Honda FourTrax Rancher 4×4 Recall

The American Honda Motor Co. Inc, of Torrance, California, has issued an ATV recall for the 2007-2008 Honda TRX 420 all-terrain vehicle, also known as Honda FourTrax Rancher 4×4. A potentially defective part could cause sudden loss of steering control, posing a risk of severe injury or death for riders.

A puncture in the ATV’s rubber constant velocity (CV) boots could lead to contamination and stiff binding of the CV joints, which may result in loss of steering control. The CV boot is a protective rubber covering that helps cover the flexible ends of a vehicle’s drive axles. Special grease inside the boot lubricates the CV joint.

The Honda FourTrax Rancher ATV recall applies to about 42,000 Model Year 2007-08 TRX420 vehicles. The adult-size ATVs were sold throughout the United States between January 2007 and May 2008 at an average unit cost of $5300 to $5600. They were manufactured in black, camouflage, olive and red. The fuel tank carries the Honda name and wing logo, and the model number is printed on a label affixed to the frame behind the left front wheel. The label at the left rear of the ATV has the model name “Rancher”.

This is at least the third Honda ATV recall involving the FourTrax TRX product line. In January 2008, the 2007 Model Year Honda TRX 500 ATV was recalled due to a defect which could allow water to enter the throttle position sensor, potentially causing the throttle to stick open. In May 2008, a 2008 Honda TRX500 ATV recall was issued after it was discovered that an electrical defect in the steering shaft could cause the rider to lose control of the ATV. There is no indication from American Honda Motor Co., Inc. that the three ATV recalls are related.

Owners of the 2007-2008 Honda FourTrax Ranger 4×4 ATV have been advised to stop using the recalled vehicles until appropriate repairs can be made at any Honda ATV dealer. Direct notices have been sent to registered owners of the recalled ATVs, and additional information can be obtained from Honda by calling toll free (866) 784-1870.