What was recalled
In late December 2020, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving specific off-road vehicle accessories manufactured by BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products). The items at the center of this notice are Can-Am screw jacks, which were sold as aftermarket accessories designed specifically for Maverick X3 side-by-side vehicles. These jacks are not part of the standard vehicle assembly but are optional tools purchased separately to assist owners with maintenance tasks, particularly when changing tires in remote or rugged locations where professional help is not immediately available.
To help you identify whether your specific unit falls under this recall, it is important to look closely at the physical characteristics of the product. The recalled screw jacks are distinctively silver-colored with a black base plate. A clear "Can-Am" logo is printed directly on the arm of the screw jack, serving as the primary brand identifier. These units were marketed and sold under the BRP Can-Am Off-Road brand, targeting enthusiasts who utilize Maverick X3 vehicles for recreation or work in off-road environments. The recall does not apply to all Can-Am products, but is strictly limited to these specific screw jack accessories that facilitate vehicle lifting.
The scope of this recall was defined by the date of sale and the distribution channels used by the manufacturer. These recalled screw jacks were sold through authorized BRP Can-Am Off-Road dealerships across the United States. The sales period leading up to the recall announcement on December 16, 2020, saw these accessories distributed to consumers who desired a reliable method for elevating their side-by-sides. While the specific total number of units affected is not detailed in the provided record, the nature of the hazard—potential collapse under load—means that any unit matching the physical description sold during this timeframe should be considered part of the recall pool until verified otherwise.
Understanding what was recalled is the first step in resolving the issue safely. This recall focuses entirely on the mechanical integrity of the screw jack mechanism itself. Because these devices are used to support the weight of a heavy vehicle while a person works underneath or beside it, any failure in the lifting component poses a direct threat to the user. The manufacturer’s decision to issue this recall highlights a proactive approach to consumer safety, acknowledging that even well-engineered accessories can have design flaws that emerge under real-world stress conditions. If you purchased a silver Can-Am screw jack with a black base from a dealer around the time of this announcement, it is crucial to verify its status immediately.
The hazard, explained
When you are working on a vehicle like a Maverick X3 side-by-side, especially in rough terrain or while trying to change a tire, stability is everything. The Can-Am screw jacks recalled by BRP are designed to be that stable foundation, lifting the heavy vehicle just enough to allow access to the wheels. However, the core issue with these specific units lies in their mechanical integrity under load. A screw jack functions by using a threaded rod to convert rotational force into vertical lifting power. In the recalled models, this mechanism can fail unexpectedly. Specifically, the screw jack itself can collapse while it is supporting the weight of the vehicle. This is not a slow leak or a gradual sag; it is often a sudden structural failure where the internal components give way.
Why does this matter so much? Because you are likely standing right next to the vehicle when this happens. When the jack collapses, the massive weight of the side-by-side—which can weigh thousands of pounds—falls rapidly. This creates an immediate and severe crush hazard. The danger isn't just that the vehicle drops; it is that there is no buffer zone between the falling metal and anyone nearby. If a person is positioned under the vehicle to inspect or repair the tire, they are directly in the path of the collapse. The force exerted by a falling off-road vehicle is immense and can cause catastrophic injuries, including crushing trauma to the torso, limbs, or head.
While BRP has not reported any incidents to date, the potential for harm is significant because of the physics involved. Screw jacks are relied upon to hold static loads for extended periods. If the threading or the base structure is compromised, it may not withstand the sustained pressure or the dynamic shifts that occur when a vehicle settles onto the jack. Unlike hydraulic jacks which might hiss or leak before failing, or bottle jacks which can tip over, a collapsing screw jack can happen with little to no warning during normal operation. The silver-colored arm and black base design does not mitigate this internal mechanical risk. Essentially, the tool meant to keep you safe becomes the source of danger if it fails. Understanding this mechanism highlights why stopping use immediately is not just a recommendation but a critical safety step. You cannot rely on the jack to hold your weight or the vehicle's weight indefinitely if its structural integrity is in question.
