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Arctic Cat Reviews
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Reviewed March 27, 2019
As a previous Arctic Cat (AC) owner (2012 ATV 550 with plow), I was excited to get my 2017 UTV in time for winter. Bought it with a Warn winch and the AC quick-disconnect 60" plow. It looked great and went on easy. Unfortunately, it came off easy --- while I was plowing. Went into the dealer to make sure I wasn't missing something when I installed it. Nope. The dealer said they had never heard of any problems from other customers. Do some maintenance (on a once used plow) to make sure everything is tight and continue to plow.
This time the plow completely falls off and I run it over becoming high centered, bending parts of the plow and frame attachment. Back to the dealer. This time, complaints have started to come in. Trying to make it work I had to put a ratchet strap from the QD handle to the frame so it wouldn't jar loose. Then, I had to use a hose clamp to keep the frame from rattling around and jumping off of the adapter. Tightening the hose clamp actually bent the steel bar! Apparently, while AC was waiting to sell to Textron, they started using cheaper parts because EVERYTHING has bent or broken along the way.
Bolts have entirely sheared, springs stretch and don't go back to their original size. You name it, it is bent or broken. The final straw was this last Saturday. After the last plow and fixing above mentioned spring, I put the UTX in my shop. When I went in to move the UTX, I raised the plow and, drumroll please, it fell off the attachment plate. What a complete POS. My plastic plow from AC lasted years. This one needs repair EVERY TIME I use it and, quite frankly, the materials used are not worth keeping around. That's a $1,000 down the toilet.
Reviewed March 14, 2019
I purchased a ZR8000 this year and had a few problems from the get go. The most nagging was the belt constantly slipping in reverse. The dealership couldn’t duplicate the issue so I sent in several videos showing what was going on. Months after Arctic Cat had the videos they finally got back to me saying I needed clutch shims. Customer service is terrible at this company and the lack of customer appreciation is obvious. A supervisor replied to one of my emails 3 weeks later saying “sorry I was on vacation.” I ended up selling the sled and moving onto a different brand. I wish I had done this from the get go and saved thousands of dollars. Spend your hard earned money elsewhere folks. Arctic Cat (Textron) don’t deserve your business.
Reviewed Feb. 14, 2019
Bought a new 2019 XF 8000 High Country snowmobile late January, 2019. It has an automated ECM controlled break in period which limits RPMs and injects extra oil, so no need for pre-mixing for break in. First tank of gas, and under 90 miles on the sled, the motor seized. Took it in to dealer and they determined the oil pump had failed. Called Arctic Cat Customer Care and told they can do nothing. Dealer went back and forth with them and they will replace the engine and oil pump, but will take 2 weeks to get a motor. This sled may not even see snow again this season. Am greatly disappointed in not only the product, but the response time on repairing a brand new sled. I'm sure they are enjoying the $12k they got. I will never again buy Arctic Cat products, and as a family with 4 snowmobiles, 2 side by sides, and 2 quads, that is saying something. I can understand there can be issues, but their reaction and resolution to the issue is unacceptable.
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2019
I bought a hold over 2015 500 ATV 4x4 off the showroom floor. I have had it now for over a year so warranty is off. It would start for me, replaced plugs, have spark compression. Checked gas, found water in gas that the dealer had put in when purchased. Drain all gas, put in fresh gas, unit run for short bit and died. Decided that must still have some bad gas drained gas out again and dried out tank. Put new gas with a can of Octane Boost, tested, unit started and run and idled. After idling for ten minutes it died and wouldn't restart. It was cold now so I have given up for now. This has the throttle body not a carb. I am wondering if the idle sensor is bad from setting with water in the gas? This 2015 500 ATV has .08 miles on it. More than just a little disappointed with Arctic Cat. Any help would be great.
