Polaris has issued a “stop riding and stop selling” order affecting nearly a quarter-million of its snowmobiles because of a fire hazard involving old gasoline that has degraded in the gas tank.
Polaris is cooperating with the federal government on a likely recall and will provide free repairs once the fix is fully tested.
Polaris says the problem comes from degraded fuel in gas tanks, especially after extended storage, and that the issue has caused 30 gas tank ruptures, 16 fires, and one injury.
Affected are some Matryx models from 2021 to 2023, Axys from 2015 to 2022, and Select Trail Performance from 2013 and ‘14. Some 230,000 snowmobiles are affected around the world.
“Polaris has determined that with degraded fuel and especially after extended storage, (the affected) snowmobiles may pose a risk of fire due to electrostatic discharge inside the fuel tank. Under specific conditions, vapors may be ignited inside the fuel tank, posing a potential injury hazard to consumers,” the company said on its website.
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“Consumers should immediately stop using the impacted units. Polaris is currently evaluating a comprehensive action plan to correct this concern at no cost to consumers and will contact affected consumers once determined,” Polaris says on its website. “DO NOT attempt any repairs yourself. If a rider needs to start their snowmobile, they must make sure the fuel tank is full and, if it is not, then they need to add fresh gasoline to fill the tank.”
Polaris is notifying dealers and contacting registered owners directly, and has reported the fire hazard to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
To search off-road recalls by model or vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if your unit is affected by any recalls, visit the Off-Road Safety Recalls page or call Polaris at 800-765-2747.
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