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March 31, 2009 - Yamaha Motor Corp. USA recalled approximately 145,000 off-highway recreational vehicles for repairs due to hundreds of reported injuries and 46 deaths related to several Yamaha Rhino models, including the 450, 660 and 700 model vehicles. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which investigated over 50 incidents involving these three Rhino models, more than two-thirds of the accidents involved rollovers, many of which appear to involve turns at relatively low speeds and on level terrain
Yamaha Rhino ATVs may contain design defects making the vehicle unstable and prone to rollovers. A high center of gravity, small wheels, a narrow wheelbase and frame have caused the ATVs to become unstable even at slow speeds. Furthermore, Yamaha Rhino ATVs sold between 2004 and 2007 were sold without full doors, half doors, or rails. These doors and rails would help keep an individual's limbs inside in case of a rollover accident.
As a result of the faulty design, serious injuries have occurred including:
In August 2007, Yamaha announced a special offer to install plastic doors and passenger handholds for 2004-2007 Rhino ATVs. The 2008 model Rhino has half doors and handholds and comes with a warning label regarding potential hazards. However, Yamaha has failed to acknowledge legal responsibility for people injured in rollover accidents and they have not modified the design to correct stability problems.
March 25, 2008 - Yamaha Motor Corp. has voluntarily recalled Model Year 2008 Rhino YXR450 and YXR700 Side-by-Side All Terrain Vehicles. A possible manufacturing defect in the brake caliper on the left front wheel can result in leakage of brake fluid, causing brake failure, loss of vehicle control, and risk of injury to drivers and passengers. The recalled Rhinos were sold at Yamaha dealers nationwide from October 2007 through March 2008 for between $8,300 and $12,000. Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled vehicles.
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