The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·05237·Announced 2005-08-02

Kawasaki Recalls 2001-2005 Prairie and Brute Force ATVs for Steering Defect

Kawasaki is recalling approximately 155,000 Prairie and Brute Force ATVs from model years 2001-2005 because a front wheel impact can cause suspension damage and loss of steering control.

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 defect 'could result in injury or death' and notes that three injuries have been reported. This aligns with the rubric criterion for 'Severe' (4), which includes significant injury reports or structural vehicle defects.

Plain-English summary

Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. is recalling approximately 155,000 Model Year 2001-2005 Prairie and Brute Force All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). The recall covers specific models including the Prairie 300, 360, 400, 650 4x4, 700 4x4, and Brute Force 650 4x4. These vehicles were sold at Kawasaki dealers nationwide from August 2000 through July 2005 for between $4,400 and $7,400.

The recall is due to a defect where a significant impact to the front wheel while the steering is fully turned can result in suspension damage and wear. This condition can lead to an eventual loss of steering control, which could result in injury or death. Kawasaki has received 42 reports of ball joint separation, which could result in loss of steering control, and three injuries have been reported.

Consumers should stop using the recalled ATVs immediately and contact an authorized Kawasaki ATV dealer to arrange for a free repair. Registered owners will be notified directly by Kawasaki. For more information, consumers can call Kawasaki toll-free at (866) 802-9381 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit www.kawasaki.com.

The recalled product

Product
Kawasaki Model Year 2001-2005 Prairie and Brute Force All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
Category
Vehicle — ATV
Hazard
Affected units
155,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · loss of steering control

See all →

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