CPSC recall 09-172, announced March 31, 2009, covers Yamaha Motor Rhino 450, 660, and 700 model Off-highway Recreational Vehicles (about 120,000 units). The lack of a spacer on the rear wheels and the presence of the rear anti-sway bar impair vehicle handling and pose a risk of rollover. The notice cites 50 incident reports. Owners of the affected Rhinos should stop using them and call their dealer to schedule an appointment to have repairs made once they are available and to take advantage of a free helmet offer. Recall contact: call 800-962-7926, or go to www.yamaha-motor.com.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
Which products are included?
CPSC and Yamaha are anouncing a free repair program to address safety issues with all Rhino 450, 660, and 700 model off-highway recreational vehicles. Yamaha has also agreed to voluntarily suspend sale of these models immediately until repaired. The repair includes the installation of a spacer on the rear wheels as well as the removal of the rear anti-sway bar to help reduce the chance of rollover and improve vehicle handling, and continued installation of half doors and additional passenger handholds where these features have not been previously installed to help keep occupants' arms and legs inside the vehicle during a rollover and reduce injuries.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
The lack of a spacer on the rear wheels and the presence of the rear anti-sway bar impair vehicle handling and pose a risk of rollover.
Incidents and injuries
CPSC staff has investigated more than 50 incidents involving these three Rhino models, including 46 driver and passenger deaths involving the Rhino 450 and 660 models. More than two-thirds of the cases involved rollovers and many involved unbelted occupants. Of the rollover-related deaths and hundreds of reported injuries, some of which were serious, many appear to involve turns at relatively low speeds and on level terrain.
Official remedy
Owners of the affected Rhinos should stop using them and call their dealer to schedule an appointment to have repairs made once they are available and to take advantage of a free helmet offer.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Yamaha Motor
- Product type
- Off-road recreational vehicles
- Recall number
- 09-172
- Units
- About 120,000 Rhino 450s and 660s and 25,000 Rhino 700s
- Manufactured in
- United States
- Sold at / sales period
- Yamaha dealers nationwide since Fall 2003.
- Distributor
- Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A., of Cypress, Calif.
Rhino 450, 660, and 700 model Off-highway Recreational Vehicles
CPSC product type: Utility, Off-Road Vehicles/Golf Carts
Recall contact information
For additional information, contact Yamaha at 800-962-7926 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.yamaha-motor.com
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
