Intruder snowmobiles
Check against the official notice below — it lists the full affected range.
Kawasaki Motors Corp. has arranged a voluntary repair program affecting approximately 16,500 snowmobiles from the 1978 and 1979 model years, specifically the Invader and Intruder models. The recalled snowmobiles are equipped with MGB (molded grouser bar) type tracks that were designed and manufactured by Kawasaki and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Metal bars on these tracks can become partially or completely detached from the rubber belts. When a snowmobile is lifted or turned on its side with the track rotating at high speeds, detached bars can strike the hands, legs, or feet of people nearby, causing serious injuries. To date, approximately 20 injury incidents have been reported, including fractures and severe lacerations, with three cases requiring finger amputations.
Kawasaki will replace the MGB tracks free of charge with current model tracks that have no bars. The company is notifying owners through mail to those with registered warranties and through Kawasaki dealers nationwide. According to the recall notice, owners should contact their local Kawasaki dealer promptly to arrange for the track replacement program. The source does not specify what an owner should do if they cannot reach a dealer or have additional questions.
Written by software from the official notice below. Not reviewed by a lawyer.
Laceration
Snowmobiles Recalled by Kawasaki NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 26, 1981 Release # 81-003 Recall Program To Correct Snowmobiles Arranged By Commission And Kawasaki Motors WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 26) -- Following reports of serious injuries involving snowmobile drive tracks, a three to four million dollar voluntary repair program to correct approximately 16,500 1978 and 1979 model snowmobiles was announced today by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Kawasaki Motors Corp. (USA) of Santa Ana, California. CPSC staff learned of the problem with the snowmobile tracks in May, 1980, when the company notified CPSC of several incidents involving bar detachment injuries. To date, CPSC staff has been informed by Kawasaki of approximately 20 such injury incidents, including fractures or severe lacerations which in three cases required the amputation of a finger. These incidents occurred when the snowmobile had been lifted or turned on its side and the track was rotating at high speeds. In settlement of its alleged failure to report promptly to CPSC information which the Commission believes indicated that these snowmobile tracks could pose a substantial risk of injury to the public, Kawasaki has agreed to pay $90,000 to CPSC. The snowmobile tracks involved are the MGB (molded grouser bar) type which were designed and manufactured by Kawasaki and by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. The tracks have experienced detachment of the metal bar from the rubber belts of the track. Kawasaki has not used this track on any of its models since 1979. When the bars become partially or completely detached from the rubber belts and when the snowmobile is lifted or turned on its side exposing the rotating track, bars can strike the hands, legs or feet of a person who is lifting the snowmobile or standing next to the rotating track. Kawasaki is notifying by mail all snowmobile owners with registered warranties for the 1978 and 1979 Invader and Intruder models, informing them of the safety hazard and the company's track replacement program. Notice also will be given through Kawasaki dealers nationwide. Kawasaki has agreed to replace, free-of-charge, all MGB tracks on the 1978-79 Intruder and Invader models with its current model track which has no bars. The company estimates that the replacement program will cost between $3 million and $4 million. Owners of these snowmobile models are being urged to contact their local Kawasaki dealer promptly (but no later than June 30, 1981) for information on the track replacement program. Track replacement will be performed by Kawasaki dealers as the replacement tracks become available from the manufacturer. In connection with the $90,000 payment and the voluntary corrective action plan, Kawasaki denies that there was any failure to report information as required by law, and further denies that any substantial risk of injury exists.
Official record: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ↗
Republished from the official source above; details can change — the source record controls.