Arctic Cat Inc. Recalls Snowmobiles Due to Loss of Steering Control Hazard

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Arctic Cat Snowmobiles

Units: About 50,500

Manufacturer: Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn.

Hazard: The steering shaft used on certain 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 Arctic Cat snowmobiles can fail at the steering shaft/steering arm attachment. This could cause a loss of steering control of the vehicle, and result in injury or death.

Incidents/Injuries: Arctic Cat has received 42 reports relating to loss of steering control on the recalled Arctic Cat model snowmobiles. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled steering shafts were installed on the following models:

- All 2002 440 Sno Pro Models

- All 2003 Firecat 500/600/700, Firecat 700 Sno Pro, and 440 Sno Pro Models

- All 2004 Firecat 500/600/700 (STD and Sno Pro), and Sabercat 500/600/700 Models

- All 2005 Firecat 500/600/700 (STD and Sno Pro), M5,M6,M7, and Sabercat 500/600/700 Models

- All 2006 Crossfire 600/700, Firecat 500/600/700, Firecat 700 Sno Pro, Sabercat 500/600/700, and all M-Series

NOTE: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ranges of 4UF06SNWX6T100985 through 4UF06SNW26T128280 and 4UF06SNW16T900039 through 4UF06SNW06T900064 apply to 2006 models listed above only. For identification purposes, it is necessary to refer to only the last six digits of the VIN.

Sold at: Arctic Cat dealerships worldwide from May 2001 through April 2006 for between $6,500 and $9,000.

Manufactured in: Thief River Falls, Minn.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled snowmobiles immediately. Registered owners have been notified about this recall by mail. If consumers are unsure if their snowmobile is affected, they should call Arctic Cat. Consumers should have available the model name and model number of the snowmobile when they call. The model name and model number are displayed on the registration materials you received when you purchased your snowmobile, and on your operator's manual. Consumers with a recalled snowmobile should contact their local Arctic Cat snowmobile dealer to schedule the free repair.

Consumer Contact: Call Arctic Cat at (800) 279-6851 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's Web site at www.arctic-cat.com

The affected models were manufactured in a variety of colors and engine sizes; however, all are subject to this recall. Shown are samples of some, but not all color combinations produced by Arctic Cat.