American Honda Motor Company (Honda) of Torrance California has recalled 1,400 of its 2008 TRX500 ATVs (all terrain vehicles) after discovering that the vehicle’s electrical power steering shaft could break and cause riders to lose control of the vehicle.

Recall details

Honda has recalled all model year 2008 Honda TRX500 ATVs equipped with electric power steering, also known as the Honda FourTrax Foreman 4X4 with electric power steering. The adult-size ATVs are designed for use by riders age 16 and older. The ATVs are available in red, black, olive, white, and camouflage. “Honda” and wing logo are printed on the fuel tank and “TRX500” is printed on the side panel just below the seat. The vehicles were sold by Honda ATV dealers nationwide from October 2007 through March 2008 for between $6,850 and $7,400.

Consumer information

Honda, in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has advised consumers to stop using the recalled ATVs immediately and to contact any Honda ATV dealer to make an appointment for a free repair. The company says that registered owners of the recalled ATVs have been sent direct notices.

For additional information, consumers should see the CPSC’s website at www.cspc.gov/, contact Honda directly (866) 784-1870 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the company’s website at www.powersports.honda.com/.

Legal experts say: ATV riders should never assume they don’t have a case

Many riders assume that they won’t have a case against an ATV manufacturer if they were going too fast or riding their vehicle in what they might think is an unsafe manner. However, legal experts say that ATV riders should never assume that they don’t have a case as manufacturers may have put an unreasonably dangerous or defective product on the market before doing adequate testing.

Certain Yamaha’s Rhino are such an example. Rhinos have been linked to hundreds of injuries due to their high center of gravity and lack of safety features. Legal experts say that anyone who has suffered a traumatic injury due to an unreasonably dangerous or defective product is entitled to receive compensation under the law. Manufacturers are required to test their products dynamically – which means testing them to see what happens in every day life.

If you’ve been injured in an ATV accident, contact an attorney whose practice focuses in this area of the law. Consultations are free, without obligation and strictly confidential. To contact an attorney to discuss your situation, please click here. We may be able to help.