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2018
I bought a farm 3 years ago and needed a side by side for chores. I found a brand new one at the local Harley dealer that was at a good price. After less than 100 miles of use in 1 year riding on a driveway and not rough trail riding, the problems began. I had a throttle sensor go bad, along with another sensor. I got soaked for $500 by an authorized dealer that, by the way, bad mouths his own products. Not under warranty. Now I am receiving an error that tells me it is either a voltage regulator, battery, or alternator. No warranty, wonder how much this is going to set me back. Your best bet is to go down to a Farm store and buy their brand from China. You will get better service/warranty and get the 1000 for the price of an Arctic Crap 500.
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2018
I had 2 Arctic cats- 2005 500 FIS and 2007 700 FIS EFI. Both these machines were great. Here is why Arctic Cat almost always used Suzuki engines except for the Kawasaki 650 v2 that had overheating issues as well. That rear cylinder got hot on them so the majority were Suzuki single cylinder monsters of power and reliability. When 2008 rolled around they went with their own engines which are all complete junk. They were very stupid to get rid of the Suzukis. Why would you get rid of the workhorse of your fleet? I don't know but now they are selling junk and ruining their name. They need to go back to Suzuki and grovel at their feet to get the best engines ever made in my opinion and the opinion of so many others out there.
I never had any issues with mine. Not a single one. I ran them hard too. Real hard. Never a whimper. Just a grunt off of a machine and go through anything and I mean anything. I had my 500 buried in a swamp and it did not die. I had mud up to my knees and it kept on moving through it at a slow pace. The low end torque of that engine was amazing. I will go and find another old pre 2008 and beat the crap out of it. If you want that motor go to Suzuki and get the King Quad. That is what I have. Same motors, same reliability, same fun, same 25 miles to the gallon but a smaller gas take. Only 4.5 gallons compared to the Arctic Cat at 6 gallons but hey who cares? Just find a gas station in the nowhere. I tell you the truth. Get a Suzuki engine. They make all the engines for Mercury Marine 10 - 135 horse. They make engines for snowmobiles for Arctic Cat, they make engines for just about anything that needs a motor and guess what? They don't die. PERIOD.
Reviewed Sept. 5, 2018
Have bought 2 Arctic Cat(s) in past 15 years. One was a 500 4x4 and the other a 400 4x4. Gave older one to my cousin. (Yes, it's still going strong!). Have taken them on hunts, riding thru mud, sand, and hillsides. NEVER had ANY PROBLEMS!! Their endurance, strength to pull and go is WOW! Bought the extra seat that attaches for my son to go on hunt with me. I took him on his first hunt and boy did he have fun! Not only did we have a great ride thru the woods and hills, he killed his first deer! The Arctic Cat 4x4 400 (yes, 400) carried myself, my son and the 174 lbs. deer back to camp with ease!! Arctic Cat 4x4 Only ATV for me! Thanks Arctic CAT!!
Reviewed Dec. 4, 2017
We purchased a new 2016 Wildcat CC 951 from Bass Pro Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada. We have a 2 year warranty on it. Ever since we bought it, it has been in the repair shop approximately 75% of the time. It has broken down more than it has been ridden. Every trip out it has had a problem. Too many times, it had to be trailered or towed back home. It has been a headache since day one. We have trailered it back to Bass Pro Shop for repairs almost every trip out. We have talked to Arctic Cat who has told us it is bass pro shop's problem to fix it. Bass Pro has said just the opposite. Back and forth for almost 2 years now. The last lady from Arctic Cat we spoke to was rude and told us to take it up with the dealer, meaning Bass Pro Shop.
We have so many repair orders, we could make a book out of it. Needless to say it is in the bass pro repair shop again. It has been there since November 17, motor is laying on a workbench in pieces. And no idea if or when it will be repaired. Everything from oil leaks to broken axle. Major problems since the day we purchased it for over $20,000.00. Have copies of every work order, every repair order, everything they have done or tried to do.