This type of hazard is particularly insidious because users often feel secure once the vehicle is lifted. The assumption that "it held it up before" can lead to complacency. However, mechanical failures in lifting devices are often unpredictable. One moment the jack is supporting the load, and the next, the threads strip or the base buckles, leading to a sudden drop. This unpredictability is why the recall is necessary regardless of whether previous users have experienced issues. The risk is inherent in the design or manufacturing defect that allows for this collapse, making it impossible to know which units are safe without official inspection and remedy.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing potential danger from this recall consists of owners and operators of BRP Can-Am Maverick X3 side-by-side vehicles who have purchased the specific silver-colored screw jack with a black base as an accessory. These products were designed to assist in lifting the vehicle to facilitate tire changes, a routine maintenance task for off-road enthusiasts. Because the hazard involves the mechanical failure of the lifting mechanism, anyone who positions themselves under or near the vehicle while using this jack is exposed to the risk. This includes individuals performing the work themselves, as well as those assisting friends or family members with vehicle maintenance. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicates that no incidents have been reported to date, which is a reassuring data point but does not eliminate the theoretical danger inherent in the product’s design flaw.
While the mechanical failure can affect anyone using the device, certain physical circumstances can amplify the severity of the resulting harm. The hazard is defined as a crush injury caused by the jack collapsing and the vehicle falling. For individuals who are physically strong or have quick reflexes, there may be a slightly higher chance of reacting to a minor shift in the vehicle’s position before a catastrophic collapse occurs. However, for others, the time between the initial failure and the full weight of the side-by-side settling is negligible. This means that age, physical strength, and reaction time are significant factors in determining who is most vulnerable to severe injury or death.
Elderly individuals or those with mobility issues may find it particularly difficult to escape the crush zone quickly if the jack fails. The sheer weight of a side-by-side vehicle is substantial, and being trapped beneath it can lead to fatal compression injuries or internal trauma that requires immediate medical intervention. Furthermore, individuals working alone are at heightened risk because they lack the ability to call for help or stabilize the vehicle manually if the jack begins to fail. There is also the psychological aspect of trust; owners may feel secure using a branded accessory from a reputable manufacturer like BRP Can-Am, leading them to relax their vigilance regarding safety protocols. This false sense of security can be dangerous when the underlying component—the screw jack—is prone to unexpected collapse. Therefore, the most at-risk population is not just anyone with the product, but specifically those who are working alone, have slower reaction times, or lack the physical capacity to move out of the way instantly if the lifting mechanism gives way.
It is also important to recognize that the risk extends beyond the primary operator to bystanders. If a jack fails while someone is standing nearby, they could be struck by falling components or debris from the vehicle. This makes the potential victim pool broader than just the person turning the wrench. The CPSC’s decision to issue a recall underscores that the potential for harm is serious enough to warrant immediate action, regardless of the current lack of reported incidents. The absence of reports so far may be due to luck rather than safety, making it crucial for all owners, regardless of their age or physical ability, to treat this recall with utmost seriousness.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you own a Can-Am Maverick X3 side-by-side vehicle and have purchased accessories to maintain it, it is crucial to determine whether your equipment falls under this specific safety notice. The product in question is not a standard tool found in every garage; it is a specialized accessory designed specifically for lifting these off-road vehicles. To confirm if you are affected, you need to look closely at the physical characteristics of the jack you own, as well as its origin and documentation.
First, examine the jack itself. The recalled items are screw jacks that were sold as accessories for the Can-Am Maverick X3. Visually, these units have a distinct appearance. They are silver-colored with a black base. This color combination is your primary visual cue. If you look at the arm of the screw jack, you should see the brand name "Can-Am" printed clearly on it. If your jack matches this description—silver body, black base, and Can-Am branding—it is highly likely to be one of the affected units.
Next, consider how and where you acquired the item. These screw jacks were sold as accessories for the Maverick X3 side-by-side vehicles. They are not general-purpose jacks but are intended for a specific purpose: lifting an off-road vehicle so that a tire can be changed. If you purchased this jack directly through official Can-Am channels or from an authorized dealer, it is more probable that your unit is part of this recall batch. The recall was issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on December 16, 2020, so any purchase made prior to or around that time for a Maverick X3 accessory should be scrutinized carefully.
If you are still unsure, do not guess. The safest course of action is to verify your specific unit by contacting the manufacturer directly. You can reach BRP toll-free at 888-272-9222 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Sunday. Alternatively, you can visit their official website at https://www.can-am.brp.com/off-road. On the site, navigate to the “Owners zone” and then select “Safety recalls.” This will allow you to input your details or view more specific information about the recall to confirm whether your serial number or purchase record is included in this safety action.
