November 4, 2005
Yamaha is recalling about 70,000 ATVs because of a problem with the tie-rod ends that could cause steering problems. Affected models include the Yamaha Bruin 250, Bruin 350 4WD and 2WD, Big Bear 400, Kodiak 400, Kodiak 450, and Wolverine 450 ATVs.
The protective boots covering the steering systems tie-rod ends (universal joints) on the recalled ATVs could be pinched during installation or adjustment, cutting a hole in the rubber. If this occurs, grease could escape, and contaminants such as sand or mud could get into the assembly through the hole, causing accelerated wear. This could result in abnormal steering free play.
If the ATV continues to be operated without repair, the ball and socket portion of the tie-rod end could wear to the point that they separate, resulting in loss of steering control, which could cause a vehicle crash with injury or death.
Below is a list of make, model and vehicle identification numbers (VIN) involved in the recall.
| Make/Model | Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 Bruin 250 2WD 2006 Bruin 250 2WD 2005 Bruin 350 Auto 2WD 2006 Bruin 350 Auto 2WD 2005 Bruin 350 Auto 4WD 2006 Bruin 350 Auto 4WD 2005 Bruin 350 Auto 4WD Hunter 2006 Bruin 350 Auto 4WD Hunter 2005 Big Bear 400 4WD 2006 Big Bear 400 4WD 2005 Kodiak 400 4WD 2006 Kodiak 400 4WD 2005 Kodiak 400 4WD/Hunter 2006 Kodiak 400 4WD/Hunter 2005 Kodiak 450 4WD 2005 Kodiak 450 4WD 2005 Kodiak 450 4WD/Hunter 2005 Kodiak 450 4WD/Hunter 2005 Kodiak 450 4WD SE 2006 Wolverine 450 4WD |
YFM250BT YFM250BV YFM350BAT YFM350BAV YFM350FAT YFM350FAV YFM350FAHT YFM350FAHV YFM400FT YFM400FV YFM400FAT YFM400FAV YFM400FAHT YFM400FAHV YFM450FAT YFM450FAV YFM450FAHT YFM450FAHV YFM450FASET YFM450FXV | AG01Y-0116001 ~ 0120900 AG01Y-0120901 ~ 0123400 AH10Y-0012901 ~ 0016600 AH10Y-0016601 ~ 0020100 AH09Y-0019301 ~ 0023500 AH09Y-0023501 ~ 0029400 AH13Y-0002601 ~ 0003600 AH13Y-0003601 ~ 0006100 AH06Y-0055101 ~ 0057600 AH06Y-0057601 ~ 0059281 AJ15Y-0000101 ~ 0009600 AJ15Y-0009601 ~ 0011700 AJ17Y-0000101 ~ 0002100 AJ17Y-0002101 ~ 0003200 AJ14Y-0000101 ~ 0014900 AJ14Y-0014901 ~ 0018800 AJ16Y-0000101 ~ 0005300 AJ16Y-0005301 ~ 0008300 AJ18Y-0000101 ~ 0002700 AJ21Y-0000101 ~ 0001400 |
Yamaha dealers sold these ATVs nationwide from 2004 to October 2005. The manufacturers suggested retail price for the affected ATVs ranged from about $3,500 to $7,000.
Registered owners of the affected units were notified directly by mail sent on October 14, 2005. Consumers should stop using their ATV immediately and contact an authorized Yamaha dealer to schedule an appointment for repair.
Consumer Contact: Call Yamaha at (800) 227-5963 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET everyday, or log on to the companys Web site at www.yamaha-motor.com.
The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