Reviewed Nov. 25, 2017
ATV TRV - Less than three months old and the shock came apart on a moderate dirt road. Had to hire a tow truck for 4 miles of hauling it out. The dealer was great, but I felt the manufacturer should not only replace the two front shocks but pay the tow bill. They didn't feel they should. It was a defect, so they should have. The next week the shift nut fell off and I had to hope it would make it to the truck.
Reviewed Nov. 23, 2017
Have owned my trail for 1.5 years. Have 1800 miles on it and have loved every ride with it. Mostly mountain trails and lots of snow rides. Rear a arm and anti sway bushings are the only thing I've replaced on it. Other than that I change oil add gas and go have fun. Dollar for dollar one of the best buys on the market.
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2017
Bought a brand new Arctic Cat 4 wheeler had 19 hours on it, the sensor blew and took it to CNY Power Sports in Cortland, come to find out Arctic Cat only warranties this for 6 months. So after $600.00 bill, I am not very happy with either service. Never again will I buy any Arctic Cat products or recommend.
Reviewed Sept. 30, 2017
Bought a new leftover Arctic Cat ATV Trail 700 and it immediately overheated with the P119 error code on the dash. Took to a Arctic Cat Dealer, River RATS Motorsports in Bullhead City, AZ. which was a nightmare. Told them the error code, they had the machine for a week and when they told me it was ready I went in and they said they could not find a problem after test riding with a charge of over $55.00 to be assessed for the joy ride. Needless to say they didn't get a dime for this scam.
Remember I told them upon dropping it off error code P119 with no necessity to test ride it for over an hour. Took the machine home and test rode in for 5 to 10 minutes and you guessed it the P119 error light came on with the smell of burning antifreeze. Took it immediately back to River RATS Motorsports in Bullhead City, AZ and they lied about being told about the error code. If you are unfortunate in dealing with them have a tape recorder running. Notified Arctic Cat and still haven't heard squat. NO MORE ARCTIC CATS.
Reviewed Sept. 3, 2017
2014 Artic Cat 500 ATV - I bought this Machine and love it. It has 1100 miles on it and it is on its 4th belt. I replaced 2, the dealer replaced 2, they changed the wet clutch, primary and secondary, wheel bearings and brake calipers. Still is not right. I want to get rid of this machine but I don't feel good about selling it to the next guy. The right front wheel does not seem to go 1 whole revolution before it stops, can't figure out why? Any ideas? I checked the diff fluid, it has new front bearings. I am stumped and not happy with the dealer's answers.
Reviewed July 16, 2017
This is the biggest mistake I made buying an Arctic Cat (2014 Prowler HDX 500). Arctic Cat will not back their name as quality. Bought extended warranty from RPMone and they are just as corrupt. Nothing but trouble from day one of purchase. Axle broke after one month... repaired by dealer. Wheel fell off after repair and it was repaired again. After the third time repaired myself because insurance claimed it was normal wear and tear so that is not covered. Belt broke because clutch was bad and dealer repaired but did not replace so the cost was on me.
The utv is not abused but is a piece of junk. I called Arctic Cat who allows a business to sell but not properly repair and of course they didn't care because they got their money. We just made another purchase of a Honda and we are hoping this will be our brand. Of course the side by side is in garage broke again. We have not had the Arctic Cat UTV but 2 years and have used about 3 months total without it being broken. DO NOT BUY ARCTIC CAT BRAND!!!
Reviewed June 26, 2017
I've had many ATVs. I raced BMX Motocross boats. I repaired ATVs and put snorkel kits and clutch kits and lift kits on ATVs. As a robotics engineer and CNC programmer I know about the best ATV. The snorkel kit works great and the differential locks are the best and the motor is the strongest. Everything is triple sealed for water. The double bearings are genius. Very solid machine. I'm a very happy owner of my Arctic Cat Mud Pro 1000 special edition number 45.
