Kawasaki USA Recalls Mule PRO 1000 Off-Highway Utility Vehicles Over Fire Hazard

Product Recalls - August 9, 2024

Kawasaki USA Issued Recall For Popular Mule PRO 1000 Off-Highway Utility Vehicles Due To Fire HazardKawasaki USA Recalls Mule PRO 1000 Off-Highway Utility Vehicles Over Fire Hazard

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (August 8, 2024) – Kawasaki USA has issued a recall for its line of Mule PRO 1000 Off-Highway Utility Vehicles over concerns that they can pose a fire hazard.

The recall was issued on July 25, 2024. Around 19,100 vehicles were sold before the recall date.

The main problem with the Mule PRO 1000 Off-Highway Utility Vehicles is that combustion may occur when the engine starts.

There have been three reports of fires so far. A full investigation into all of the incidents remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Injuries Caused By Vehicle Fires

Vehicle fires remain alarmingly common. According to Statista, “In 2021, there were around 174,000 highway vehicle fires reported in the United States. This is a slight increase from the previous year, where there were 173,000 highway vehicle fires reported across the country.” These fires lead to around 630 deaths and 1,700 injuries every year. There are a number of issues with vehicles that may lead to engine fires.

  • Fuel Leaks: Leading fuel lines or fuel tanks can cause gasoline or diesel to come into contact with engine components.
  • Electrical Leaks: Faulty wiring, short circuits, or damaged battery terminals can generate sparks or heat.
  • Catalytic Converter Issues: A clogged or malfunctioning catalytic converter can overheat and ignite nearby fluids.
  • Exhaust System Failures: A broken or leaking exhaust system can direct hot gases onto combustible materials and lead to a fire.

Companies that manufacture vehicles and ATVs have a legal obligation to create products that are reasonably safe. They must be compliant with all safety regulations set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. When an ATV or other product has design defects, this could form the basis of a strict liability claim. With regard to product liability, a defendant is typically liable when a plaintiff proves a product is defective, regardless of the defendant’s intent. There are several elements that must be demonstrated in a prima facie product liability case.

  • The defendant sold a product that a plaintiff used.
  • The defendant is the commercial seller of the product.
  • The plaintiff suffered an injury from the use of the product.
  • When the defendant sold the item, it was defective.
  • The defect was the actual or proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injury.

Companies are supposed to test their products in all the ways that they will likely be used and missed. Sadly, though, it is common for businesses to cut corners in terms of safety. This can include scaling back needed tests. It may also involve using cheaper materials that are not as sturdy. Any person injured by an ATV or other defective product may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.

Getting Legal Help For ATV Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates were deeply concerned to hear about the issues with the Kawasaki Mule PRO 1000 Off-Highway Utility vehicles. Vehicle fires are very serious. If a fire were to start in a garage, this could endanger the lives of everyone in the home. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to prevent similar problems from affecting other Kawasaki ATVs.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an ATV accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of product liability attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.