Polaris Recalls RZR XP Turbo and Turbo S Off-Road Vehicles Due to Fire and Injury Hazards
August 14, 2023 – Polaris Industries Inc., a prominent manufacturer based in Medina, Minnesota, has issued a critical recall for several models of their 2021 RZR XP Turbo and RZR Turbo S recreational off-road vehicles. This recall affects an estimated 27,300 units in the United States, in addition to around 660 sold in Canada. Some of the vehicles included in this recall were previously recalled in November 2020 and December 2021.
The recall involves all model year 2021 RZR XP Turbo and RZR Turbo S recreational off-road vehicles, sold in various colors including black, blue, gray, lime, orange, and sand. These vehicles were available in both two and four-seat configurations. Branding such as “POLARIS” is stamped on the front grille and printed on the sides, along with the model name.
The VIN is located on the vehicle’s frame in the left rear wheel well and can be used to check for recall applicability on the Polaris website.
The hazard comes from a defect in the vehicle’s clutch, which can fracture and cause fragments to be ejected from the vehicle. This poses serious fire and injury risks. Polaris has received 206 reports of clutch failures, including six instances of fire, two injuries, and one vehicle tip-over.
Owners of the recalled vehicles are urged to cease use immediately and contact Polaris or an authorized dealer to schedule a free repair. The dealer will replace the primary (drive) clutch at no cost. Polaris has already begun notifying consumers and dealers to cease riding the vehicles, providing details about the repair.
For more information, owners may contact Polaris at 800-765-2747 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at Polaris Off-Road Recalls found at www.polaris.com/en-us/off-road-recalls/.
The recalled vehicles were sold at Polaris dealers nationwide between December 2019 and September 2022, with prices ranging from $21,000 to $32,000.
The affected vehicles were manufactured in Mexico, and the recall has been officially recognized under number 23-780.
This substantial recall serves as a reminder of the importance of strict quality controls and testing in the manufacture of recreational vehicles. The prompt response by Polaris in addressing this safety concern is crucial in minimizing the risk to consumers. Owners of the affected vehicles must take immediate action to avoid potential harm and take advantage of the free repair offer.
Customers are encouraged to verify their VIN on the Polaris website to confirm if their vehicle is included in the recall and follow the instructions provided by Polaris and authorized dealers to ensure safety and compliance. Individual Commissioners’ statements related to this recall can be found at www.cpsc.gov/commissioners.
If an individual has been harmed by the recalled Polaris RZR XP Turbo or Turbo S recreational off-road vehicles, they may be considering legal action. Pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury or damages requires careful planning and evidence collection. Here’s a guide on what to do to prepare for a lawsuit:
- Document the Incident: Take detailed photographs of the vehicle, specifically the clutch area, and any visible damages or injuries. Write down all the details of the incident, including the date, location, circumstances, and any witnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you’ve sustained injuries, seek medical care promptly. Be sure to keep all medical records, bills, and reports, as they may be vital evidence.
- Preserve the Evidence: Do not dispose of or alter the vehicle in any way. It may be essential for inspections or expert evaluations.
- Contact Polaris: Report the incident to Polaris by calling their toll-free number or through their website. Keep records of all communication.
- Consult a Product Liability Attorney: Contact an attorney who specializes in product liability or personal injury law. Share all information, evidence, and documents with them to assess the viability of your claim.
- Collect Purchase and Repair Records: If possible, gather all records related to the purchase of the vehicle and any repairs, especially those involving the clutch.
- Identify Witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the incident, get their contact information and statements, if possible.
- Cooperate with Your Attorney: Follow your attorney’s guidance and assist them in gathering information, such as complying with discovery requests and attending depositions if necessary.
- Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution: Depending on the situation, your attorney might advise mediation or arbitration as a way to resolve the claim without going to court. This can often be a faster and less expensive route.
- Prepare for Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may proceed with filing a lawsuit. Continue to work closely with your legal team, providing any additional information and being prepared to testify if required.
- Mental and Emotional Health Consideration: Consider seeking counseling or support if the incident has led to emotional trauma. This could also become part of your claim.
- Avoid Public Statements: Refrain from making public statements or posting details of the incident on social media. Anything you say publicly can potentially be used against you in legal proceedings.
By taking these careful and deliberate steps, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue a lawsuit against Polaris if you’ve been harmed by one of the recalled off-road vehicles. It’s crucial to act promptly and consult with an experienced legal professional, as legal time limits, known as statutes of limitations, can affect your ability to file a lawsuit. Each jurisdiction may have different laws and timelines, so local legal advice is essential.
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