Reviewed April 25, 2017
Bought my Arctic Cat Trail (2014 Wildcat) in early 2015. Towed it for the first time and driver side door panel peeled off at 55 mph. Replaced the panel for over $200 and was told that Arctic Cat would not cover it even though the side-by-side was only two months old. Towed it a second time a few months later and the passenger door panel peeled off under the same circumstances. I now have the doors off all the time. All of the plastic on the Trail appears cheaply made and attached to the frame. I have now noticed cracking on the lower body panel and rear deck. And I don't abuse the machine. In late 2016 I started getting radiator boil-overs and error codes as well as a malfunctioning engine temp gauge. Overall I am very disappointed in the machine and anticipate upgrading to a Polaris in the near future. Would never buy another Arctic Cat.
Reviewed March 12, 2017
I am a proud owner of a 2008 500 4x4 Arctic Cat. I'm getting tired of reading all these reviews online with people that know nothing about 4x4 ATV's. I go through the mud just like the rest of them. I have NO complaints AT ALL. I purchased my ATV new in 2008 and never had a problem with it. NEVER! I going out quaking with all makes and models, from Can Am to Honda. The only one that never makes it back with us is the Polaris. No matter what size.
I have many friends that own Arctic Cat quads as well. When I want to go quading their machine is ready to go. The ground clearance is there, the torque is there and the speed is there. I have pushed out Can Am XMR's, Grizzly's, Brute Force's. And in return they have helped me. I am not saying that Arctic Cat is Bullet proof. None of them are! In my opinion Arctic Cat is one of the best. This is coming from a heavy quaver from Canada. I go through the mud on every ride all the time with all of them! Happy trails guys!
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2017
'09 700 XTX - I agree with Scott, Montana. My axles went, and should have been recalled. Found out 2011s were all fitted with live axles which I hate, because the old ones were breaking. Had a real bad time with Arctic Cat on this, had to pay 100%. Now yesterday the front tranny took a crap. No Arctic Cats after this one.
Reviewed Jan. 9, 2017
We purchased the Arctic 700 XR and the quick release plow in November of 2015 brand new from a dealer. Immediately upon bringing it home and attaching the plow it fell off. We took it back to the dealer and they "fixed it". A few weeks ago my husband again attached the plow. He was gently driving it at 5 MPH or less when the release let loose on the front end of the plow, causing the plow to hit the ground. The plow then dug into the ground and rolled the ATV onto my husband. This resulted in a severe concussion and injuries that are still being treated and he is still recovering from.
We did contact Arctic Cat and were told that there is a sticker on the plow that says to only use it on smooth, even ground and since we were on in a field you would not do anything for us. What kind of smooth, even ground needs to be plowed? Sounds to me like you knew the cheap piece the winch connects to would not be reliable. The dealership said they have never seen a sticker like that on any other model of plows they sell or have sold. Arctic Cat refused to fix our ATV, plow or give us any restitution.
We are now consulting an attorney. I am making a YouTube video how cheaply made that part is and how with minimal bouncing it releases. I will post the link when finished. I am sadly disappointed in Arctic Cat and how they will not fix a problem that could have killed my husband and that you care so little about the safety and well being of your customers. I know others will feel the same way. The dealer is already calling all of their customers who purchased this model to warn them as they do care about their customers.
We have 4 children who were terrified and traumatized that night as I had to call an ambulance to take my badly bleeding husband to the hospital. The dealer could tell exactly what happened and agreed that it is a very cheaply made, dangerous part to attach the winch which holds the plow up to. I will wait 24 hours for a reply before I post how you are knowingly selling a faulty product that can result in severe injury and or death. I feel it is my duty to warn people so they do not go through what we have. I wish Arctic Cat felt the same responsibility for human life. I thank God every day my husband did not die and that our teenage children were not trying to help him plow with that ATV.
Reviewed Sept. 26, 2016
Artic cat 650 h1. I bought this machine used but with only 300 miles on it. At 500 miles I had to replace the 4 wheel drive actuator. No big deal. I did the repair myself and was only out $80.00. I had taken my machine to a local dealer to have it totally gone through oil change, valve adjust etc. They said everything was in good order. With 777 miles on it I noticed that it was backfiring at full throttle and would not go over 25 mph so I took it back to the dealer and was told the top end was shot and that I would need a new engine, cost $5000,00.
