Arctic Cat Snowmobile Recall Issued Due to Steering Control Problems

About 19,000 Arctic Cat snowmobiles are being recalled due to steering problems that could result in a crash. 

The Arctic Cat snowmobile recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on January 31, after Arctic Cat Inc. received at least four reports of problems with steering.

At least one of those incidents resulted in a complete loss of steering control, but there have been no injuries reported in connection with the defective snowmobiles.

The CPSC has determined that the lower steering tie-rod attachment has a tendency to loosen. This can cause a loss of steering control and a potential crash. The recall was initially announced in December for just over 7,000 snowmobiles, but has now been expanded to 19,000 vehicles.

The Arctic Cat recall affects 2012 model year F, XF and M model snowmobiles, including the F800 LXR, F1100 LXR, F800 Sno Pro, F1100 Turbos, F1100 Sno Pro/Limited/50th, XF800 LXR, XF1100 LXR, XF800 Sno Pro High Country, XF1100 Turbos, XF100 Limited/50th, M800, M1100, M800 Sno Pro, M1100 Sno Pro/Limited/50th, M800 HCR, and M1100 Turbo models.

The recalled snowmobiles were sold at Arctic Cat dealerships nationwide from May 2011 through December 2011 for between $10,500 and $14,500.

This is the second major recall of Arctic Cat vehicles in three months. In November, the company pulled about 1,400 Arctic Cat XC 450 ATVs from the market. Those vehicles also had tie-rod problems that led to concerns about crash hazards.

The CPSC recommends that consumers with snowmobiles affected by the latest recall stop using them immediately and contact their local Arctic Cat snowmobile dealer for a free inspection and repair. The company has notified registered owners by mail about the recall. Consumers with questions can call Arctic Cat at (800) 279-6851 or visit the company’s website at www.arctic-cat.com.