Burn & Fire Hazards Result in Recall of Polaris’ Sportsman 850 and 1000 All-Terrain Vehicles

Polaris Industries has issued a recall of approximately 19,200 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the wake of fire and burn hazards. The affected models for the latest recall include the 2015 and 2016 Sportsman 850 and 1000 models. In September 2016, Polaris recalled 53,000 vehicles after receiving numerous reports of vehicle fires resulting in injuries to at least six people, including one child. To date, Polaris has recalled more than 280,000 ATVs due to burn and fire hazards.

Polaris reported the latest recall to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”). The CPSC described the affected ATVs as potentially containing defective panel heat shields, which can melt and pose burn and fire hazards to riders. Additionally, the 2015 Sportsman 1000 ATVs may have exhaust springs that stretch and damage the exhaust seal, resulting in leaking. These exhaust leaks pose additional burn and fire hazards.

Prior to the most recent recall, Polaris received almost eight-hundred (800) complaints from consumers. These complaints included reports of warped, melted, and/or burned side panels leading to almost fifty fires and four burn injuries. Polaris and CPSC have advised the public to immediately stop riding the affected ATVs.

For decades, the attorneys at Swartz & Lynch have provided legal representation to victims of unsafe products. If you are concerned that you or a loved one has suffered because of an unsafe or defective product, an attorney at Swartz & Lynch LLP can evaluate your case for free.