Yamaha Recalls Three Models of "Rhino" Off-Road Vehicles

Yamaha Motor Corp. announced Tuesday that it was engaging in what the company calls a "voluntary repair program" aimed at addressing safety concerns on the 450, 660, and 700 models of its Rhino series of off-road vehicles.

The Rhino line of off-road vehicles has sold an estimated 145,000 units since 2003. Since then, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has investigated over 50 incidents involving the 450, 660, and 700 models. To date, at least 46 driver or passenger deaths and hundreds of injuries have been linked to the affected vehicles, a large number of which resulted from rollover accidents that took place at low speeds and on level terrain.

Yamaha's recall program involves three repairs:

• Installing a spacer on the rear wheels of the vehicle
• Installing handholds and "half-doors" as safety measures
• Removing the rear anti-sway bar

Sales of the affected vehicles have been suspended for the duration of the repair program.

Dangers of Off-Road Vehicles

Accidents and collisions involving off-road vehicles, including the popular "all-terrain" vehicles (ATVs), are responsible for thousands of injuries and dozens of deaths nationwide each year. While some accidents are caused by poor rider decisions or lack of experience, many are due to the design of the vehicles, which may increase the chance of rollover.

Contact Williams Kherkher

Off-road vehicles and ATVs are powerful machines capable of causing serious injury or death if improperly designed. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a rollover or other accident while riding a Yamaha Rhino off-road vehicle, contact a Houston Yamaha Rhino recall attorney at Williams Kherkher by calling 800-696-5341 today to learn about your legal options.