ATV safety problems lead to accidents and recalls.
All-terrain vehicles can be fun if proper precautions are taken and the ATV is manufactured safely. However, problems with Suzuki ATVs have resulted in numerous safety recalls by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after injuries were reported in certain cases. Defects have included crash and fire hazards, as well as other safety-related defects that might result in potentially deadly accidents.
Flame Arrester Screen Detachment
On July 8, 2010, the CPSC and American Suzuki Motor Corp. announced a recall of approximately 1,355 Suzuki QuadSport ATVs because the flame arrester screen might detach and cause riders to lose control of the vehicle. This recall happened after CPSC received two reports of the flame arrester screens detaching. Subject to recall were Suzuki 2009 model year LT-Z400K9 (QuadSport Z400) and LT-Z400ZK9 (QuadSport Z400 Special Edition) ATVs, per the CPSC.
Broken Cushion Lever Mounting Brackets
In June 21, 2006, CPSC and Suzuki recalled around 6,300 of the 2006 model year QuadRacer ATVs after receiving 27 reports of the cushion lever mounting bracket breaking, resulting in one report of a head injury, according to the CPSC. This recall affected Suzuki 2006 model year LTR450K6 model Quad Racer ATVs with vehicle identification numbers ending with 00089 through 11626 sold in yellow or white.
Plastic Fuel Tank Defect
On March 9, 2006, CPSC and Suzuki announced a recall of 1,900 Suzuki 2005 Model Year Eiger ATVs because of a fire hazard. Certain 2005 Eiger model year ATVs were assembled with an improperly manufactured plastic fuel tank, which could develop a fuel leak. This recall involved certain Suzuki 2005 model year LT-F400FK5 and LT-A400FK5 (Eiger) ATVs: 2005 Eiger 4WD 5-Speed model LT-F400FK5 with VIN 5SAAK46A*57105591 ~ 5SAAK46A*57106610 and 2005 Eiger 4WD Auto model LT-A400FK5 with VIN 5SAAK46K*57108892 ~ 5SAAK46K*57110274.
Chain May Detach From Sprokets
On September 26, 2001, CPSC and Suzuki recalled approximately 7,400 youth ATVs after receiving a consumer report of a chain coming off the sprockets. Per CPSC, the drive chain on the recalled ATVs could come off the sprockets and lock the rear axle, which could result in the driver losing control of the vehicle. ATVs affected by the recall were 2002 model Suzuki QuadMaster 50 ATVs designed for children 6 to 12 years old.
