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Product Recall Number: 96116

Why was Polaris Snowmobiles recalled?

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 Snowmobiles
Here's product recall specific data for Polaris Snowmobiles.

  • Product Recall Number: 96116

  • Product Safety Warning Number:

  • Date: 1996-04-30

  • Product Safety Warning Date:

  • Name Of Product: Polaris Snowmobiles

  • Description: WASHINGTON, D.C. - 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 Model 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 Tourin 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.

  • Hazard Description: 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.

  • Consumer Action: None Listed

  • Original Product Safety Warning Announcement: None Listed

  • Remedy Type: Replace

  • Units: 19327

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

  • Remedy: 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.

  • Sold At: 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.

  • Importers: None Listed

  • Manufacturers: None Listed

  • Distributors: None Listed

  • Manufactured In: None Listed

  • Custom Label: None Listed

  • Custom Field: None Listed