The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·00180·Announced 2000-09-13

Kawasaki Recalls 1997-1999 Prairie ATVs Due to Drive Belt Failure

Kawasaki is recalling approximately 47,000 Prairie ATVs from 1997-1999 because drive belts can break and lock the transmission, causing sudden stops and potential crashes.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the hazard can result in 'injury or death' and reports 12 riders suffering injuries, which aligns with the rubric criteria for 'Severe' (significant injury reports) and 'Critical' (potential for death). Given the explicit mention of death as a potential outcome and reported injuries, a score of 4 is appropriate as it represents a significant injury/property-damage report without confirmed fatalities in the text.

Plain-English summary

Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. is recalling approximately 47,000 1997-1999 model Kawasaki Prairie ATVs. The affected models include the KVF 300-A1, KVF 400-A1, KVF 400-A2/L, and KVF 400-C1. These vehicles were sold nationwide by Kawasaki dealers from September 1996 through August 2000 for between $5,300 and $6,200.

The recall is due to a defect where drive belts can break under certain conditions. Pieces of the broken belt can lock up the transmission and wheels, causing the vehicle to stop suddenly. This can result in the operator losing control, crashing, or being ejected from the vehicle, leading to injury or death. Kawasaki has received reports of 12 riders suffering injuries as a result of this issue.

Consumers with the recalled ATVs should stop using them immediately and contact their Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free belt inspection. Original equipment belts will be replaced with a new generation belt at no charge. Additionally, an addendum to the owner's manual and a warning label about maintaining the drive belt will be provided. For more information, consumers can contact Kawasaki at (866) 802-9381 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Kawasaki Prairie ATV, 1997-1999 models
Manufacturer
Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif.
Category
Vehicle — All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
Hazard
Affected units
47,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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