What to do — step by step
If you own a BRP Can-Am screw jack, your immediate priority is to prioritize your physical safety above all else. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) identifies a critical structural failure point: the screw jack can collapse unexpectedly. This is not a minor inconvenience; it is a severe crush hazard that has the potential to cause serious injury or death. Therefore, the very first and most important action you must take is to immediately stop using the recalled product. Do not attempt to use it again under any circumstances, even if it appears to be functioning correctly right now. The risk of sudden collapse remains present regardless of how stable the jack looks at rest. Treat this item as unsafe until you have resolved the issue through the official remedy process. Once you have set the jack aside in a safe location where no one will accidentally use it, your next step is to initiate the return and refund process. BRP has outlined a clear path for customers to resolve this issue. You should contact a BRP Can-Am Off-Road dealer directly. When you speak with them, inform them that you possess a recalled screw jack accessory for your Maverick X3 side-by-side vehicle. The remedy provided by the manufacturer is straightforward and consumer-friendly: you are eligible to receive a full refund. This means you do not need to pay for shipping or handling fees associated with returning the defective item, nor will you be charged for the replacement or credit process. Ensure you keep any relevant proof of purchase handy, although the primary focus here is on contacting the dealer network established by BRP. For direct assistance or if you encounter difficulties reaching a local dealer, you can contact BRP directly via their toll-free customer service line. Call 888-272-9222. Their support team is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, seven days a week, which allows for flexibility regardless of your schedule. Alternatively, you can navigate to the official BRP website at https://www.can-am.brp.com/off-road. From there, click on the “Owners zone” and select “Safety recalls.” This online portal provides detailed information about the recall and may offer additional digital tools or instructions specific to your region. Following these steps ensures that you are following the official safety protocol, protecting yourself from harm while securing your financial reimbursement for the defective product.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the recalled Can-Am screw jacks, the path to resolving this safety issue is straightforward and designed with your financial protection in mind. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) records indicate that BRP has chosen a full refund as the primary remedy for this recall. This means that rather than sending you a new part or offering a repair kit, the company is willing to return the entire purchase price of the accessory to you. This decision likely stems from the nature of the defect itself; because the screw jack can collapse under load, creating an unpredictable crush hazard, a simple repair might not restore the same level of confidence and structural integrity that a brand-new unit would provide. By offering a refund, BRP is essentially telling you that they do not want you to use this specific batch of equipment again, prioritizing your safety over retaining the sale.
To access this remedy, you will need to take direct action by contacting an authorized BRP Can-Am Off-Road dealer. The recall notice does not specify a complex online portal for processing refunds directly through a website form; instead, it directs consumers to reach out via telephone or by visiting the official brand website to find local support. You can call the toll-free number at 888-272-9222. These lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, seven days a week, which ensures that you are not limited by typical business hours when trying to resolve this urgent safety matter. The representatives on the other end of that line will be able to verify your specific unit and guide you through the next steps.
When you contact the dealer or reach out through the "Owners zone" under "Safety recalls" at https://www.can-am.brp.com/off-road, have your product details ready. Since these jacks are silver-colored with a black base and feature the "Can-Am" logo printed on the arm, identifying your specific unit will help the dealer confirm that it falls within the recalled scope. While the recall facts state that none of the recalled products have been linked to reported incidents yet, the potential for severe injury is significant enough that you should not wait for a problem to occur before acting. The process is designed to be seamless: you stop using the jack immediately to prevent any accidental collapse, and then you engage with the dealer network to initiate your refund.
It is important to understand that this remedy is exclusive to the specific accessory described. If you purchased other parts for your Maverick X3 side-by-side vehicle during the same time frame, those items are not necessarily included in this recall unless they are also identified as part of this specific screw jack batch. Do not attempt to use the jack while waiting for your refund to be processed. The risk of the jack collapsing and causing the vehicle to fall on you is real and immediate. By accepting the refund and removing the defective item from your property, you eliminate that hazard entirely. This approach places the burden of safety verification on the manufacturer, allowing you to focus on finding a safer alternative for lifting your vehicle in the future.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to rationalize continuing to use a piece of equipment when nothing has gone wrong yet. You might tell yourself that the screw jack has held firm during previous uses, or that you will only be under the vehicle for a few seconds to swap out a tire. However, ignoring this recall carries a risk that is both immediate and catastrophic. The core issue with these specific BRP Can-Am screw jacks is not just that they might slip; it is that they can collapse entirely without warning. When a mechanical support fails under the weight of a side-by-side vehicle, gravity takes over instantly, leaving no time for reaction or escape.
