Yamaha Snowmobile Recall Issued Due to Fire Hazard

Over 2,500 Yamaha snowmobiles are being recalled following at least four complaints involving fuel leaks, which suggest that the vehicles may pose a fire and injury hazard. 

The Yamaha recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on September 4, impacting an estimated 2,520 model year 2014 and 2015 SR Viper models.

The manufacturer indicates that the fuel hose joints on the Yamaha snowmobiles may allow fuel to leak through the line, potentially resulting in a fire. Although no injuries have been reported to date, this may pose a serious risk for riders or bystanders.

The recalled Yamaha snowmobile models include the 2014 SR10R (SRViper), SR10RXS (SRViper RTX SE), SR10L (SRViper LTX), SR10LS (SRViper LTX SE) and SR10XS (SRViper XTX) snowmobiles and model year 2015 SR10LS (SRViper LTX SE) snowmobiles.

The impacted vehicles may be identified by checking the VIN numbers 10th character. If the letter E is the 10th character in the VIN number the vehicle is part of the 2014 model recall and if the letter F is located in the 10th position the vehicle is part of the 2015 model recall.

The snowmobiles were sold in a variety of colors, such as red, blue, black, and white, with some in a combination of colors. The model numbers can be located on the lower left and right cowling just below the brand name “YAMAHA”.

Yamaha manufactured the snowmobiles in the United States, where they were sold at snowmobile dealers nationwide between October 2013 and August 2014 for between $12,000 and $14,000.

Just last month, Arctic Cat recalled several thousand XR and XF 7000 model snowmobiles following similar consumer complaints that suggested they may leak fuel from the assembly line and pose a fire hazard. The complaints caused the manufacturer to recall and repair all 2014 and 2015 models.

Also last year, Ski-Doo recalled over 10,000 snowmobiles due to problems with the fuel pump fittings not fastening correctly and allowing fuel to leak and come in contact with the oil tank, posing a fire hazard. The manufacturer took the action after receiving at least three reports of fires igniting on the snowmobiles due to the fuel leaks.

The CPSC recommends that customers check their vehicle model and VIN number to verify if their snowmobile is part of the recall and stop using them immediately. Customers should contact Yamaha at 800-962-7926 or visit them online at www.yamahamotorsports.com to schedule a free repair.