Brake Defect Leads to KTM ATVs Recall

KTM Recalls ATVs Because of Break Problem. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) made by KTM North America, Inc. have been recalled due to a brake failure problem. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), anyone with one of these recalled ATVs should stop using the vehicle immediately and contact their local KTM dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair.

The KTM ATV recall involves 2700 vehicles. According to the recall notice, the rear brake caliper support can crack and the front brake operation can experience a loss of pressure, posing a risk of the rider losing braking and steering control and suffering injuries or death. The ATVs included in the recall are as follows:

• Model Year: 2008, 2009; Model Name: 450XC; Description: Black/Orange
• Model Year: 2008, 2009; Model Name: 525XC; Description: Black/Orange
• Model Year: 2009; Model Name: 450SX; Description: Black/Orange
• Model Year: 2009; Model Name: 505SX; Description: Black/Orange

ATV Related Deaths And Injuries

The recalled KTM ATVs were sold at KTM dealers nationwide from August 2007 through January 2009 for between $9,300 and $11,700. Consumers with the recalled ATVs have been directly contacted regarding this recall. Anyone seeking additional information about this recall should contact KTM toll-free at (888) 985-6090 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.ktmnorthamerica.com

Unfortunately, ATV recalls are not rare, and these vehicles can be quite dangerous. The CPSC’s 2007 Annual Report on ATV-related Deaths and Injuries found that serious injuries requiring emergency room care increased from 146,000 in 2006 to 150,900 in 2007. Since 2001, the increase is statistically significant at 37 percent. The estimated number of ATV-related fatalities was 948 in 2005 and 882 in 2006. Since 2001, there has been a statistically significant 17 percent increase in children under 16 who have been seriously injured on ATVs.

Part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 that we have been reporting on and that goes into effect today includes an ATV safety provision that creates a mandatory safety standard for ATVs. However, critics of the rules complained that they primarily protected the economic interests of the largest ATV manufacturers.

Need Legal Help Regarding KTM Recalls?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).