Can-Am, John Deere and Polaris Issue Recall Notices

Three off-road vehicle manufacturers (BRP/Can-Am, John Deere and Polaris) issued a total of four recall notices in January, all involving Side-by-Sides.

Can-Am Commander

BRP issued two separate recall notices for the Can-Am Commander. The first notice was issued on January 10 due to a improper assembly of the steering column to the rack and pinion, which can result in the loss of steering control. This recall affects about 3,400 models, including the 2011-12 Can-Am Commander 800 and 1000, 2011-12 Can-Am Commander XT 800R and 1000, 2011-12 Can-Am Commander X 1000, and 2012 Can-Am Commander Limited 1000.

BRP has received three reports of loss of steering, but no injuries have been reported. Affected models were sold at Can-Am dealers nationwide from April 2011 through December 2012 for between $11,700 and $21,000.

The second Can-Am Commander recall was issued on January 29. According to the recall notice, debris such as leaves, hay and grass in wet terrain areas can collect in the vehicle’s exhaust pipe area in a short period of time. A hot exhaust pipe and accumulated debris that has dried poses a risk of fire. This recall affects about 25,000 models, including the 2011-13 Can-Am Commander 800 and 1000, 2011-12 Can-Am Commander XT 800R and 1000, 2011-12 Can-Am Commander X 1000, 2012-13 Can-Am Commander Limited 1000, and 2013 Can-Am Commander DPS 800R and 1000. The affected 2013 models only affect those with the front grill kit.

BRP has received 18 reports of fires related to accumulated debris in the exhaust pipe area, including one report of minor burns to the hand. Affected models were sold at Can-Am dealers nationwide from April 2010 through November 2012 for between $11,700 and $21,000.

John Deere RSX850i

A recall notice for John Deere’s sportiest UTV ever, the Gator RSX850i, was issued on January 10. According to the recall notice, the fuel line can separate, posing a fire hazard. This recall affects about 4,650 units, including the 2013 John Deere Gator RSX850i Base, Trail and Sport.

John Deere has received three reports of separated fuel lines, but no injuries have been reported. Affected models were sold at John Deere dealers nationwide from August 2012 through October 2012 for between $12,900 and $15,500.

Polaris Ranger 400

Polaris issued a recall notice for its smallest Side-by-Side, the Ranger 400, on January 9. According to the recall notice, the Ranger’s throttle can fail to operate properly, which can cause the driver to lose control, posing a crash hazard. This recall affects 327 units, including 2013 Polaris Ranger 400 vehicles with model number R13RH45AG and VIN numbers between 4XARH45A3D4726305 and 4XARH45A7DE648444. Not all VIN numbers in the range are included in this recall.

Polaris has not received any reports of incidents or injuries due to the throttle issue. Affected vehicles were sold at Polaris dealers nationwide from July 2012 through September 2012 for about $8,300.