Yamaha ATVs – mechanical defect (2005)
Check Your Product
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Product
Yamaha Bruin 250, Bruin 350 4WD and 2WD, Big Bear 400, Kodiak 400, Kodiak 450, and Wolverine 450 ATVs
Brand
Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A., of Cypress, Calif.
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
Not specified in CPSC notice. Check official source for details.
Product Images
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A., of Cypress, Calif. is recalling Yamaha Bruin 250, Bruin 350 4WD and 2WD, Big Bear 400, Kodiak 400, Kodiak 450, a. The hazard is: The protective boots covering the steering system's tie-rod ends (universal joints) on the recalled . Based on CPSC recall notice.
Summary derived from CPSC notice
The following details were not provided by CPSC: UPC codes.
Reason for Recall
As stated by CPSC
Yamaha has announced a voluntary recall of certain 2005 and 2006 Yamaha Bruin 250, Bruin 350 4WD and 2WD, Big Bear 400, Kodiak 400, and Kodiak 450 ATVs, and certain 2006 Wolverine 450 ATVs. Below is a list of make, model and vehicle identification numbers (VIN) involved in the recall. Make/Model Vehicle Identification Number ("VIN") 2005 Bruin 250 2WD 2006 Bruin 250 2WD 2005 Bruin 350 Auto 2WD 2006 Bruin 350 Auto 2WD 2005 Bruin 350 Auto 4WD 2006 Bruin 350 Auto 4WD 2005 Bruin 350 Auto 4WD Hunter 2006 Bruin 350 Auto 4WD Hunter 2005 Big Bear 400 4WD 2006 Big Bear 400 4WD 2005 Kodiak 400 4WD 2006 Kodiak 400 4WD 2005 Kodiak 400 4WD/Hunter 2006 Kodiak 400 4WD/Hunter 2005 Kodiak 450 4WD 2005 Kodiak 450 4WD 2005 Kodiak 450 4WD/Hunter 2005 Kodiak 450 4WD/Hunter 2005 Kodiak 450 4WD SE 2006 Wolverine 450 4WD YFM250BT YFM250BV YFM350BAT YFM350BAV YFM350FAT YFM350FAV YFM350FAHT YFM350FAHV YFM400FT YFM400FV YFM400FAT YFM400FAV YFM400FAHT YFM400FAHV YFM450FAT YFM450FAV YFM450FAHT YFM450FAHV YFM450FASET YFM450FXV AG01Y-0116001 ~ 0120900 AG01Y-0120901 ~ 0123400 AH10Y-0012901 ~ 0016600 AH10Y-0016601 ~ 0020100 AH09Y-0019301 ~ 0023500 AH09Y-0023501 ~ 0029400 AH13Y-0002601 ~ 0003600 AH13Y-0003601 ~ 0006100 AH06Y-0055101 ~ 0057600 AH06Y-0057601 ~ 0059281 AJ15Y-0000101 ~ 0009600 AJ15Y-0009601 ~ 0011700 AJ17Y-0000101 ~ 0002100 AJ17Y-0002101 ~ 0003200 AJ14Y-0000101 ~ 0014900 AJ14Y-0014901 ~ 0018800 AJ16Y-0000101 ~ 0005300 AJ16Y-0005301 ~ 0008300 AJ18Y-0000101 ~ 0002700 AJ21Y-0000101 ~ 0001400
Reported concern (CPSC)
The protective boots covering the steering system's tie-rod ends (universal joints) on the recalled ATVs could be pinched during installation or adjustment, cutting a hole in the rubber. If this occurs, grease could escape, and contaminants, such as sand or mud, could get into the assembly through the hole, causing accelerated wear. This could result in abnormal steering free play. If the ATV continues to be operated without repair, the ball and socket portion of the tie-rod end could wear to the point that they separate, resulting in loss of steering control, which could cause a vehicle crash with injury or death.
Recommended Action
Per CPSC guidance
Free repair. Registered owners of the affected units were notified directly by mail sent on October 14, 2005. Consumers should stop using their ATV immediately and contact an authorized Yamaha dealer to schedule an appointment for repair.
Verify this information on the official source
For complete details and official instructions, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) directly.
View official CPSC recall noticePage updated: Jan 6, 2026