The primary consequence of ignoring this recall is the potential for severe crushing injuries or death. A Maverick X3 is a heavy machine, and when it falls from even a modest lifting height, the force exerted on anything beneath it is immense. If you are positioned under the vehicle to change a tire or perform maintenance, your body becomes the point of impact. The weight of the vehicle can pin limbs, crush the chest cavity, or cause fatal trauma. This is not a minor bruise or a sprained back; these are life-altering or life-ending events that occur in a split second.
While the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report notes that no incidents have been reported to date for this specific batch of screw jacks, the absence of current reports does not mean the risk is absent. It simply means that bad luck has not yet struck. Mechanical failures in lifting devices are often sudden and unpredictable. A component may appear intact one day and fail catastrophically the next due to internal stress fractures or manufacturing defects that are not visible to the naked eye. Relying on past performance as a guarantee of future safety is a dangerous gamble when the stakes involve your life.
Beyond the physical danger, there is also the frustration and cost associated with an accident. If you were injured because you continued to use a known defective product, you would face medical bills, lost wages, and significant pain and suffering. By contrast, BRP has offered a full refund as the remedy for this recall. Choosing to ignore the recall means you are voluntarily accepting the risk of severe physical harm in exchange for holding onto a tool that is fundamentally unsafe. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your equipment will not collapse while you are vulnerable underneath it is worth far more than the convenience of keeping the jack.
Ultimately, ignoring this recall turns a routine maintenance task into a lethal trap. The screw jack is designed to be a temporary support system, but this defective model fails at its most critical job: holding the weight safely. Once that structural integrity is lost, there is no secondary safety mechanism to catch you. The consequence is a direct transmission of the vehicle’s full mass onto your body, with no possibility of mitigation. Do not wait for an accident to prove the hazard is real; the potential outcome is too severe to test.
Staying safe: broader tips
While specific product recalls address immediate, identified risks, building a culture of safety around your off-road vehicles and home equipment requires a proactive approach to maintenance and awareness. The incident involving the Can-Am screw jack serves as a powerful reminder that even accessories designed for convenience can fail if not regularly inspected or used correctly. By adopting broader safety habits, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents in your garage, workshop, or on the trail.
First, never rely solely on mechanical aids to hold heavy loads. Screw jacks, hydraulic lifts, and jack stands are designed to support weight, but they are not infallible. Always use secondary safety measures whenever possible. For instance, when working under a vehicle, ensure that the vehicle is securely parked on level ground with the parking brake engaged and wheel chocks placed against the tires that are not being lifted. This double-layer of security ensures that if a primary lifting device fails or collapses, the vehicle will not shift unexpectedly, protecting you from crush injuries.
Second, establish a routine for inspecting your equipment before every use. Look for signs of wear, such as cracked welds, stripped threads, bent frames, or leaking hydraulic fluid on jacks and stands. Metal fatigue can develop over time, especially in equipment used frequently in rugged off-road environments. If you notice any damage or uncertainty about the integrity of a tool, stop using it immediately. Do not assume that because a tool has worked perfectly for years, it will continue to do so without inspection. Regular maintenance extends the life of your gear and, more importantly, ensures it performs as intended when you need it most.
Third, stay informed about product safety through official channels. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and manufacturer websites are primary sources for recall announcements. Sign up for email alerts from major brands like BRP or visit their official "Owners zone" regularly to check for new safety notices. Recalls are not just about returning a defective item; they are often issued because engineers have discovered a potential failure mode that could lead to serious harm. Ignoring these notifications can leave you using unsafe equipment without your knowledge.
Finally, educate yourself on the proper use of all tools and accessories. Read the owner’s manual thoroughly for any piece of equipment you purchase. Understand its weight limits, proper setup procedures, and environmental constraints. For example, using a screw jack on uneven terrain or beyond its intended capacity can compromise its stability. By treating your vehicle maintenance with the same respect and preparation as driving itself, you create a safer environment for yourself and those around you.