BRP Recalls All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) Due to Crash Hazard (Recall Alert)

What was recalled

In mid-June of 2021, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) joined forces with BRP to announce a significant safety recall affecting a wide range of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). This action involves every single model year 2021 Can-Am Outlander and Renegade vehicle produced during that period. The scope of this recall is quite broad, covering numerous specific configurations and engine sizes across both the popular Outlander and Renegade lines. If you own or have recently purchased a Can-Am ATV from the 2021 model year, it is crucial to verify whether your specific unit falls within this affected group.

The list of recalled vehicles is extensive, encompassing thirty-eight distinct model variations. These include various iterations of the Outlander series, such as the 450, 570, and 650 models, as well as their DPS (Dual Purpose Suspension) counterparts in similar engine displacements. The recall also extends to the larger displacement models like the Outlander DPS 850 and the high-performance XT 1000R variants. Furthermore, the MAX series, which features extended wheelbases for increased cargo capacity and passenger comfort, is heavily represented. This includes the MAX 450, MAX 570, and MAX 650 models, along with specialized 6X6 DPS configurations in both 450 and 650 engine sizes. The lineup also captures the premium Xtreme Trimming Package (XTP) and Limited (LTD) editions, such as the OUTLANDER MAX LTD 1000R and the various XT 1000R and XT 850 models.

Additionally, the recall covers the rugged Outlander MOS (Maximum Off-road Suspension) and XMR (eXtreme Mud and Rock) series, available in 450, 570, 650, and 850 engine sizes. The Renegade line is not exempt either; all 2021 models of the Renegade 570, Renegade 850, and the high-end Renegade XMR and XXC (Xtreme Cross Country) series in both 570 and 850 displacements are included. Essentially, if your vehicle bears a "MY 2021" designation on its side panels and carries one of these model names, it is part of this recall. The vehicles were sold in various colors to suit different aesthetic preferences, but the mechanical issue applies uniformly across all color options.

While the official record does not specify the exact number of units sold in the United States or globally, it confirms that BRP is recalling "all" model year 2021 Can-Am Outlander and Renegade models. This implies a comprehensive sweep of the entire production run for that specific year under these brand lines. The recall was initiated on June 10, 2021, after internal reviews or reports prompted BRP to take proactive steps to ensure rider safety. Consumers who purchased these vehicles new from authorized dealers during the 2021 sales cycle should consider their machine potentially affected until they can confirm otherwise through direct contact with Can-Am.

The hazard, explained

To understand why this recall is so urgent, it helps to look at the specific mechanical failure involved. The core issue lies in the steering knuckle, a critical metal component that acts as the pivot point connecting your wheels to the rest of the vehicle’s suspension system. In simple terms, the steering knuckle is what allows your wheels to turn left and right while simultaneously absorbing the shock from bumps, rocks, and uneven terrain. It is held in place by the lower arm, which supports the weight of the vehicle and guides its movement. Under normal circumstances, these parts work together seamlessly to keep the ATV stable and responsive.

In the recalled 2021 Can-Am Outlander and Renegade models, this connection can fail catastrophically. Specifically, the steering knuckle can detach from the lower arm. When this happens, the structural integrity of that wheel’s guidance system is completely lost. You are no longer just experiencing a rough ride; you are losing the mechanical link that tells the vehicle where to go. For an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), which is designed for off-road use where traction and balance are already challenging, this is particularly dangerous.

When the steering knuckle detaches, the immediate result is a sudden and complete loss of control. The wheel may collapse inward, lock up, or swing wildly depending on the speed and direction you were traveling. Because ATVs rely heavily on rider input to navigate rough ground, this failure happens faster than most riders can react. The vehicle may veer sharply into trees, roll over on a slope, or flip during a turn. This is not a gradual malfunction that gives you time to slow down; it is an abrupt mechanical disconnect.

The potential for injury in these scenarios is significant. A loss of control at even moderate speeds can lead to the rider being thrown from the vehicle, which is a leading cause of serious trauma in ATV accidents. Additionally, the sudden jolt and impact can cause the rider to hit the ground, rocks, or parts of the vehicle itself. While BRP has currently reported one incident involving a detached steering knuckle with no injuries, the physics of such a failure makes harm highly probable if the vehicle is being used on any terrain other than perfectly flat, smooth pavement. The hazard is not just about the part breaking; it is about the unpredictable and violent way the vehicle behaves when that part fails while in motion.

It is also important to note that this defect can occur without warning. There may be no strange noises or visible leaks beforehand. The component simply gives way under stress, which can happen during normal riding activities like cornering, accelerating out of a turn, or hitting a small obstacle. This unpredictability is what makes the immediate stop-use instruction so vital. You cannot rely on feeling something wrong before it happens; you must rely on the recall notice to prevent the event entirely.

