Polaris recalls some ATVs due to potential fire hazard

Motorcycle and ATV maker Polaris is recalling about 53,000 of its 2015 model all-terrain vehicles due to a potential fire hazard caused by a manufacturing error.

The company, based in Medina, Minnesota, said the recall involves its 2015 RZR 900 and RZR 1000 recreational off-road vehicles. They come in two and four-passenger models and in several colors.

Polaris said it's possible the fuel tank vent line on some of the vehicles was misrouted during assembly, which could cause the line to become pinched. If that happens, the fuel tank can pressurize and leak fuel, which is a fire hazard.

The company said it's received two reports of small fires, but it's not clear whether they were caused by a pinched vent line.

The company said it thinks the manufacturing error occurred in only a few vehicles, but it's recalling all those that are potentially affected just in case, MPR News reports.

They were sold at Polaris dealerships nationwide from July 2014 through August 2015.

Customers who have one of the vehicles in question should stop using it and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. Polaris is also contacting its customers directly and sending a recall letter to each registered owner.

The model numbers and VIN numbers of all the vehicles affected by the recall are listed on the Polaris website. You can also call the company toll free at 888-704-5290 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

Polaris reported the voluntary recall to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and to the Canadian authorities, the Star Tribune notes.

This is the third recall of Polaris vehicles this year.

In July, it recalled about 4,300 Youth RZR 170 models due to a defective retaining ring in the fuel pump which could leak and catch fire.

And in January, Polaris recalled more than 1,500 of its three wheeler Slingshot motorcycles which had roll hoops – designed to stop occupants’ heads hitting the road in the event of a rollover crash – that did not meet “hardness” specifications.