The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and American Honda Motor Company have announced the voluntary recall of a number of various models of the 2004 and 2005 FourTrax All-Terrain Vehicles. More than 200,000 varying models have been recalled by the Torrance, California-based company due to problems with steering rods. Twenty-seven reports have been received by Honda in regard to the separation of steering rods, a mechanical and structural defect that can lead to loss of control of the ATV, and serious accidents resulting in severe injury or even death. No injuries or deaths have been reported as of yet.
The models in question were sold by Honda motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. between August 2003 and February 2005. The retail prices of the recalled models at the time they were sold ranged from $3,600 to $8,000. The FourTrax ATVs were designed and available in red, olive, yellow, or blue, and have the Honda name emblazoned on the fuel tank access point. Honda has been charged with notifying registered owners of the specific models of the recall and steering rod dangers, however anyone with an unregistered ATV is urged to immediately contact Honda for free repairs.
The 2004 models that are included in the recall are: Rancher, Rancher ES, Rancher 4×4 ES, Rancher 4×4, Rancher AT, and Rancher AT GPS. Of the 2005 models recalled, the following are included: Recon, Recon ES, Rancher ES, Rancher, Rancher 4×4 ES, Rancher 4×4, Rancher AT, Rancher AT GPS, Foreman, Foreman 4×4, Foreman 4×4 ES, Foreman Rubicon, Foreman Rubicon GPS, Rincon 4×4, and Rincon 4×4 GPS.
The U.S. CPSC and Honda are urging consumers to stop using these specific ATVs immediately and contact the manufacturer or distributors to determine whether or not specific vehicle identification numbers match up with the models being recalled. Consumers can contact Honda at (866) 784-1870 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific during Monday through Friday. For further information and details from Honda, consumers can check the manufacturer’s web site at www.powersports.honda.com.