Polaris Industries Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 20,670 snowmobiles to replace their steering pitman arms, which is part of the steering mechanism. The snowmobile's steering pitman arm can crack in the weld area, and consumers can lose control of the snowmobile and crash.
The following snowmobiles are involved in this recall:
Model Year and Name
Model Number
1997 440 XC
0971760
1997 XCF
0971643
1997 600 XC
0971776 and E971776
1997 600 XCR
0975677 and E975677
1997 600 XCR SE
H975677
1997 700 SKS
097566 and E970566
1997 700 RMK
0970966
1997 Ultra SP
0970678
1997 Ultra SPX
0975678 and E975678
1997 Ultra SPX SE
H975678
1998 600 RMK
0970958
1998 XLT SP
0985776
1998 600 XCR
0975677
1998 700 RMK
0970966
1998 700 XCR
0975678
Polaris previously has sent direct mail notification of this recall to dealers and registered owners. The model number is on the identification plate on the right side of the snowmobile's tunnel, close to where the operator's ankle would be if seated on the snowmobile. Polaris dealers nationwide sold the snowmobiles from March 1996 through October 1997 for between $6,200 and $7,700, depending on the model.
Consumers should stop using these snowmobiles immediately and contact their Polaris dealer to have the steering pitman arm replaced for free. For the location of the nearest Polaris dealer, consumers should call (800) POLARIS between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. EST Monday through Friday.