Polaris 440 Snowmobiles (Polaris) – Safety Modification (1996)

Check Your Product

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Reason for Recall

As stated by CPSC

Snowmobile Recalled by Polaris NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Media Relations May 1, 1996 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-116 CPSC and Polaris Announce Snowmobile Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Polaris Industries Partners L.P. of Minneapolis, Minn., is announcing the voluntary recall of 19,327 Polaris snowmobiles. On some snowmobiles, the handlebars were not completely welded to the steering posts. If the handlebars break, a driver could lose control of the snowmobile and cause an accident or crash. Polaris is aware of three snowmobile accidents resulting from the handlebars breaking due to an incomplete weld. One driver received a minor injury. In January, Polaris initiated this recall by contacting consumers directly through letters and Polaris service bulletin number SB96-05. This recall affects the following 1996 model year Polaris snowmobiles: Model name Model Number XLT Touring model numbers 0963357 and E963357 Classic model number 0963865 500 SKS model numbers 0962564 and E962564 500 EFI model number 0963774 500 EFI RMK model number 0962974 Trail model number 0962761 Classic Touring model numbers 0963365 and E963365 500 (Carb) model number 0962764 500 RMK model number 0962964 500 EFI SKS model number 0962574 Trail Tourin model numbers 0962262 and E962262 440 model number 0962760 The recalled snowmobiles have serial numbers within the following ranges: 2623600 through 2633599; 2649419 through 2650441; 2673200 through 2687804; 2696969 through 2698569; 2833600 through 2833640; and 2619488. The serial number is located on the right side of the tunnel where drivers place their right foot. Polaris dealers sold the snowmobiles nationwide from March 1995 through April 1996 for suggested retail prices between $5,000 and $7,000 each, depending on the model. Consumers who own these snowmobiles should stop using them immediately and return them to any authorized Polaris dealer for inspection, unless they have already responded to the letter they received regarding this and had their snowmobile inspected. If necessary, the handlebars will be replaced at no charge. For the location of the nearest Polaris dealer, consumers should call (800) POLARIS. CPSC urges consumers who own Polaris snowmobiles to participate in this retrofit program as part of their regular, post-season snowmobile maintenance procedures.

Recommended Action

Per CPSC guidance

The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product. Contact the manufacturer or return the product to the place of purchase.