Arctic Cat ATV Recall Issued Over Crash Risk Due to Sudden Stops, Loss of Control

Roughly 40,000 Arctic Cat all-terrain vehicles (ATV) have been recalled after at least 44 consumer complaints were received, indicating that the front gear casing may fail and cause the ATV to suddenly stop or for drivers to lose control of the vehicles.

The Arctic Cat all-terrain vehicles recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on October 23, after dozens of reports involving problems with the front gear casing, including at least 10 incidents where drivers lost control of the ATV and four injury reports involving broken ribs, knee and back injuries.

The recall includes 2008 and 2009 single rider and 2 UP style Arctic Cat ATV vehicles with 400 cubic centimeter and larger engines.

Arctic Cat is recalling all 400cc and larger engines for the 2008 models and the recalled 2009 models being recalled are ATV’s with 400cc and larger engines with production numbers ranging from 200001 through 203861, 808001 through 808137, and X25082 through X30243.

The single rider ATV models have one seat and one set of footrests for the operator and the 2 UP models have an elongated seat and a set of hand-holds mounted to the rear frame for bracing. The vehicles were sold in a variety of colors and have the name Arctic Cat printed on each side of the fuel tank and on the front above the grill opening.

The recalled vehicles were manufactured in the United States under Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minnesota where they were sold at Arctic Cat dealers nationwide from May 2007 through October 2014 for between $5,500 and $12,000.

The ATV recall is Arctic Cat’s second large recall this year, following issues that impacted several thousand 2014-2015 models recalled for posing fire hazards due to fuel leaks in the fuel line assembly. The manufacturer also recalled 2,300 Arctic Cat Prowlers off-highway vehicles in March, after discovering that fuel leaks may lead to burn injuries and fires. The off-road vehicles were found to have loose fuel fittings where they connect to the throttle body, allowing fuel to steadily leak at the opening.

Customers with recalled models should stop using them immediately and contact their local Arctic Cat dealer to schedule a free repair. Customers with additional questions may contact Arctic Cat Customer Care at 800-279-6851 or visit them online at www.articcat.com.