The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall of 19,000 Arctic Cat snowmobiles due to a crash hazard. About 7,100 of the models in question were recalled in December of 2011 due to a headlamp fuse failure.
Arctic Cat, Inc., a company out of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, is cooperating with the recall after four reports of incidents stemming from a loosened tie-rod attachment. This issue can cause loss of steering control, leading to a crash.
So far, no injuries have been reported as a result of the failure, even in models in which users have experienced separation of the tie rod attachment. However, both Arctic Cat and the CPSC warn that the problem could have potentially dangerous results for users and those with these models are asked to cease use immediately and contact a local dealer for inspection and repair.
Recalled Model Description
The models affected by the current recall are the 2012 models of the F, XF, and M snowmobiles. F models include the F800 LXR, F1100 LXR, F800 Sno Pro, F1100 Turbos, and F1100 Sno Pro/Limited/50th edition. The XF models include the XF800 LXR, XF1100 LXR, XF800 Sno Pro High Country, XF1100 Turbos, and XF100 Limited/50th edition. The M models include the M800, M1100, M800 Sno Pro, M1100 Sno Pro/Limited/50th, M800 HCR, and M1100 Turbos. The model number and name are located on the side of the hood.
These models were sold at Arctic Cat dealerships throughout the nation from May of
2011 until December of 2011.
Consumers who have questions can contact Arctic Cat at 1-800-279-6851 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time Monday through Friday. They can also visit the company’s website at www.arctic-cat.com.
Recall Implications for Manufacturers
When a manufacturer sends out a product, the company is usually liable for injuries that occur when the product is used in a reasonable or foreseeable manner. Product liability does not usually extend to unintended uses of the product unless the plaintiff can show that the way the product was used is reasonable. Manufacturers take great care to list potential prohibited uses of the product on the packaging or labeling. However, courts have generally upheld that victims who are injured by products which are, by their very nature, defective deserve compensation for their injuries.
When a company recalls a product, it is usually because it realizes that there is a potential for liability in the use of the object. While it is commendable that companies cooperate with the CPSC and other agencies in issuing recalls, this act of compliance does not remove the potential liability for harm caused from the defective product.
Companies have a duty to produce safe products that do not harm potential users. If they fail to meet this standard, those companies may be held liable for the injuries caused. A personal injury attorney can explain the law regarding product liability to a victim and help him or her decide if there are grounds for filing a lawsuit to recover damages.