Polaris Recalls Sportsman All-Terrain Vehicles Over Fire Hazard

Product Recalls - September 26, 2024

Polaris Issues Recall For Sportsman All-Terrain Vehicles Over Serious Fire Hazard For Riders and Passengers

Polaris Recalls Sportsman All-Terrain Vehicles Over Fire Hazard

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (September 21, 2024) – Polaris has issued a recall for numerous models of its Sportsman All-Terrain Vehicles because they can pose a fire hazard.

The recall was issued on September 19, 2024. Model numbers involved in the recall include the 2023-2024 Polaris Sportsman 850, XP 1000, and XP 1000 S ATVs.

The recall also includes fuel pump kits and fuel tank assemblies. Polaris has received 14 reports of fuel leaking from the ATVs and three instances where they caught fire.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For ATV Accidents

ATVs and other off-road vehicles have become increasingly popular. But they are also involved in many serious accidents each year. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, “CPSC estimates that 94,700 injuries, associated with OHVs, were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2022. Over five years, ATVs were the vehicle involved in 92 percent of the OHV injuries.” Many people are also injured in fires involving ATVs. There are several reasons that an ATV may catch fire.

  • Fuel Leaks: A cracked or damaged fuel line can contribute to an ATV fire.
  • Overheating: If an engine overheats due to poor maintenance or inadequate cooling, this could easily cause a fire.
  • Battery Issues: An overheated or damaged battery may explode or ignite, especially if the vehicle is exposed to faulty charging systems.

Companies have a legal obligation to create products that are reasonably safe. This is especially important when those products may be inherently dangerous. Among other things, companies must comply with all safety regulations set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. ATV manufacturers should take several measures to ensure that their products are safe.

  • ATV companies should ensure their vehicles have robust fuel systems.
  • ATV companies should ensure that wiring is well insulated.
  • ATV companies should incorporate engine kill switches that immediately shut off in emergencies, thereby reducing the risk of fires.

When an ATV or other off-road vehicle has design defects that can lead to a fire, this can form the basis of a product liability claim. Sadly, though, companies will often do everything in their power to deny liability when a consumer is injured by their product. This is why it is so important that accident victims seek legal support as early as possible. Any person injured in an ATV fire may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.

Getting Legal Help For Injuries Caused By ATV Fires

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates were very concerned to hear about the safety issues with the Polaris Sportsman All-Terrain Vehicles. Companies should always make safety their first priority. But far too often this does not take place.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an ATV fire? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to helping victims of dangerous products get the medical and financial support that they need to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.