More Than 30,000 Polaris Vehicles Recalled Due To Throttle Problem, Crash Risk

Polaris has issued two separate recalls impacting more than 30,000 utility and all-terrain vehicles, which may contain defective throttles that increase the risk of a crash and injury to consumers.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced two Polaris off-road vehicle recalls on July 2, impacting certain all-terrain and several utility vehicles equipped with defective throttles that may allow the vehicles to start while in gear, or prohibit the driver from adjusting speeds.

The first was a Polaris Ranger and General Utility vehicle recall affecting an estimated 28,060 model year 2019 through 2020 Ranger XP 1000 and 2020 General XP 1000 Utility Vehicles (UTVs), which may fail to return to the idle position after the engine stalls.

According to officials, if the vehicle stalls, the throttle may fail to return to the idle position due to a software defect designed to automatically take the vehicle out of gear. If the vehicle is started while in gear, the UTV’s could accelerate suddenly and increase the risk of a crash or serious injury to the driver and those nearby.

The vehicles were manufactured in the United States, Mexico and Poland by Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minnesota and were distributed for sale at Polaris dealers nationwide from June 2018 through March 2020 for between $15,890 and $29,000.

No injuries or crashes have been reported in relation to the recall.

The second recall involves an estimated 3,045 model year 2018 through 2020 Polaris Phoenix 200 All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), which may be equipped with throttles damaged during the shipping process that could suddenly fail and prohibit the driver from controlling the speed of the vehicle.

To date, Polaris has received four consumer reports involving the throttle stop breaking, and one report of the throttle stop sticking. No injuries have been reported in relation to the recall.

The recalled ATV’s were manufactured in Taiwan by Polaris Industries Inc., Medina, Minnesota and were distributed for sale at Polaris dealers nationwide from November 2017 through April 2020 for between $3,800 and $4,200.

Polaris is asking customers to immediately stop using all recalled UTV’s and ATV’s until the vehicles are inspected or repaired. The manufacturer announced it will begin notifying customers of the recalls and will provide instructions on how to schedule a free inspection and repair appointment at their local Polaris dealer.

Customers with additional questions regarding the recall may contact Polaris at 800-765-2747 and reference the recall campaign number 20-757 for Phoenix ATV’s and 20-758 for the Ranger and General UTV recall.