The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·08593·Announced 2008-07-11

Polaris Recalls 2008 Snowmobiles Due to Starter Ring-Gear Fracture Risk

Polaris is recalling about 1,360 2008 snowmobiles because the starter ring-gear could fracture, potentially propelling broken pieces at high speed and causing injury.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk of serious injury or death from high-speed projectile fragments, but the source explicitly states that no injuries have been reported, fitting the High severity criteria for risk-of-harm products without reported injury.

Plain-English summary

Polaris Industries Inc. is recalling approximately 1,360 2008 Polaris 550 LX, Trail Touring, and Trail Touring Deluxe snowmobiles. The recall was initiated because cracks could form in the starter ring-gear, causing it to fracture into several pieces. These broken pieces could be propelled out of the chassis at high speed, posing a risk of serious injury or death to the rider and bystanders.

The affected units were sold at Polaris dealers nationwide from May 2007 through June 2008 for between $5,900 and $6,300. The recall also includes a limited quantity of about 290 suspect parts sold to consumers for service work or accessory starter installations between March 3, 2007, and October 22, 2007. These parts could fit on various 2003 through 2007 models of snowmobiles.

Polaris has received 10 reports of loose ring-gear attachment bolts or broken gear teeth, but no injuries have been reported. Consumers should stop using the recalled snowmobiles immediately and contact any Polaris Snowmobile dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris has also notified registered consumers directly about this recall.

The recalled product

Product
550 LX, Trail Touring, and Trail Touring Deluxe snowmobiles
Affected units
1,360

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.