Kawasaki Recalls Off-Highway Utility Vehicles Over Crash, Fire Risk

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that Kawasaki has recalled multiple off-highway utility vehicles over a potential crash hazard and a potential oil leak and fire hazard.

Both recalls were implemented on March 19, 2020, and affect the Kawasaki MULE PRO off-highway utility vehicles. Those who purchased the affected vehicles are advised to immediately stop using the vehicles.

Some injuries have been reported in connection with the defects, and customers are invited to report more incidents regarding the vehicles to the CPSC.

Kawasaki is providing free repairs to customers who purchased the vehicles. To schedule a free repair, customers should contact a Kawasaki dealer.

For more information on the recalled off-highway utility vehicles, customers can contact Kawasaki toll-free at 866-802-9381 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, or through the company’s website.

The vehicles were manufactured in the United States by Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. USA of Lincoln, Neb., and distributed by Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA of Foothill Ranch, Calif.

The vehicles were sold around the country between July 2014 and January 2020, by Kawasaki dealers. The vehicles retailed for between $12,000 and $18,000.

About the Kawasaki MULE-PRO Vehicles

The CPSC explains that these vehicles are four-wheeled, off-highway utility vehicles. They seat three to six people side by side. All the vehicles have the model name MULE PRO printed on the right and left fender. The vehicle’s model number is also printed on the right and left front fender. The vehicles identification number (VIN) can be found on the steel frame between the right front lower A-arm mounts, says the CPSC.

The vehicles come in eight colors — blue, green, red, white, black, bronze, silver, and camo, and were available in either gas or diesel. The diesel vehicles have DIESEL printed on the cargo bed, on the right and back rear.

Kawasaki Crash Hazard Recall

The Kawasaki crash hazard recall affects the 2015 through 2020 MULE PRO-FX, MULE PRO-FXR, MULE PRO-FXT vehicles, as well as the 2016 through 2020 MULE PRO-DX and MULE PRO-DXT vehicles.

In total, the crash hazard affects around 80,000 units. 

According to the CPSC, the crash hazard is caused by problems with the vehicles’ steering shaft.

Reportedly, the steering shaft can wear excessively, which can negatively impact a driver’s ability to have control over steering the vehicle.

This may put the driver and others at risk for getting in a crash, which could cause injury and even death.

There have been 453 reports of drivers experiencing steering problems with the recalled vehicles. No injuries have been reported in association with the steering problems. 

The recall number for the Kawasaki crash hazard recall is 20-726.

Kawasaki Oil Leak, Fire Hazard Recall

The Kawasaki oil leak and fire hazard recall affects a smaller number of vehicles than the crash hazard recall, but involves some of the same vehicles subject to the crash hazard recall.

The oil leak and fire hazard recall affects model year 2015 through 2020 MULE PRO-FX, MULE PRO-FXR, and MULE PRO-FXT vehicles. In total, around 72,000 vehicles are subject to the Kawasaki oil leak, fire hazard recall.

There have been 165 reports of oil leaking from the recalled vehicles and 84 reports of the vehicles igniting. Unfortunately, these vehicle fires have caused injury. Three people were reportedly injured because of the Kawasaki oil leak and fire hazard issue, including smoke inhalation, and burns to various body parts.

Customers have repeatedly made more than $131,000 in claims for property damage because of the oil leak and ignition issue. This cost does not include the cost of the vehicles themselves.

Other Utility Vehicles Recalled

The Kawasaki MULE-PRO vehicles are not the only utility vehicles recently recalled by their makers over possible injury risks. 

In August 2019, Club Car recalled utility vehicles over a potential fuel leak and fire hazard. The recalled vehicles included the Gas Carryall 300, Transporter, Villager Vehicles, Streetrod Lux and Streetrod Vintage Vehicles, which were recalled because they could leak fuel under certain conditions, which could pose a fire hazard.

In September 2019, John Deere recalled its Gator utility vehicles over a crash hazard, because of a problem with the throttle cable. According to the CPSC, the throttle cable was improperly routed, which led it to be able to melt. This occurrence could then in turn cause the throttle to not function, which could prevent the driver from stopping properly.

Did you purchase one of the recalled off road vehicles? Share your experience in the comment section below.

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