They told me that oil was not getting to the top end and that the engine would need to be replaced. I contacted Arctic Cat to see if they would at least help me out with parts. They basically told me that I was out of luck, the machine was out of warranty and that there was nothing they could do. So if anybody is thinking of buying a Arctic Cat of any kind better think again, unless you want a machine that is going to need to have the engine replace at under 1000 miles.
Reviewed Sept. 21, 2016
Arctic cat prowler xtx700 2008 - Rear axle problems. This should be a recall from Arctic Cat. Drive axle spins 2 or 3 rotations wheel axles engage. When you let off gas locks up big safety hazard. The fix is gears and axles from newer years. Dealer should make differential swap that uses old axles. Save owners $500 in parts.
Reviewed Sept. 17, 2016
We purchased a new Arctic Cat 450 for my grandson, Christmas of 2015. We have regretted it to this day. The wheeler has been in the shop, Bass Pro, more than it has been ridden. At one point the brake lines popped at the crimps. Nobody got hurt, but the company had little concern about the quality of the of the product they sell. My suggestion for anyone looking to buy a 4 wheeler is to look elsewhere. Arctic Cat and their agents Bass Pro, can not put out a reliable machine or repair them when there is an issue.
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2016
After 2400 km the back panel on passenger side muffler and pipes are so close to the back panel that the heat melts holes close to the gas tank. If ever the immense heat gets to the gas tank under the passenger side, extreme fire hazard and ARCTIC CAT SEEM TO HAVE THE SOLUTION BY CHANGING THE BACK PANEL on the passenger side with 1 inch distance from the panel. Whoever designed this product should go back to basics, extreme heat from the muffler to the piping system close to the panel covered with an aluminium protector makes no sense. Aluminium is the most heat transfer to the back panel. Stainless steel is the less heat transfer. This product is a definite recall.
Reviewed July 28, 2016
Arctic cat Wildcat sports XT package - I purchased this side by side in August of 2015. I took it out for a drive as soon as I got it and from the get go it kept stalling because the RPM's were not properly adjusted. During the next 9 months I drove it only 5 times and after each of those times, I needed to bring it into the dealer to get it fixed. They replaced the throttle body and the complete firewall. They assured me that after all these repairs it was completely fixed. I then took it hunting and the radiator hose busted and left me stranded in the woods. The dealer was helpful but needed approval from Arctic Cat to cover the costs and never got it. They told me to contact Arctic Cat which I tried but no one who could help returned my call. I do not recommend dealing with this company. Their products are very unreliable and frankly just a piece of junk. Exchanged the bike after only 2500 km!
Reviewed June 12, 2016
Bought the bike in July 2015, 7 months and 1800 kilometers later it is in the shop with a blown motor. We were told it overheated, and of course the dealer could find no reason for it to happen. That cost us $4800.00 and then once we got it back with only another 133 Kms on it the wet clutch let go... $800 later and now it is constantly showing overheat codes and we can't figure out why. Rad is clean, coolant full yet we are afraid to use it in case it blows up again. The guys that I trail ride with have named it the Arctic Crap. It does look nice sitting in the garage.
Reviewed May 20, 2016
I purchased a brand new Arctic Cat Wildcat X for almost 19k at the end of June 2014. Arctic cat was doing a promotion for a 2 year extended warranty. I thought this was a good deal and after my brother in law spent 6k on his motor in his Polaris I knew I wanted a warranty. I saved up for a down payment and I contacted a couple dealers for quotes. I decided to go with Prime Powersports in Shawano Wi.
