150,000 ATVs recalled over steering concerns

WASHINGTON – More than 150,000 Kawasaki Motors Corp. all-terrain vehicles are being recalled over safety concerns, the government said Tuesday.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the 2001 through 2005 models of the Kawasaki Prairie and Brute Force ATVs can develop steering-control problems that could cause injury or death. The CPSC said Irvine, Calif.-based Kawasaki has received three reports of injuries resulting from the defect. Kawasaki has received 42 reports of ball joint separation, which could lead to the steering problem.

The specific models affected by the recall are: the Prairie 300, Prairie 300 4×4, Prairie 360, Prairie 360 4×4, Prairie 400, Prairie 400 4×4, Prairie 650 4×4, Prairie 700 4×4 and Brute Force 650 4×4. The ATVs were sold at Kawasaki dealers nationwide from August 2000 through July 2005.

The CPSC recommends that consumers stop using the vehicles immediately and contact an authorized Kawasaki dealer for a free repair. For more information, call the company at (866) 802-9381 or visit www.kawasaki.com or www.cpsc.gov.