Polaris Industries Inc. Recalls Snowmobiles Due to Risk of Injury to Riders

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: 550 LX, Trail Touring, and Trail Touring Deluxe snowmobiles

Units: About 1,360

Manufacturer: Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Hazard: Cracks could form in the starter ring-gear and cause the ring-gear to fracture into several pieces. The broken pieces could be propelled out of the chassis of the machine at high speed causing serious injury or death to the rider and/or bystanders.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 10 reports of loose ring-gear attachment bolts or broken gear teeth. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves 2008 Polaris 550 LX, Trail Touring and Trail Touring Deluxe snowmobiles. The model and serial number identification decal is located on the right side of the tunnel below the seat. The recalled model names and numbers are listed below. There is also a limited quantity of suspect parts (about 290) that were sold to consumers for service work or accessory starter installations. These parts could fit on various 2003 through 2007 models of snowmobiles and were sold from March 3, 2007 through October 22, 2007.

Sold at: Polaris dealers nationwide from May 2007 through June 2008 for between $5,900 and $6,300.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled snowmobiles immediately, and contact any Polaris Snowmobile dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris has notified registered consumers directly about this recall.

Consumer Contact: For further information, contact Polaris toll-free at (888) 704-5290 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the company's Web site at www.polarisindustries.com