Arctic Cat Snowmobile Recall: Fuel Leak Problems Return

About 3,900 Arctic Cat snowmobiles have been recalled, following reports of leaking fuel tanks that may pose a potential fire hazard. 

The Arctic Cat Bearcat snowmobile recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on December 19, following at least three reports from dealerships that the fuel tanks leaked after setting them up.

Arctic Cat Inc. indicates that the faulty fuel tanks derived from damage sustained during the production process.

The recall involves four model year 2013 wide-track versions of the Arctic Bearcat series, which were designed as a single-vehicle rider and two person riders. Recalled Bearcat  models have the following designs and colors:

• Bearcat 570 models “XT” or “WT” with blue hoods and have “570” written near each side of the rear tunnel.. Designed for an operator and passenger.
• Bearcat  models Z1 XT  with blue hoods  designed for an operator and passenger.
• Bearcat models Z1 XT GS with an orange hood and designed for operator only.
• Bearcat model Z1 XT LTD with a black hood and has the name and letters “XT” and “Limited” on each side of the black hood with “Z1” near the rear tunnel on each side.

The recalled snowmobiles have the last six digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ranging from 808110 through 808130 and 108866 through 120615 engraved on the snowmobile and  on a sticker attached to the tunnel next to the rider’s side.

Arctic cat has recalled an estimated 75,000 snowmobiles and ATV’s since 2008 due to fuel leaking, fire hazards and other defects, including steering and throttle malfunctions that pose possibly life threatening injuries to consumers.

In 2009 Arctic Cat recalled 3,000 models of the” Turbo” snowmobiles due to engine oil leaking into the engine compartment causing eight fires. Another 1,300 Sno Pro models were recalled for similar problems in February 2010. More recalles were issued in 2011 and 2012 over steering and suspension problems.

The recalled Bearcat models were manufactured in the United States and sold at Arctic Cat dealerships nationwide from May 2012 through October 2012 for between $9,000 and $13,500.

Consumers with the recalled snowmobiles should stop using them immediately and contact their nearest Arctic Cat dealer  or (800) 279-6851 to schedule a free repair. Consumers may also visit www.arcticcat.com and click on “Customer Service”, then select “Recalls/Bulletins” for more information.