The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·81003·Announced 1981-01-26

Kawasaki Recalls 1978-1979 Snowmobiles Due to Track Bar Detachment

Kawasaki is recalling 1978 and 1979 Intruder and Invader snowmobiles because metal bars on the drive tracks can detach and cause serious injuries.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves reported serious injuries, including fractures, severe lacerations, and amputations, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury reports' under the Severe category.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Kawasaki Motors Corp. (USA) announced a voluntary repair program for approximately 16,500 1978 and 1979 model Intruder and Invader snowmobiles. The recall addresses a defect in the MGB (molded grouser bar) type drive tracks, where metal bars can detach from the rubber belts.

CPSC staff learned of the issue in May 1980 after Kawasaki reported incidents involving bar detachment. Approximately 20 injury incidents have been reported, including fractures, severe lacerations, and three cases requiring finger amputation. These injuries occurred when the snowmobile was lifted or turned on its side, causing the rotating track to strike the hands, legs, or feet of nearby individuals.

Kawasaki is notifying owners with registered warranties by mail and through dealers nationwide. Owners are urged to contact their local Kawasaki dealer by June 30, 1981, to have the MGB tracks replaced free of charge with current model tracks that do not have bars. The estimated cost of the replacement program is between $3 million and $4 million.

The recalled product

Product
Intruder snowmobiles
Manufacturer
Kawasaki
Category
Consumer Product — Snowmobiles
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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