Polaris Sportsman ATV Recall Due to Steering Control Loss Risk

About 8,500 Polaris ATVs have been recalled because of a defective suspension system, which could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the Polaris Sportsman ATV recall on Tuesday after at least 19 reports were received of incidents involving the ATVs. Although there have been no reports of injuries associated with the defective ATVs, the CPSC indicates it may pose a risk of injury or death for riders.

According to the CPSC announcement of the ATV recall, the front suspension ball joint stem can separate from the steering knuckle on certain Polaris All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), causing loss of steering control.

The recall includes a number of 2009 and 2010 Polaris Sportsman ATVs with specific VIN numbers. The 2009 models recalled include the Sportsman XP 550, XP 550 EPS, XP 850 and XP 850 EPS. 2010 models affected by the recall include the Sportsman 550, X2 550, Touring 550, XP 850, XP 850 EPS and Touring 850. The ATVs were manufactured between January and August 2009 and were sold at Polaris dealerships nationwide from February 2009 through November 2009 for between $7,500 and $10,800.

The VIN number and manufacturer date are located next to the front shock on the frame rail on the right front side of the ATV. Owners of Polaris ATV can contact their local dealer to see if their vehicles’ VIN number is affected by the recall.

Owners of the recalled Polaris Sportsman ATV have been urged to immediately stop using the vehicles and contact their local dealers to schedule a free repair. Polaris is directly contacting registered owners about the recall.