After 3 months and 300 miles it would not start. I figured it was starting to snow so I would wait till spring since I wasn't going to be riding it in the winter. Come spring 2015 I took it to the dealer I got it from who informed me I was not under warranty and the computer was dead. I argued with them and Arctic Cat and come to find out Arctic Cat paid them to send in for my warranty but they never did. My warranty ran out so I was told I was not eligible for an extended warranty. Arctic Cat eventually gave me a free computer because it only had 300 miles on it and was not corroded.
Today I had it go bang on me as I was driving down the trail. Motor seems to have blown up and I'm out again. It won't start and makes a nasty clunking if you try and start it. I have always been an Arctic Cat guy but I think I'm done. I'm a disabled vet that works hard to make the little bit of money I do. I don't beat my machine, I don't even have a winch on it! I just trail ride to clear my mind but now I can't even do that. I have a $19,000 paperweight with no help from the dealer or Arctic Cat. All I asked was for them to allow me to get the warranty I was promised and I can't even do that. I still owe 9k on a machine that I can't drive because I was lied to.
Reviewed April 19, 2016
I purchased a used, excellent condition, ATV Arctic Cat, 4x4, 500cc, Automatic from a local business when it was 3 years old with less than 500 miles on it. Since purchasing it, I kept it in my heated garage, did regular maintenance, and used it occasionally for transporting myself on my 5 acre residential property. In 2015 it broke down. I had it diagnosed by a mechanic who had previously worked for the local Arctic Cat dealership. He advised me that the problem appears to be a broken bevel gear - which he said has been found to be a weakness in this model.
I then wrote to the Arctic Cat Headquarter's Consumer Division located in Thief River, Minnesota. After a short time I received a phone call from the company. The representative told me "There were no recalls on this model" and also "Machinery wears out!" I replied to those remarks with, "A breakdown after only 700 miles would more likely indicate a problem with the machine's design." Then I told the manager I probably would never have another Arctic Cat. Their response, "That's fine."
Reviewed March 30, 2016
I too participated on the recall for the front differential. Service dept said that Arctic cat has told them to replace seals if taken apart. So they should have covered the cost of the seals not me. Will never purchase or use Arctic Cat service again. Unfortunately I cannot give them a negative enough rating. Recommendation don't buy Arctic Cat. Be warned.
Reviewed Dec. 2, 2015
I purchased a lemon for $15K. My first ride out the left axle broke and it caused a lot of damage. Luckily for me Arctic cat covered it. They had to replace the disk brake, the arms, the rims and all axle components. But there was another issue... A weird noise in the motor as well. The shop that I brought it to could hear it but said that Arctic cat head office would have to approve warranty work. A video was sent to them. At first they did nothing. But then the motor noise got progressively worst. I brought it back to the shop and left it with them. They were told to take off the heads, replace the clutch and a bunch of other things. This did not resolve the issue. I had to write several time to head office and ask that they install a new motor.
After months and months the shop finally had the approval to replace the motor. The shop was on my side and I give them a good review. They took it apart and they notice the air box was also cracked. The shop said that would not be warrantied. I would have to pay $220 plus labor. I had to again write to head office. I was also asking for an extension to my warranty. They said in their words "No further assistance will be given". My machine is still in the shop and I'm told the air box is on back-order till mid December 2015.
I purchased the machine May 25th 2015 and have only been able to drive it 3 times. It's been in the shop more than with me. I don't think it's fair that I will only be getting my machine back mid December and my warranty ended November 16 2015. I haven't even seen the new motor yet alone driven it. Hope nothing will be wrong. I would not recommend Arctic cat ATV's just because of the customer service. I tried to escalate thing within Arctic cat but they make it impossible. They keep sending me back to Elise. I honestly think she is the only person they have working for Canada. Rudy is her manager I think, but she won't talk to me because I record my calls. Ridiculous.
Reviewed Oct. 30, 2015
2012 Arctic Cat Prowler HD 750 - Purchased new in 2012. Had trouble next day and have been junk every since. Always breaking down belts, electrical.
Arctic Cat Company Information
- Company Name:
- Arctic Cat
- Website:
- www.arcticcat.com