Kawasaki ATVs Recalled Over Steering Concerns

More than 150,000 Kawasaki Motors Corp. all-terrain vehicles are being recalled over safety concerns, the government said Monday.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the 2001 through 2005 models of the Kawasaki Prairie and Brute Force ATVs could develop steering-control problems that could cause injury or death.

The safety commission said Irvine-based Kawasaki had received three reports of injuries resulting from the defect.

If either front wheel of the ATV experiences a major jolt while the steering is fully turned to either side, such as after a drop or jump, it could cause suspension damage and loss of steering control.

Kawasaki has received 42 reports of ball joint separation, which could lead to the steering problem.

The specific models affected by the recall are the Prairie 300, Prairie 300 4x4, Prairie 360, Prairie 360 4x4, Prairie 400, Prairie 400 4x4, Prairie 650 4x4, Prairie 700 4x4 and Brute Force 650 4x4. The ATVs were sold at Kawasaki dealers nationwide from August 2000 through July 2005.

Consumers are urged to stop using the vehicles and contact a Kawasaki dealer for a free repair.