Yamaha Viking VI Recall Issued Due to Risk of ATV Accidents

Roughly 3,000 Yamaha side-by-side off-road vehicles have been recalled, after the manufacturer determined that there is a risk the rear wheels may loosen and possibly detach, potentially causing an accident and injury hazard for riders. 

A Yamaha Viking VI recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on April 14, following internal reports indicating the rear wheels may loosen and cause the rear wheels to come off or the vehicle to wobble during operation. To date, no injuries or crash reports have been recorded.

In the event the wheels begin to loosen, it may cause the rear end of the vehicle to wobble, making it extremely difficult for the driver to steer the vehicle. The CPSC’s recall notice warns consumers that if the wheels detach completely it could create a potentially life threatening situation.

The recall involves four versions of the Yamaha Viking VI side x side off-road vehicles. Those versions include the 2015 Viking VI with model number YXC700DF, Viking VI Hunter with model number YXC700DHFH, Viking VI EPS with model number YXC700PF, and the Viking VI EPS Hunter with model number YXC700PHFH.

Owners may identify the recalled models by locating the model numbers on the owner’s manual. All recalled Viking VI models are side x side vehicles and come in either Realtree, hunter green, red or steel blue and have the model name “Viking VI” printed on the left side of the hood.

The vehicles were manufactured in the U.S. under Yamaha Motor Corportation of Cypress, California, where they were sold exclusively at Yamaha side x side dealerships nationwide from June 2014 through March 2015 for between $12,800 and $14,600.

Yamaha Motor Corp. is currently contacting all registered owners directly to notify them of the defect and repair instructions. The CPSC is asking owners to stop using the vehicles immediately and contact their local Yamaha dealer to schedule a free repair. Vehicle owners with further questions may contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926 or visit them online at www.yamaha-motor.com and navigate to the “Recalls” tab in the Corporate Links menu.