Who is most at risk

To understand who is truly at risk in this recall, we first need to look at the nature of the vehicles involved. BRP has recalled specific 2021 models of Can-Am Outlander and Renegade all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). These are not standard passenger cars; they are rugged, off-road machines designed for terrain that is often uneven, muddy, steep, or rocky. The people most immediately at risk are the owners and riders of these 44 specific model year 2021 units. Because the recall affects a wide array of configurations—from the standard Outlander series to the more robust MAX and XMR lines—the potential pool of affected individuals is quite broad, encompassing both recreational enthusiasts and those who might use these vehicles for work on farms or large properties.

The specific hazard at play here is mechanical: the steering knuckle can detach from the lower arm. This is a critical failure because it results in an immediate loss of control. When this happens, the vehicle does not simply slow down; it becomes unpredictable and potentially uncontrollable. Therefore, the risk is not limited to professional drivers. It extends to anyone who operates these machines, including first-time buyers, teenagers learning to drive off-road, and older adults who may have less physical reaction time or strength to manage a sudden mechanical failure.

In terms of vulnerability, several groups face heightened danger. Riders who are younger or less experienced may not anticipate how quickly steering can fail. An ATV moving at speed without steering input can veer sharply into obstacles, trees, or drop-offs. For older riders, the physical demand of stabilizing a vehicle that has suddenly lost its front-end control is significantly higher, increasing the likelihood of being thrown from the seat. Furthermore, because these vehicles are often used in remote areas away from immediate medical help, any crash resulting from this defect carries a higher potential for severe injury than a similar incident on a paved road with nearby assistance.

While BRP has reported only one incident so far—a detached steering knuckle leading to a crash with no injuries—the nature of ATV use means that the consequences of such a failure can be catastrophic. The risk is highest when the vehicle is in motion, particularly during turns or on rough ground where stability is already challenged. It is important to note that this hazard does not discriminate by age or gender; it affects anyone who rides these specific 2021 Can-Am models. If you own one of the listed vehicles, your risk profile changes dramatically until the free repair is completed. The safety of the rider depends entirely on the integrity of that steering connection, making immediate action essential for everyone involved, regardless of their riding experience level.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before taking any action, it is essential to confirm whether your specific all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is part of this recall. The affected inventory consists exclusively of 44 distinct models from the 2021 model year produced by Can-Am, a brand under BRP. Because these vehicles were sold in various colors and configurations, visual inspection alone is not enough to determine if your ATV is included. You must verify the model year and specific model name through official documentation or physical identification numbers.

The primary indicator that your vehicle might be part of this recall is the model year. All affected units are designated as MY 2021. To confirm this, you should first look at the side panels of the vehicle, where the model name is printed. Common models included in this recall are various iterations of the Outlander and Renegade lines, such as the Outlander 450, Outlander MAX, Outlander XMR, and Renegade 570, among many others listed in the official recall notice.

For definitive verification, you need to locate your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The recall documentation specifies two distinct locations for this number. First, check under the seat in the middle of the frame. Second, look at the frame behind the right front wheel. The VIN is printed directly on the frame in these areas. This unique identifier is crucial because it confirms not only that your vehicle is a 2021 Can-Am but also allows BRP to identify exactly which configuration you own.

If you are unsure of your model year or cannot locate the VIN, do not guess. The recall involves specific combinations of engine sizes and features, such as the DPS (Dual Purpose System) variants and the 6X6 models. Since the list includes 44 different model names ranging from the Outlander 450 to the Renegade XXC 1000R, precise identification is necessary. If you purchased your vehicle recently or have access to your purchase records, check those documents for the 2021 model year designation.

Once you have confirmed that your ATV is a 2021 Can-Am Outlander or Renegade model, you should proceed with the remedy. Do not attempt to inspect the steering knuckle yourself, as this requires specialized knowledge and tools. Instead, contact BRP directly using the toll-free number provided in the recall alert or visit their website to access the Owner Zone. They can cross-reference your VIN to give you a definitive answer and arrange for the free repair.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the affected Can-Am all-terrain vehicles, the good news is that the remedy for this safety issue is straightforward and entirely free for you. BRP, the manufacturer behind the Can-Am brand, has committed to repairing the defective steering knuckle on every recalled unit at no cost to the owner. This means you do not need to pay for parts or labor to resolve the hazard. The company is taking a proactive approach by contacting all known purchasers directly to notify them of the recall and facilitate the repair process. However, if you have not received a communication from BRP yet, or if you simply want to verify your status or schedule the work yourself, you are encouraged to take the initiative.

To get started, you should reach out to an authorized Can-Am dealer. These dealerships are equipped to perform the necessary inspection and repair required to fix the connection between the steering knuckle and the lower arm. When you contact a dealer, be prepared to provide your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) so they can confirm that your specific unit is part of this recall campaign. The VIN is located in two places: printed on the frame under the seat in the middle, and also on the frame behind the right front wheel. Having this number ready will speed up the process significantly.

