Tire dealers with customers owning Yamaha Rhino model 450, 660 and 700 ATVs should alert them to a free repair program being initiated by the manufacturer and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Sales of new units have been suspended, and the vehicles should not be ridden until the necessary repairs are completed, according to the commission.
While the word “recall” is not being applied by either party, the agency says it has investigated more than 50 wrecks involving 46 driver and passenger deaths. More than two-thirds of the cases involved rollovers — many with unbelted riders. Of the rollover-related deaths and hundreds of reported injuries, some of which were serious, numerous crashes happened during turns at relatively low speeds and on level terrain.
About 120,000 of the 450 and 660 model Rhinos have been distributed nationwide since the fall of 2003. Some units have been equipped by Yamaha with half doors and additional passenger handholds, either before or after the sale.
Yamaha’s repair program includes installing a spacer on the rear wheels as well as removing the rear anti-sway bar to help reduce the chance of rollover and improve vehicle handling. The company will also continue to add half doors and passenger handholds where these features have not been previously installed. The agency says they help keep occupants’ arms and legs inside the vehicle during a rollover and reduce injuries.
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.
Yamaha is also implementing the same repair program and suspending sales of the Rhino 700 model. The agency says owners should stop riding them until the repairs are completed. About 25,000 700s are involved.
Once the repairs have been made to their vehicles, Rhino users should always wear their helmet and seatbelt and follow the safety instructions and warnings that come with the vehicle, the agency advises. The Rhino is only recommended for operators 16 and older with a valid driver’s license. All passengers must be tall enough to place both feet on the floorboard with their back against the seat back.
For more information, contact Yamaha at 800-962-7926 or visit www.yamaha-motor.com and www.cpsc.gov.
