The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·98026·Announced 1997-11-13

Polaris Recalls 20,670 Snowmobiles Due to Steering Pitman Arm Cracks

Polaris is recalling about 20,670 snowmobiles because the steering pitman arm can crack, potentially causing the operator to lose control and crash.

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 structural vehicle defect (steering failure) that poses a risk of harm and loss of control, but no injuries have been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Polaris Industries Inc. is voluntarily recalling approximately 20,670 snowmobiles in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall addresses a defect in the steering pitman arm, a component of the steering mechanism, which can crack in the weld area. This failure can cause consumers to lose control of the snowmobile, leading to a crash.

Polaris has received 21 reports of steering pitman arms cracking, with some instances resulting in loss of control. No injuries have been reported in connection with this defect. The affected models include specific 1997 and 1998 versions of the 440 XC, XCF, 600 XC, 600 XCR, 600 XCR SE, 700 SKS, 700 RMK, Ultra SP, Ultra SPX, Ultra SPX SE, 600 RMK, XLT SP, 600 XCR, and 700 XCR.

These snowmobiles were sold nationwide by Polaris dealers from March 1996 through October 1997 for prices ranging between $6,200 and $7,700. Consumers should stop using these snowmobiles immediately and contact their Polaris dealer to have the steering pitman arm replaced for free. The model number can be found on the identification plate on the right side of the snowmobile's tunnel, near the operator's ankle.

The recalled product

Product
Polaris snowmobiles
Manufacturer
Polaris
Category
Vehicle — Snowmobile
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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