If you need to contact BRP directly for more information or if you cannot find a local dealer, you can call their toll-free customer service line at 888-272-9222. Their team is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Sunday, seven days a week. This wide availability is designed to accommodate riders who may need assistance outside of standard business hours. Alternatively, you can visit the official Can-Am website and navigate to the "Owner Zone" section. From there, select "Safety Recalls" to find detailed information about this specific alert and other safety notices relevant to your vehicle.

It is important to note that BRP has not offered a refund or a replacement vehicle for this recall. The remedy is strictly limited to the free repair of the steering knuckle issue. Once the repair is complete, your vehicle will be safe to use again. Please remember to stop using the ATV immediately until the repair is performed, as continuing to ride poses a serious crash hazard due to the potential loss of control. Do not attempt to fix this yourself; only authorized technicians should handle this critical safety component.

What can happen if you ignore it

When a recall involves the fundamental mechanics of steering, ignoring the notice is not merely an inconvenience; it is a direct gamble with your physical safety. The specific issue here is critical: the steering knuckle can detach from the lower arm. To understand why this matters, it helps to visualize how an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) functions. The steering knuckle is the crucial joint that connects your wheels to the suspension and frame, allowing you to turn. If that connection fails while you are riding, especially at speed or over rough terrain, you lose the ability to direct the vehicle. It does not slow down gradually; it becomes uncontrollable. For a large, heavy machine like a Can-Am Outlander or Renegade, losing control means the vehicle can veer unexpectedly into trees, rocks, ditches, or other obstacles, or even roll over.

We know this is not just a theoretical risk because this specific defect has already caused real-world harm. According to reports from BRP, there has been one confirmed incident where a rider experienced exactly this failure—a detached steering knuckle leading to a loss of control and a subsequent crash. While it is a relief that no injuries were reported in that single instance, the potential for severe injury or fatality exists whenever a rider loses steering authority on an ATV. ATVs are inherently less stable than cars, with a higher center of gravity and no seatbelts or airbags to protect you in a crash. If the vehicle flips or strikes an object because you could not steer away, the consequences can be devastating.

Continuing to use the recalled vehicle also exposes you to unpredictable handling issues even before total detachment occurs. As the connection weakens, you might notice vague steering, unusual noises, or a feeling of looseness in the front end. These are warning signs that the structural integrity is failing. Ignoring these signs and keeping the vehicle in service increases the likelihood that the next ride could be the one where the component fails completely under stress. Furthermore, if you are riding with friends or family, your actions put others at risk. A crashed ATV can injure bystanders or damage other vehicles and property.

The remedy offered is free and straightforward: a repair by an authorized dealer. There is no financial barrier to fixing this safety defect, only the time it takes to schedule and complete the appointment. Choosing not to act leaves you with a defective machine that poses a known, serious crash hazard. The CPSC issues these recalls because the risk of injury is too high to ignore. Please do not treat this alert as optional maintenance. Stop using the vehicle immediately and contact BRP or a dealer to schedule your free repair today.

Staying safe: broader tips

While specific component failures like the steering knuckle issue we just discussed are unfortunately part of manufacturing complexity, you can significantly reduce overall risks associated with all-terrain vehicles through proactive maintenance and responsible riding habits. The most critical step is establishing a rigorous pre-ride inspection routine that goes beyond what any automated recall notice might remind you of. Before every single outing, take two minutes to visually inspect your ATV’s tires for proper inflation and tread depth, check that all lights and switches function correctly, and verify that fluid levels are within the recommended range. More importantly, periodically check the tightness of critical fasteners, including those on the steering assembly, suspension components, and wheel hubs. Over time, vibration from rough terrain can cause bolts to loosen, creating the exact kind of mechanical separation that leads to loss of control. Keeping a simple maintenance log helps you track when these checks were last performed and alerts you to patterns of wear.

Equally important is how you operate the vehicle relative to its design limits. All-terrain vehicles are engineered for specific terrains and weight capacities, but they can become unstable if pushed beyond those parameters. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended speed limits for varying terrain types, especially when navigating hills, slopes, or uneven ground where rollover risks increase dramatically. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment at all times, including a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, and sturdy boots. Even with perfect mechanical condition, rider error remains a leading cause of incidents; so, consider taking a certified off-road safety course to refine your skills in braking, cornering, and obstacle avoidance.

Finally, stay informed about the broader landscape of product safety by regularly checking official recall databases such as those maintained by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Registering your vehicle with the manufacturer after purchase ensures you receive direct notifications if a new safety issue emerges. Do not wait for a problem to manifest before acting; treat preventive maintenance and situational awareness as non-negotiable parts of ownership. By combining vigilant mechanical checks with disciplined riding practices, you create multiple layers of protection that keep you safe long after the initial recall period has passed.