts. If the handlebars break, a driver could lose control of the snowmobile and cause an accident or crash.

Polaris is aware of three snowmobile accidents resulting from the handlebars breaking due to an incomplete weld. One driver received a minor injury.

In January, Polaris initiated this recall by contacting consumers directly through letters and Polaris service bulletin number SB96-05.

This recall affects the following 1996 model year Polaris snowmobiles:

Model name & Number
XLT Touring model numbers 0963357 and E963357
Classic model number 0963865
500 SKS model numbers 0962564 and E962564
500 EFI model number 0963774
500 EFI RMK model number 0962974
Trail model number 0962761
Classic Touring model numbers 0963365 and E963365
500 (Carb) model number 0962764
500 RMK model number 0962964
500 EFI SKS model number 0962574
Trail Touring model numbers 0962262 and E962262
440 model number 0962760

The recalled snowmobiles have serial numbers within the following ranges: 2623600 through 2633599; 2649419 through 2650441; 2673200 through 2687804; 2696969 through 2698569; 2833600 through 2833640; and 2619488. The serial number is located on the right side of the tunnel where drivers place their right foot.

Polaris dealers sold the snowmobiles nationwide from March 1995 through April 1996 for suggested retail prices between $5,000 and $7,000 each, depending on the model.

Consumers who own these snowmobiles should stop using them immediately and return them to any authorized Polaris dealer for inspection, unless they have already responded to the letter they received regarding this and had their snowmobile inspected. If necessary, the handlebars will be replaced at no charge. For the location of the nearest Polaris dealer, consumers should call (800) POLARIS.

CPSC urges consumers who own Polaris snowmobiles to participate in this retrofit program as part of their regular, post-season snowmobile maintenance procedures.

Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.cpsc.gov.

This alert available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml96/96116.html