The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·04501·Announced 2003-10-07

Kawasaki Prairie ATVs Recalled for Steering Control Loss Risk

Kawasaki is recalling 75,000 Prairie ATVs because a suspension arm can separate, causing loss of steering control and injury.

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 recall involves a structural vehicle defect (suspension arm separation) resulting in loss of steering control, with nine reported injuries including broken bones, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. USA is recalling approximately 75,000 Prairie all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the United States. The recall covers 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive versions of the Prairie 300 and 400 models, manufactured between 1997 and 2000. These vehicles were sold by authorized Kawasaki dealers nationwide from September 1996 through December 2000 for between $4,500 and $6,100. The ATVs are green or red and feature "Kawasaki" and "Prairie" printed on the sides, with "300" or "400" on the left side and "4x4" on the seat for 4-wheel drive models.

The recall is due to a defect where the lower front suspension arm can separate from the steering assembly. This separation results in a loss of steering control, posing a serious risk of injury to the rider. Kawasaki has received 42 reports of incidents related to this defect, including nine injuries such as broken bones, bruising, scrapes, and lacerations.

Consumers should stop using the affected ATVs immediately. They should contact their local Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free inspection, replacement of the pinch bolt, or repair of damaged parts. For more information, consumers can call Kawasaki toll-free at (866) 802-9381 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, or visit www.kawasaki.com.

The recalled product

Product
Kawasaki Prairie all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
Manufacturer
Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. USA, of Lincoln, Neb.
Category
Vehicle — All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
Hazard
Affected units
75,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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